CHAPTER 1 RESEARCH

‘Spy cops’ victims share ongoing data protection concerns

Established in 2015 to investigate the practices of undercover policing units –
including the Special Demonstration Squad, which was created in 1968 to
infiltrate British protest groups as part of the Met Police’s Special Branch –
the Under Cover Policing Inquiry began its second phase on 21 April 2021.

It heard that officers collected and disseminated a “substantial volume of

personal information” about left-wing activists, including women they deceived
into intimate sexual relationships, in surveillance that was “clearly
disproportionate and inappropriate”.

What is it about the article that causes it to fall into the category of
workplace ethics?
Witnesses also expressed concern about the retention of their personal
information without their knowledge and the extent to which it affected, and
continues to affect, their lives. They also questioned whether information about
them is still being collected.

What are the conflicting sides to the issue? How do you see yourself fitting
in with one side or the other?
Fitting it in an ethical issue we know our responsibility and duty, we must
act on what we should be. Gathering information that is not related to our work
or their condition is inappropriate and inconsiderable act from a professional. It
can affect and reflect toward our action to our client that may question us. Every
action we do is a reflection of our so we need to act professional and follow code
of ethics.