Official announcement from the Home Office or government publication

Yvette Cooper Announces Presumption of Anonymity for Armed Police During Trials

Oct 23, 2024, 01:04 PM

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced that armed police officers will have their identities protected during future criminal trials to prevent them from being forced into hiding. This decision follows the case of Martyn Blake, who now has a bounty on his head. The new policy will grant anonymity to officers who shoot suspects up to the point of conviction. Cooper emphasized the importance of protecting these officers and their families from further danger during legal proceedings. The announcement was made during a Commons statement after a firearms officer was cleared of murdering Chris Kaba. The policy includes a presumption of anonymity during murder trials. Former specialist firearms officer Tony Long has reacted to the announcement.