U.K.’s Biggest Police Force Is Institutionally Sexist, Racist And Homophobic, Report Finds
ForbesNov 26, 2022
UK 'Spy Cops' Inquiry Finds Met Police's Undercover Tactics 'Unjustified'
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The Facts
Retired senior judge Sir John Mitting has concluded in an interim report for the Undercover Policing Inquiry published Thursday that tactics used by the UK's Special Demonstration Squad (SDS) weren't justified, and the unit should have been disbanded earlier.
Though conceding that long-term infiltration into left-wing and anarchist groups contributed to controlling public order in London, Mitting stressed this could have been achieved by less intrusive means.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
This was a major scandal that revealed the true nature of British law enforcement. Had it not been for the fearless efforts of those who were victimized over the past 40 years, the Met Police would still be executing an anti-democratic, state-sponsored surveillance system against groups that pose no threat.
Pro-establishment narrative
It’s important to remember that police tactics have been reformed several times over the years, and although a few rotten apples were engaging in damaging behavior, most officers were properly and lawfully performing their duties. This inquiry will be taken into advisement for making further reforms.
