The Met police officer who shot Chris Kaba will not face misconduct proceedings, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has said.
Sgt Martyn Blake shot the 24-year-old n Streatham, south London, in 2022 after Kaba tried to ram his way past police cars. Blake was cleared of murder following a trial in 2024.
A decision was made in January to pause any proceedings involving Blake until a law change relating to the use of force in misconduct cases was introduced and its impact was clear, the IOPC said.
Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said the IOPC's decision brought an end to "almost four years of uncertainty" for Blake, calling the accountability process for police officers "disgraceful".
In June the use of force test in such cases changed from the civil law test to the criminal law test, meaning actions that did not amount to a crime should not amount to misconduct either.
Referring to Blake by his cypher NX121, Rowley said: "Today's decision finally brings to an end almost four years of uncertainty for NX121, his family and the wider firearms command, with all the considerable worry and stress that has brought.
"We also recognise the profound impact on Chris Kaba's family, who continue to grieve their loss."
He added: "Since NX121's unanimous acquittal by an Old Bailey jury, and in the absence of any evidence that he failed in his duties, we have been clear and consistent in our view that he should not face a misconduct hearing."
The commissioner said the decision "must be a milestone moment" to reset the police accountability system.
"No police officer is above the law, but we have been clear the system holding police to account is broken," he said.
"Your life being on hold for four years or more as you go through multiple accountability processes is a disgraceful way to treat brave men and women. I also see the profound effect these cases routinely have on officers' families.
"Criminals are held to account once by the courts - officers can be held to account four times through criminal, misconduct, civil and inquest processes that span years. That cannot be right."
Amanda Rowe, IOPC director of engagement, said they had "always sought to avoid any unnecessary delays" in Blake's case, but said it was right proceedings were paused until the impact of new legislation was understood.
"Having considered both our policy and the representations from the Kaba family and Sgt Blake, we have today notified them of our decision to withdraw disciplinary proceedings," she said.
A coroner will now decide whether an inquest will take place into Kaba's death.
The IOPC's decision was criticised by the Justice for Chris Kaba Campaign and the charity Inquest, with both groups calling it a "blow" to Kaba's family.
Temi Mwale, from the Justice for Chris Kaba Campaign, said decision sent a "dangerous message", and Deborah Coles, from Inquest, said it signified that "police can act with impunity".
Paula Dodds, chairwoman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said the IOPC had made "the right decision".
"Police officers are of course – and rightly – highly accountable for their actions. But the officer has sadly suffered years of legal scrutiny following this incident," she said.
"We are pleased this has all now concluded and that the officer can continue to serve the public without this hanging over him."
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