Britain’s top cop hits out at politicians for meddling over police shooting of Chris Kaba
BRITAIN’S top cop has hit out at politicians for meddling over the police shooting of Chris Kaba.
Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley accused some of “those in authority” of undermining the justice system and trust in police.
He also warned the legal burdens faced by officers was making them nervous about enforcing the law — putting the public at risk.
An Old Bailey jury last month cleared Met firearms officer Martyn Blake, 40, of murder.
Kaba, 24, was a leading member of South London’s 67 gang, and linked to two shootings.
He was shot in the head while trying to ram his way out of a police stop in Streatham, South London, in 2022.
His death triggered outrage from MPs including Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Harriet Harman, Diane Abbott and Jeremy Corbyn and London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
In a Crimestoppers speech in central London this week Sir Mark took a swipe at politicians.
He said “all of us, particularly those in positions of authority,” have to “pull in the same direction on trust”.
He added that “unfortunately, I think too often, this is just not the case”.
He went on: “I think some people need to be more aware of the weight their words hold.”
Sir Mark said: “Rumour and innuendo fuelled quite dangerous narratives.
“I go as far as to say that some people with huge influence risked undermining the British justice system and those people should know better.”
Sir Mark also revealed the 67 gang were suspected of carrying out 11 shootings in the past year and using kids as drug runners.
And he said some of his officers were refusing to use Tasers or take part in pursuits because of the potential legal risks.
Sir Mark said: “That prospect of legal jeopardy is dominating decision-making. Frankly, I think that puts them at risk.
“I don’t think the public would accept that the risk to public safety created by a fleeing criminal should mean that officers should avoid chasing criminals.”