Met Police Officer Faces Misconduct Hearing Over Chris Kaba Shooting

Metropolitan Police officer Sgt Martyn Blake, who was acquitted of murder after fatally shooting Chris Kaba in September 2022, will still face a gross misconduct hearing according to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The IOPC stated that after a thorough review of all the evidence, including representations from Kaba’s family, the Met, and Blake himself, the case meets the required threshold for a disciplinary hearing, which is lower than that for criminal proceedings. The Met Police and police federation representatives criticized the decision, arguing the evidence had already been extensively tested in court and that the officer should not face further action. The IOPC emphasized its obligation to follow current legislation and guidance, noting the public interest and the different legal standards involved. Only a disciplinary panel can determine if misconduct is proven. The decision has generated significant debate within law enforcement and among the wider public, particularly given the high-profile nature of the case.