Undercover officers spied on a humanist group in Lewisham between 1972 and 1983 as they engaged in “political policing”, an inquiry has heard. The Undercover Policing Inquiry (UCPI) is examining the past work of two secretive police units after condemnation of their tactics, which saw them target groups perceived to be left-wing. Revelations that women were tricked into sexual relationships with officers and police spies had used the identities of dead children without their families’ permission have sparked public outrage.
Retired judge Sir John Mitting is chairing the inquiry The latest series of hearings in the inquiry, which began on Wednesday, is examining the activities of the Metropolitan Police Special Demonstration Squad (SDS) between 1972 and 1983.