The police marksman who shot and killed Chris Kaba will not face disciplinary proceedings, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed. Sergeant Martyn Blake, also known by the cypher NX121, was cleared of murder at the Old Bailey, but was previously set to face a misconduct hearing. However, following a government change to regulations on police use of force, the IOPC has withdrawn the proceedings.
IOPC Decision After Legal Change
IOPC director of engagement Amanda Rowe said: "Our thoughts remain with Chris Kaba's family and friends and everyone impacted by his death. We are acutely aware of the impact of proceedings for everyone involved in this case and have always sought to avoid any unnecessary delays, however it was right that we paused progressing disciplinary proceedings until the legislation change came into effect and its impact was clear."
Rowe added: "Having considered both our policy and the representations from the Kaba family and Sergeant Blake, we have today notified them of our decision to withdraw disciplinary proceedings." The decision follows a change in the law that raised the threshold for misconduct proceedings to the level used in criminal law, a move initiated by then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper after Blake's acquittal.
Reactions From Police and Federation
Paula Dodds, chairwoman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, welcomed the decision: "This is very much the right decision that will not only be welcomed by the officer and his family, but all police officers across London. It is imperative that there are policies in place for operational policing which support lawful decisions made by officers, based on their training, so that they should not be placed in fear of the loss of their liberty and livelihood."
Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley also backed the move, saying: "Today's decision finally brings to an end almost four years of uncertainty for NX121, his family and the wider firearms command, with all the considerable worry and stress that has brought. We also recognise the profound impact on Chris Kaba's family, who continue to grieve their loss."
System 'Out of Balance'
Sir Mark described the IOPC's decision as "a milestone moment to reset a police accountability system that is out of balance." He added: "No police officer is above the law, but we have been clear the system holding police to account is broken. I worry about the lack of support officers face for doing their best, but most of all I worry for the public. As I have said before, the more we crush the spirit of good officers, the less they can fight crime."
Next Steps: Inquest Decision
A coroner will now decide whether an inquest will take place into Mr Kaba's death. The 24-year-old was shot in Streatham, south-east London, in September 2022 after he tried to ram his way past police cars. On the night of the incident, police had followed and penned in the Audi he was driving because it had been linked to three previous firearms incidents in five months. They were not aware of his identity at the time, but Mr Kaba was a member of one of London's most violent street gangs and was accused of being involved in two shootings in the six days before he died.
