Firearms officers on trial over police shootings should remain anonymous in wake of Chris Kaba case, says Home Secretary | Political news

Firearms officers on trial for police shootings will not be named during criminal proceedings, the Interior Minister has announced.

Yvette Cooper made the announcement after police shooter Martyn Blake was acquitted by a jury on Monday of the murder of Chris Kaba in Streatham, south London, in September 2022.

Mr Blake, 40, fired a single bullet through the windscreen of the Audi Q8 24 years old Kaba drove as armed officers surrounded the car as he tried to escape.

The Metropolitan Police firearms officer was first appointed in March this year when a judge lifted an anonymity order after media organizations challenged the legal application to protect his identity.

Before that, he was known by the code name NX121 after threats were made against him.

Ms Cooper said officers will now remain anonymous until convicted.

She said the ruling will be part of an upcoming crime and policing bill.

She told the House of Commons: “When officers act on behalf of the state in the most dangerous situations, it is vital that those officers and their families are not placed in further danger during any subsequent legal proceedings. anonymity for firearms officers who are subject to criminal proceedings following a police shooting in the exercise of their professional duties, up to the point of conviction.”

Ms Cooper said Mr Kaba’s death and the trial of Mr Blake took place against “a backdrop of fallen community confidence in the police and the criminal justice system across the country”.

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