Society of Editors ‘deeply concerned’ by plans for ‘anonymity’ for firearms officers

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Society concern over ‘presumption of anonymity’ 

The Society of Editors has said that it is deeply concerned by plans to introduce a ‘presumption of anonymity’ for firearms officers who later face trial over shootings in the line of duty.  

The proposal, announced yesterday by the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, comes amid the acquittal last week of Metropolitan Police Service firearms officer Sergeant Martyn Blake following the fatal shooting of Chris Kaba in September 2022.  

Responding to the plans, Dawn Alford, Executive Director of the Society said that such a move would fundamentally go against the principle of open justice and further damage public trust in the police service more generally.
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