Is a Married Police Spy Manipulating Lives?

A former undercover Metropolitan Police officer, Mark Jenner, known as agent HN15, is set to give testimony to the Undercover Policing Inquiry, shedding light on his five-year relationship with an activist while operating under the alias Mark Cassidy. His case highlights the troubling tactics of undercover policing, particularly the exploitation of women, with at least 50 reportedly deceived into intimate relationships with officers. This inquiry aims to uncover the truth behind these practices, as concerns mount over the ethical implications surrounding undercover operations.

Last updated: 19 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Undercover Policing Inquiry is currently examining the actions of Mark Jenner, whose intimate relationship with the activist Alison raises serious concerns about the ethics of undercover operations. The inquiry aims to uncover the practices employed by the Metropolitan Police's Special Demonstration Squad (SDS), which has been accused of using manipulation and deception in its operations. With Jenner set to testify for four days, the inquiry is poised to reveal more about the extent of the misconduct and the systemic issues within the police force.

Key takeaways

Mark Jenner, aka HN15, infiltrated a left-wing group and formed an intimate relationship with activist Alison.
At least 50 women have reportedly been deceived into relationships with undercover officers over several decades.
The inquiry aims to expose the tactics of the Metropolitan Police's Special Demonstration Squad and their ethical implications.
Alison has called for legislative change to address institutionalised sexism and misconduct within the police force.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jon Savell acknowledged the serious wrongdoing by some undercover officers and the distress caused to those affected.

Timeline: how we got here

The Undercover Policing Inquiry has been ongoing since its establishment in 2015, aiming to investigate the controversial practices of undercover officers in the UK. Key milestones include:

1995: Mark Jenner meets Alison at the Colin Roach Centre in Hackney.
1996: Jenner and Alison begin their relationship, with him moving into her flat.
March 2000: Their relationship ends abruptly when Jenner leaves Alison with a letter citing depression.
2015: The Undercover Policing Inquiry is launched to investigate the practices of the SDS.
2023: Jenner gives evidence at the inquiry, highlighting the impact of undercover operations on personal lives.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent testimonies from Alison and Jenner's ex-wife have provided new insights into the personal lives affected by undercover policing. Alison revealed how deeply manipulated she felt after learning of Jenner's true identity, which has prompted calls for accountability and reform within the police force.

What was already established

It has been well documented that undercover officers, including those from the SDS, engaged in intimate relationships with activists as part of their covert operations. The inquiry has previously reported on the systemic issues of deceit and manipulation, suggesting a troubling pattern of behaviour among undercover officers.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The inquiry may have far-reaching implications for public trust in policing. The revelations surrounding undercover operations could lead to greater scrutiny of police practices, impacting how communities perceive law enforcement and their willingness to cooperate with police in the future.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses involved in activism or community organising, the inquiry may raise concerns about the integrity and safety of their operations. Companies may need to reassess how they engage with law enforcement and ensure that their activities do not inadvertently lead to infiltration or manipulation.

Policy and regulation

The inquiry is likely to prompt discussions at both the UK and devolved administrations about the need for legislative change regarding the practices of undercover policing. Policymakers may consider implementing stricter regulations and oversight to prevent similar abuses in the future.

Numbers that matter

50: Estimated number of women deceived into relationships with undercover officers.
5: Years Mark Jenner spent undercover in the left-wing campaign group.
3: Countries where Jenner and Alison holidayed together, including Israel, Thailand, and Amsterdam.
1: Inquiry launched in 2015 to investigate undercover policing practices.
0: Known instances of accountability for officers involved in deceiving women prior to the inquiry.

Definitions and jargon buster

Undercover Policing: A tactic where officers operate secretly to gather intelligence or evidence, often involving infiltration of groups.
Special Demonstration Squad (SDS): A unit of the Metropolitan Police responsible for undercover operations, particularly related to political activism.
Inquiry: A formal investigation into particular incidents or practices, conducted by a designated body or organisation.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the inquiry continues, expect more testimonies that may reveal further details about the practices of undercover officers and the impact on affected individuals. This could lead to increased public interest and media coverage.

Medium term (1–6 months)

In the coming months, the inquiry may release preliminary findings that could influence public opinion and policy discussions. Stakeholders involved in community activism should prepare for potential changes in their engagement with law enforcement.

Signals to watch

Updates from the inquiry regarding new testimonies and findings.
Public and media responses to revelations about undercover practices.
Policy discussions surrounding police reform and accountability measures.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about the inquiry's progress and findings.
Engage with community organisations that advocate for police reform.
Support those affected by undercover policing practices by listening to their stories.

Don’t

Ignore the potential implications of the inquiry on public trust in policing.
Assume that undercover practices are fully reformed without oversight.
Dismiss the personal experiences of those affected by undercover operations.

Checklist

Research the Undercover Policing Inquiry and its findings.
Follow updates from credible news sources regarding the inquiry.
Consider supporting advocacy groups that aim to reform police practices.
Engage in discussions about community safety and police accountability.
Reflect on the implications of undercover policing in your local community.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As the inquiry unfolds, there are risks related to the accuracy of testimonies and the potential for conflicting accounts. The complexities of undercover operations may not be fully understood, and there remains uncertainty about the long-term implications for police practices and public trust. Moreover, institutional resistance to reform may hinder meaningful change.

Bottom line

The ongoing Undercover Policing Inquiry is a crucial step towards uncovering the troubling practices of undercover officers and addressing the deep-seated issues within the Metropolitan Police. As more evidence comes to light, it is essential for both the public and policymakers to engage with the findings to ensure accountability and reform in policing practices.

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Undercover Policing Inquiry?

The Undercover Policing Inquiry aims to investigate the tactics used by undercover officers, particularly how they have infiltrated political groups and the impact of these actions on personal lives, including intimate relationships.

How many women were affected by undercover relationships?

It has been reported that at least 50 women were deceived into intimate relationships with undercover officers over several decades, raising serious ethical concerns about these practices.

What has the Metropolitan Police said about the misconduct?

The Metropolitan Police has acknowledged the "serious wrongdoing" and unacceptable behaviour exhibited by some undercover officers, apologising for the lasting harm caused to the women involved.