'Elected Police and Crime Commissioners should have an appropriate stake in overseeing covert policing'
Commenting on the release on 02.02.12 of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary's 'Review of national police units which provide intelligence on criminality associated with protest', APA Chairman Cllr Mark Burns-Williamson commented:
“The Independent Inspectorate’s welcome report into covert policing provides a typically thorough and helpful examination of the serious issues arising from the Mark Kennedy case.
The report makes clear that enhanced oversight of covert policing by those outside of the service would be beneficial to all concerned. Whilst the Office of the Surveillance Commissioner will no doubt have an important role here, Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs), elected in every force area this November 15, will have a crucial interest in both the significant costs and the conduct of covert operations, which might have a serious impact on public confidence in the police.
We welcome the Home Secretary’s undertaking that “With the police, the Government will consider carefully the recommendations to ensure enhanced control of these undercover police officers in the future”. We urge the government to ensure that those elected to hold to account the totality of policing in their area will have an appropriate, meaningful oversight of covert policing in order to protect public confidence in this controversial, but essential tactic.” ENDS.