5th October 2016

The High Court yesterday ruled a senior officer involved in Jermaine Baker’s fatal shooting be allowed to retire at midnight last night, despite being under IPCC investigation for alleged gross misconduct.

The family of Jermaine Baker brought an application for judicial review against the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis to challenge the Metropolitan Police’s decision not to suspend the officer, which would have prevented him from taking retirement before the IPCC investigation concluded.

Deborah Coles, Director of INQUEST said:

“We find the decision to allow a police officer to retire whilst under IPCC investigation into the fatal shooting a young man indefensible. This can only undermine family and public confidence in the investigation process. All police shootings must be subject to rigorous and exhaustive investigation and every individual police officer involved should be held accountable for their actions until the investigation concludes".

Margaret Smith, Jermaine’s mother said:

“This officer was in charge of the operation that led to Jermaine’s death. The officer was being investigated for gross misconduct for alleged failings in how he managed that operation. I am outraged that the Metropolitan Police have allowed this man to retire and avoid this investigation. I am also extremely concerned that the IPCC, who are supposed to be responsible for this investigation, have allowed this to happen. I feel they have failed me and my family. This will not deter us. The fight for justice for Jermaine will go on”.

INQUEST has been working with the family of Jermaine Baker since December 2015. The family is represented by INQUEST Lawyers Group members Michael Oswald from Bhatt Murphy solicitors and barristers Adam Straw and Heather Williams QC from Doughty Street Chambers.
 
For further information, please contact Anita Sharma on 020 7263 1111
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