Chief officers welcome the announcement that Judge Justice Pitchford will lead an inquiry into undercover policing

National Policing Lead for Serious and Organised Crime, Chief Constable Mick Creedon said:

"Undercover policing is a vital police tactic has saved lives, protected victims and brought dangerous criminals to justice.

"We welcome the public inquiry into past undercover practices. It will help us with the work that is already underway to make sure that the unacceptable behaviour of some officers in the past never happens again.  We have worked closely with the Home Office, Attorney General and Mark Ellison QC on this issue and we look forward to providing any assistance to Judge Justice Pitchford and the inquiry.

“Changes have already been made to the authorisation and management of these operations.  New training and guidance for undercover officers guidance developed with the College of Policing reinforces the need for them to meet the highest ethical standards.

“The work of Operation Herne investigating alleged misconduct and criminality by the Metropolitan Police Service’s historical Special Demonstrations Squad will continue."