The APA and Black Equity Organisation Welcome the IOPC Decision to Refer the Case to the CPS in the Fatal Shooting of Chris Kaba
The Alliance for Police Accountability (APA) and the Black Equity Organisation (BEO) welcome today’s decision by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to refer the case of the Metropolitan Police firearms officer (identified as ‘Officer NX121’) involved in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Chris Kaba on September 5, 2022 to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
The tragic death of Mr Kaba sparked significant public outcry, further highlighting the urgent need for systemic change and greater accountability within policing. The APA and BEO view the IOPC’s decision to pursue prosecution as essential to justice and accountability for Mr Kaba’s family, friends, and the wider community.
The APA and BEO continue to draw attention to the deeply ingrained institutional and systemic racism within UK police forces. The Baroness Casey Review substantiates the existence of such issues, exemplified by the disproportionate use of stop and search powers against black individuals, including children. The Review’s findings emphasise the need for significant reform to address these disparities and ensure a fair, just, and transparent policing system.
Lee Jasper, Chair of the APA said:
“As advocates for police accountability and transparency, the APA demands that all findings from the IOPC’s homicide investigation into Mr Kaba’s fatal shooting are made public. We stand in solidarity with Mr Kaba’s loved ones and the affected community, calling for an unbiased and thorough examination of the events leading to his death. We hope that the decision to refer the case to the CPS will serve as a catalyst for necessary reform and encourage greater scrutiny of police actions in the future.”
Dr Wanda Wyporska, Chief Executive, Black Equity Organisation said:
“For decades Black communities have suffered at the hands of the Police and have fought for justice, accountability and change in policing. The Casey Review has finally brought home to the wider public, the institutional racism within policing. We stand with the family and friends of Chris Kaba, to see justice served and hope that this is a turning point for Police accountability to Black communities, as well as to women, LGBTQIA+ communities and young people.”
The APA and BEO remain committed to promoting transparency, fairness, and justice in policing. We will continue to advocate for policies that protect citizens’ rights, promote trust between the police and the communities they serve, and hold law enforcement agencies accountable for their actions. It is our belief that only through meaningful reform and ongoing vigilance can we create a policing system that is truly representative of, and responsive to, the diverse communities it serves.
