The police marksman who shot and killed Chris Kaba in Streatham, south London, in 2022 will not face disciplinary proceedings, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed. Sgt Martyn Blake, who was cleared of murder at the Old Bailey in 2024, had been expected to face misconduct charges, but the decision to withdraw these proceedings followed recent changes to government regulations concerning police use of force.

Kaba, 24, died after Blake fired a single shot at him when he attempted to ram police vehicles with the Audi he was driving. The vehicle had been linked to multiple firearms incidents in the days preceding the shooting. Blake’s acquittal at trial ended the criminal case, but the IOPC initially pursued disciplinary action, indicating that he still had a case to answer under police conduct rules.

However, following a legislative change that raised the threshold for disciplinary proceedings to the same standard applied in criminal law, the IOPC decided to halt and subsequently withdraw the misconduct case. Amanda Rowe of the IOPC stated that after reviewing policies and representations from both Blake and the Kaba family, there were no exceptional circumstances to continue with disciplinary action. She emphasized awareness of the impact such proceedings have on all involved and the importance of avoiding unnecessary delays.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley welcomed the decision, describing it as a milestone to reset what he called a “broken” police accountability system. Rowley highlighted the strain placed on officers by prolonged investigations, stating that the nearly four years of uncertainty had been damaging not only for Blake and his family but also for the wider firearms command unit. He reiterated that while no officer is above the law, the existing system had undermined the support officers receive and, by extension, public safety.

Supporters within the policing community expressed relief, with Paula Dodds, chairwoman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, describing the withdrawal as the right decision. She stressed the need for clear policies that enable officers to make lawful decisions based on their training without fear of losing their liberty or livelihood but acknowledged the necessity for accountability and scrutiny.

The case has drawn mixed reactions, with some campaigners expressing dismay at the outcome. The broader debate about police use of force and accountability continues amid ongoing concerns about violence and public safety in parts of London.

An inquest into Kaba’s death may still take place, pending a coroner’s decision. The development effectively closes the disciplinary chapter in a case that has been subject to intense scrutiny since the shooting occurred.