The Special Demonstration Squad, often abbreviated as SDS, was an undercover policing unit which existed within the Metropolitan Police Special Branch from 1968 to 2008. It was also in its early years known as the Special Operations Squad and from 1997 as the Special Duties Squad. It was commonly nicknamed the ‘Hairies’ as its officers grew their hair long as part of their cover, contrary to police regulations.
Along with the National Public Order Intelligence Unit (NPOIU) which operated from 1999 to2011, it is the principal target of the Undercover Policing Inquiry. It has come under considerable criticism for a number of the tactics it used, and its widespread gathering of intelligence for its own sake.
There were 170 members of the SDS at all levels up to head of the unit over its fifty year existence, of which 117 were undercovers.
For more see:
- Special Demonstration Squad (Procedural)
- Special Demonstration Squad (Historical Overview)
- Timeline of Special Demonstration Squad Undercovers and Managers
- List of SDS and NPOIU undercovers
- List of SDS Managers and back office staff
- Tranche 1 Interim Report
- Operation Herne