Federation condemns ‘utter lack of balance’ in Panorama documentary on Chris Kaba shooting

General Secretary Matt Cane said police officers “will be stunned – but perhaps not surprised” by the programme, which aired on Monday night (November 4).

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it was also “disappointed” that it was not asked to participate in the BBC Panorama documentary ‘The Chris Kaba Shooting’, and that it was wrong to suggest its decisions in this case “were influenced by any external pressures”.

Metropolitan Police Service officer Sergeant Martyn Blake was cleared of the murder of Mr Kaba, 24, who was fatally shot in South London in September 2022 following a pursuit by specialist firearms officers.

He was acquitted unanimously by a jury following a trial at the Old Bailey last month.

Mr Cane said: “We say again the ramifications of this case remain widespread; police officers should not have their livelihoods, and their liberty, put at risk for performing what unequivocally, in this case, was his lawful and appropriate function.

“The continued use of the word ‘unarmed’ when talking about Kaba remains scandalous when we consider how many colleagues have lost their lives because of vehicles.

“Cars are – in the hands of dangerous criminals – very much weapons.”

He added: “We note that the documentary revealed how, following the shooting, the IOPC launched what was a politicised homicide investigation against our colleague.

“And we can assure our members that this revelation will be subject to further scrutiny.

“Chis Kaba was a dangerous criminal, and this must never be ignored. Sgt Martyn Blake acted within the law that evening and within his police training on that day.

“He will always have the full support of the Metropolitan Police Federation.

“As will all of our colleagues who continue to volunteer to carry a firearm in London to protect the public.”

An IOPC spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that the IOPC was not asked to participate in the BBC Panorama documentary and the views expressed by former regional director Sal Naseem, do not represent the official views of the organisation.

“Mr Naseem left the IOPC before the investigation was completed – he did not make the decision to begin a criminal investigation or to refer to the Crown Prosecution Service.

“It is wrong to suggest that our decisions in this case were influenced by any external pressures – they were based solely on the available evidence and the legal thresholds we are required to apply.

“Our role was not to determine whether Sergeant Martyn Blake’s actions were justified, it was to investigate, impartially, all the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the decision to use lethal force – this involved a detailed investigation involving careful consideration of a significant amount of evidence. Ultimately, it was the jury’s decision to acquit Sgt Blake, which we completely respect.

“We are now reviewing our original decision prior to the trial, that Sgt Blake should face a gross misconduct hearing, and will be taking into account the evidence examined in court and further representations from the Metropolitan Police Service.”