Overview

• Sgt Martyn Blake, acquitted of murder in October 2024 for the fatal shooting of gang member Chris Kaba, will now face a gross misconduct hearing as directed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
• The IOPC cited the 'balance of probabilities' standard for misconduct cases, which requires less evidence than criminal trials, as grounds for the hearing.
• The decision has drawn sharp criticism from police representatives, who argue it undermines morale and deters officers from performing high-risk duties like armed policing.
• Chris Kaba's family welcomed the decision, emphasizing their desire for Sgt Blake to be removed from the Metropolitan Police, stating the shooting was 'deeply wrong.'
• No date has been set for the hearing, which will be chaired by an external officer, while broader debates continue over legal reforms for police use-of-force standards and officer protections.