Undercover policing
The Undercover Policing Inquiry, chaired by Sir John Mitting, is an ongoing investigation into the practices and conduct of undercover police operations in England and Wales, particularly focusing on the Special Demonstration Squad (SDS) and the National Public Order Intelligence Unit (NPOIU), with the aim of ensuring such practices are conducted lawfully and ethically.
The Undercover Policing Inquiry is an independent statutory public inquiry into undercover policing in England and Wales. It was announced by the then Home Secretary, Theresa May, on March 12, 2015, and its terms of reference were published on July 16, 2015. The inquiry is chaired by Sir John Mitting since July 2017.
The Undercover Policing Inquiry was established to investigate the deployment of undercover police officers as covert human intelligence sources in England and Wales. The inquiry aims to uncover the truth about undercover policing practices, identify lessons learned, and make recommendations for the future. It focuses on the conduct of undercover operations by the Metropolitan Police's Special Demonstration Squad (SDS) and the National Public Order Intelligence Unit (NPOIU) since 1968. The inquiry has revealed serious allegations of misconduct, including the infiltration and disruption of social justice groups, deception of women into intimate relationships, and the use of stolen identities.
Key numbers at a glance
Recommendations
60
Months to complete
Cost (if known)
Deaths (direct)
Recommendations
Recommendation | Description |
Transparency | Increase transparency in undercover operations to ensure accountability and public trust. |
Oversight | Implement robust oversight mechanisms to monitor undercover policing activities. |
Training | Enhance training for undercover officers to prevent misconduct and ensure ethical conduct. |
Legal Framework | Strengthen the legal framework governing undercover policing to protect the rights of individuals and groups. |
Support for Victims | Provide support and redress for victims of undercover policing misconduct. |
Podcasts by Inquests and Inquiries
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Downloadable files
Undercover Policing Inquiry Official Website
Introduction to the Undercover Policing Inquiry
Wikipedia Page on Undercover Policing Inquiry
Publications by the Undercover Policing Inquiry
Hearings Information
Links to other resources
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