A police officer known as W80 is set to face a gross misconduct hearing following a gangster shooting incident that occurred eight years ago, according to Scotland Yard. The Metropolitan Police firearms officer, who shot and killed 28-year-old Jermaine Baker during a police operation in 2015, could potentially be dismissed from duty despite being previously cleared of any criminal wrongdoing.
During the incident, W80 shot Baker as he was preparing to free two prisoners from a prison van near Wood Green Crown Court in north London. Although prosecutors concluded in 2017 that there was insufficient evidence to bring charges against the officer, a public inquiry in July 2022 determined that Baker’s killing was lawful but highlighted multiple failures by the police in planning and executing the operation.
Earlier this year, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) won a legal battle against the Met Police, demanding that W80 face disciplinary proceedings. Scotland Yard has now confirmed that a misconduct hearing will take place at the earliest opportunity. However, they dismissed the IOPC’s suggestion that another force should conduct the proceedings.
A spokesperson from Scotland Yard stated that due to the significant impact the investigation and inquiry have had on all parties involved, it is in everyone’s best interest to proceed with the misconduct hearing as soon as possible. While the hearing arrangements will be handled by the Met, an independent legally qualified chair will lead the hearing, and a police panel member from another force will be included.
Margaret Smith, Baker’s mother, supported the IOPC’s call for another force to oversee the misconduct hearing, citing the Met’s involvement in the legal battle that could have prevented it from taking place. The IOPC highlighted the importance of maintaining public confidence in the independence of the process and emphasized that it is now the duty of the Met to bring the proceedings to a conclusion.
In conclusion, the case of W80, the police officer involved in the gangster shooting incident eight years ago, is set to face a gross misconduct hearing. While the officer was cleared of criminal wrongdoing, the public inquiry determined that Baker’s killing was lawful but highlighted police failures in planning and executing the operation. With the misconduct hearing scheduled to take place soon, both public confidence in the process and the independence of the proceedings remain crucial aspects to be considered.
