New rules will change how police officers are held to account when making split-second decisions to use force in the line of duty, the Government has announced.
The legal test for police misconduct hearings will be changed to be in line with criminal law, rather than the current civil law test used, which will seek to stop officers being punished for making genuine mistakes to protect the public.
Instead, they will be assessed on whether they have an honest belief that use of force was necessary when acting quickly in a dangerous situation.
The move comes following recommendations from a review carried out after Sergeant Martyn Blake was acquitted for the murder of Chris Kaba in October last year.
Metropolitan Police officer Blake shot the 24-year-old in Streatham, south-east London, in September 2022 after Mr Kaba tried to ram his way past police cars that had hemmed him in.
Despite this, the Independent Office for Police Conduct said in April that Blake will still have to face gross misconduct proceedings, stating “the legal test for deciding whether there was a case to answer is low” and has been met.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley welcomed the rule change for fairness but also public safety.
The Met chief said “too often” police officers face months or years of uncertainty, having to go through multiple legal proceedings holding different standards in order to justify split-second decisions made in challenging circumstances.
He said: “The chilling effect of an accountability system not fit for purpose is officers not prepared to do the most challenging roles or fearing the consequences of their actions more than the criminals they are confronting.
“Communities are less safe as a result.”
He added that officers will still need to use force deemed necessary and proportionate in all circumstances, but they can have greater confidence they will be held to a “consistent standard”.
The law change will be made after a consultation with the Police Advisory Board for England, which is required by law.
Meanwhile, the review published by the Home Office on Thursday also recommended for a public consultation to be carried out on the standard of proof in unlawful killing inquests.
Announcing the plans, policing and crime minister, Sarah Jones, said: “Our brave police officers are required to make split-second decisions when faced with danger in order to protect the public.
“It is vital that they have the confidence to act decisively in these moments.
“These changes will empower officers to keep our communities safe while ensuring those who fall short of expected standards are still held to account.
“This is a crucial step in rebuilding public confidence in our police.”