The work of the Undercover Policing Inquiry (UCPI) is in accordance with its Terms of Reference which sets out in broad terms what it is investigating.
To facilitate the large amount of work involved, the Inquiry uses Lists of Issues to guide its staff in their work when examining material and obtaining witness statements. Hence, the Lists underpin what questions are asked of witnesses (Rule 9 Requests) or what material is sought from the Metropolitan Police and others. The Lists are extensive in nature, cover a wide range of topics, and are divided up by the Modules the UCPI has structured its work into.
The Issue Lists were developed following a process of consultation, whereby the Inquiry published its suggested lists for Modules 1 (Special Demonstration Squad (SDS), National Public Order Intelligence Unit (NPOIU)), 2(a) and 2(b). It then invited affected parties to comment and submit their suggested additions or changes to wording.
The Inquiry Chair then ruled on what the final list would be. There were no hearings on this, with everything being done on paper.
While issues lists set out the specific terms of interest of the Inquiry’s investigations, they do not prevent it from looking at other aspects that emerge in the course of things, provided they are within the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference.
The sort of topics and questions to be found in the Lists fall under headings, such as:
- Conduct of undercovers while deployed, including interference in legal proceedings, legal professional privilege, whether they were agents provocateur or engaged in acts of criminality and public disorder - including if the undercovers were arrested.
- Reporting on family justice campaigns, trade unions, elected politicians and so on, including the purpose to which the reporting was put.
- Management which included, as well as guidance provided on being arrested, who to target, sexual relationships, etc., but also the use of tactics such as the theft of dead children’s identities for cover names and backstories.
- Welfare issues.
- Founding, funding and oversight of the SDS and NPOIU, including interactions and relationships with senior police management, the Home Office and the Security Service.