Overview

• Sgt Martyn Blake, cleared of murder in October 2024 for the 2022 shooting of Chris Kaba, now faces a gross misconduct hearing that could result in dismissal from the Metropolitan Police.
• The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) determined that the civil standard of proof for misconduct proceedings has been met, despite Blake’s criminal acquittal.
• Kaba’s family welcomed the decision, calling for Blake’s removal from the force, while policing groups and former officials criticized the move as unjust and damaging to officer morale.
• The case has sparked broader debates over the legal thresholds for police accountability, with the government reviewing use-of-force standards and anonymity protections for firearms officers.
• Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on public safety, with reports of firearms officers reconsidering their roles due to fear of prolonged scrutiny and legal risks.