The recent decision to conduct a misconduct hearing for Sergeant Martyn Blake has sparked significant controversy, especially following his exoneration in a murder trial.
Suella Braverman, the former Home Secretary, has expressed strong criticism of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), calling their decision to pursue further investigation into Blake the “definition of insanity.”
This marks a continuation of the heated debate over police use of force and accountability.
A Legal Outcome That Raised More Questions
In September 2022, Sergeant Blake was involved in the death of Chris Kaba, a gangster who was shot in the head after attempting to flee during a police stop in Streatham, South London.
Kaba’s car had been linked to shootings the previous day, and Blake’s actions followed an intense situation where Kaba tried to ram his vehicle through a police blockade.
Despite the seriousness of the incident, Blake was cleared of murder by an Old Bailey jury in October after they found him not guilty.
However, just months later, the IOPC decided to open an inquiry into his actions, which Braverman argues is akin to a second trial for the officer.
“Sgt Martyn Blake has been cleared in a court of law and is effectively being tried twice,” she said, emphasizing that such actions could lead to fewer officers volunteering for high-risk roles like firearms units.
A Growing Concern Among Police Officers
The decision to continue investigating Blake has led to frustration among the police community.
Numerous Metropolitan Police marksmen protested the decision, with some even walking off duty.
This wave of discontent became so severe that the Army was placed on standby.
Braverman warned that the growing pressure on police officers would contribute to even more resignations, saying, “It’s no wonder police officers are leaving the force in droves.”
Support From Former Police Chiefs
Former police leaders have also spoken out against the IOPC’s stance.
Sir Peter Fahy, former chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, argued that the IOPC didn’t fully comprehend the emotional toll this situation has taken on Blake, who was simply doing his job under extreme pressure.
Mike Barton, ex-chief constable of Durham Constabulary, pointed out the irony that Blake, who had only milliseconds to make a life-and-death decision, is being scrutinized over years, while others are second-guessing his actions from a distance.
IOPC Defends Its Decision
Despite the backlash, the IOPC maintains its stance, insisting that the decision to investigate Blake is based on a legal framework.
Amanda Rowe, IOPC director, explained that the decision was made after carefully reviewing all evidence and ensuring that the legal threshold for misconduct had been met.
“The legal test for deciding whether there is a case to answer is low,” Rowe explained, noting that there was sufficient evidence to proceed with a disciplinary process.
Furthermore, Rowe acknowledged the impact the case has had on both Kaba’s family and Sergeant Blake, stressing that the IOPC is simply following the law as it currently stands, despite ongoing reviews regarding the use of force in such cases.
What’s Next for Sergeant Blake?
The question now is what the next steps will be for Sergeant Blake and the Metropolitan Police as they navigate the ongoing inquiry.
With both public and internal scrutiny growing, the case has become a flashpoint for broader discussions about police accountability and the use of force.
What happens next will not only shape Blake’s future but also influence the morale and operations within police forces across the UK.