THE police watchdog is complaining to regulators over an episode of Panorama about the shooting of Chris Kaba.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct is lodging a formal complaint with Ofcom, claiming demands for a public apology from the BBC were not met.
GettyThe police watchdog is complaining to regulators over an episode of Panorama about the shooting of Chris Kaba[/caption]
Gang member Mr Kaba was shot by Sgt Martyn Blake as he tried to ram police cars in Streatham, South East London, in September 2022.
A former IOPC boss claimed a murder inquiry was launched amid pressure over potential unrest.
The IOPC denied this but was given no right to reply.
Sgt Blake was later cleared of murder.
The iPlayer version included a statement, considered by the Beeb as sufficient resolution.
It said: “The decisions to criminally investigate Sergeant Blake, and then refer the case to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), followed careful consideration of a significant amount of evidence gathered during our independent investigation and by applying the relevant legal tests which govern our work.”
But the IOPC has gone to Ofcom, saying the BBC has “steadfastly refused to apologise publicly”.
An IOPC spokesperson said: “The IOPC was given no right to reply to serious criticisms made about the organisation within that documentary and despite providing a statement prior to its broadcast, the statement was not used.
“We are hugely dissatisfied that, despite admitting these two breaches of its own guidelines, the BBC has steadfastly refused to apologise publicly despite the IOPC providing evidence to show the serious reputational damage caused to the organisation as a result of the programme.”
Gang member Chris Kaba was shot by Sgt Martyn Blake as he tried to ram police cars in Streatham, South East London, in September 2022PA Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
