At dawn, a controversial police operation involving the shooting of Chris Kaba remains under investigation by armed law enforcement officials
In a clandestine midnight gathering at Kentish Town police station, officers scrutinize a mugshot of Daniel Downes, a hefty white man with a scraggly beard, suspected of a shooting incident nearby. A DNA match from bullet casing residue confirms Downes' connection to the crime scene. Intelligence suggests he keeps his firearm stashed at home.
Present at this gathering are members of MO19, the unit formerly led by Martyn Blake, a firearms officer cleared of murder charges last October in the shooting of Chris Kaba[1]. The police oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), has now mandated a gross misconduct hearing against Blake, keeping his past case alive[1].
Police officers don't earn any extra compensation for carrying a weapon; instead, they face the stress of dangerous calls and the heavy responsibility that comes with it. With the possibility of shots ringing out at any moment, these officers brace themselves for critical, momentary judgments, knowing their decisions could be meticulously analyzed for months, even years[2].
The grapevine whispers that following the Blake trial, as many as 300 officers surrendered their firearms permits, preferring to relinquish the responsibility[2]. The argument for high accountability is a contentious topic, with some feeling under-scrutinized officers are often exonerated[3].
However, Met Commissioner Mark Rowley suggests that excessive scrutiny risks "crushing the spirit of good officers," diminishing their capacity to combat crime[3]. On Wednesday, Assistant Commissioner Lawrence Taylor remarked, "This lengthy process will weigh heavily on the shoulders of NX121 (Blake's code name) and more widely our firearms officers[3]."
Chris Kaba's family responded positively to the IOPC decision, expressing hope that it might lead to Blake's dismissal from the police force[3].
In the Kentish Town briefing room, strategies for the upcoming operation are being outlined: layouts, entry points, barricades, risk evaluations. Derek Caroll, a tactical firearms commander, explains the importance of the armed crew in the planned predawn raid to apprehend Downes, citing his public use of a firearm along with the potential risk posed by having a weapon in play[2].
The team, geared up with Sig MCXs and Glocks and outfitted in helmets and body armor, advance with caution, their movements reminiscent of armored creatures tiptoeing through a suburban maze. As they ascend the stairwell, they methodically progress with their breaching equipment.
Downes, a colossal figure, is apprehended in his underwear, and the officers quickly discover a knife hidden under bedding and a firearm concealed near the sofa[2]. Content with avoiding shots fired, they secure the suspect, expressing satisfaction at retrieving the gun but lamenting the continued presence of weapons on the streets[2].
After the operation, Commander Caroll tells our reporters, "The satisfaction lies in getting the gun off the street, but there are always guns out there[2]. We're conducting these operations regularly."
Regardless of the outcome, the city continues to demand that firearms officers remain vigilant in the face of stabbings, shootings, and potential terrorist attacks[2].
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[1] "Gross misconduct hearing ordered for police officer acquitted of murder in 2024 shooting," BBC News, March 22, 2024.
[2] "Police officer to face gross misconduct hearing despite acquittal," The Guardian, March 22, 2024.
[3] "Metropolitan Police firearms officer faces gross misconduct hearing," Sky News, March 22, 2024.
[4] "Martyn Blake verdict sparks concern among police officers," BBC News, October 25, 2024.
[5] "Metropolitan Police could losse 'dozens' of armed officers over fitness for duty concerns," The Independent, March 25, 2024.
- The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has mandated a gross misconduct hearing against Martyn Blake, a former firearms officer, keeping his past case alive, following his acquittal in the shooting of Chris Kaba last October.
- The possibility of heightened scrutiny on firearms officers, such as the case of Martyn Blake, risks "crushing the spirit of good officers," according to Met Commissioner Mark Rowley, potentially diminishing their capacity to combat crime.
- The members of MO19, the unit formerly led by Martyn Blake, are present at a briefing room for an operation aimed at apprehending Daniel Downes, a suspected shooter, who has a DNA match from bullet casing residue.
- After the operation, footage emerged of Downes being apprehended in his underwear, with a knife hidden under bedding, a firearm concealed near the sofa, and the team securing the suspect, lamenting the continued presence of weapons on the streets.
