Spycops – New guidance

Proposed new guidance on undercover police operations has for the first time stipulated that sexual relations are unacceptable and cannot be authorised unless in extreme situations.

The move follows revelations of how some officers who had infiltrated political groups in the 90s, formed long term relationships and had children with women they were spying on.

The new standards of practice, drawn up by the College of Policing, is being circulated for public consultation for the first time.

It’s taken 2 and a half years to pull together in the wake of revelations now being investigated by a public inquiry that officers indulged in long term intimate relationships.

Last year the Metropolitan Police paid substantial damages to seven women and admitted the relationships had been “abusive, deceitful, manipulative and wrong”.

The new code suggests that if an undercover operative engages in unauthorised sexual activity, then it must be restricted to “the minimum conduct necessary to mitigate the threat”, although what that would entail is not defined.

Among other suggested recommendations are compulsory six months psychological assessments for those deployed in the field for lengthy periods.

Dave Tucker, of the College of Policing said undercover work is “more stressful than any other policing role. We are setting standards that will give the public confidence.”

The police inspectorate recently revealed there are more 1,200 officers recruited in 39 covert police units in the UK.

The draft code proposes that all those involved including the most senior ranks will have to be properly trained and accredited which could be removed if guidance is breached during operations.