New rules for police use of force ‘undermine the rule of law’ say campaigners
source: The Justice Gap
published: 27 October 2025
Image Credit: Simon Howden at www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net
The government has announced new rules to increase protections for police officers facing misconduct hearings following recommendations from a review by Sir Adrian Fulford, former judge, and Tim Godwin, former police chief.
Misconduct hearings will now apply the criminal standard of beyond reasonable doubt rather than the civil test on the balance of probabilities. Officers will be assessed on whether they held an ‘honest belief’ that the use of force was necessary in a dangerous situation. Police officers often justify their use of force on self-defence. The new rules will make it harder to challenge that defence.
The changes are a result of the fatal shooting of Chris Kaba, and the unanimous acquittal of the officer involved, Sergeant Martin Blake. Kaba, 24, was shot dead in South London in September 2022 after the police blocked his car.
Blake was charged with murder but cleared by a jury last year, telling the court he believed his colleagues were in danger. The government said the case showed confusion in the disciplinary process and announced plans to raise the legal standard used in police misconduct cases.
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