SpycopsResearch.info is an Undercover Research Group project. It aims to make material released during the Undercover Policing Inquiry (UCPI) accessible to all and to set an example of how information from other ongoing and future public inquiries can be made accessible.

A public inquiry into the spycops scandal was announced in 2014. This followed the revelation in 2010 that activist 'Mark Stone ' was, in fact, National Public Order Intelligence Unit undercover officer Mark Kennedy. This brought into the public domain the spycops scandal that undercover officers had been creating fake identities from the birth certificates of deceased children and deceiving female activists into sexual relationships for decades.

After years of delay – mainly to grant anonymity to former spycops and to redact their real names from documents before disclosing them – evidentiary hearings started in late 2020.

However, the UCPI is still shrouded in secrecy. A public inquiry should make its material available in an easily accessible and comprehensive fashion that places the public first. The Spycops Research project is established to show what is possible, what is best practice, and to inspire others.

As of 2026, all the documents from Tranche One of the UCPI are available in a simple, searchable way, covering the activities of the Special Demonstration Squad from its start in 1968 to 1982. 

Accompanying this are detailed individual profiles of the undercover officers deployed and their managers during the early spying period of 1968-1982.  Overviews of the groups spied upon during this formative period are also included. Thematic and other articles covering topics up to and even beyond 2011 (when the #spycops scandal broke) have also been published. These include detailed analysis of iconic events such as the Grunwick Strike and the 'Battle of Lewisham'.

 SpycopsResearch.info is being continuously updated with articles and documents.

It also features an extensive procedural section that explains and simplifies the Inquiry’s complicated workings. It allows those likely to be called to give evidence an in-depth understanding of their rights and what might be expected of them.

This resource is designed for journalists, lawyers, academics and – most importantly – those spied on.

We hope that by making the Inquiry disclosure available to everyone, more people will understand what’s at stake, revealing the details of 50 years of undercover political policing in the UK, and holding those responsible to account.

  • If you have anything to add, including pictures of spycops, we want to hear from you. Should you spot errors or imperfections, please do let us know. Reach us at: contact@undercoverresearch.net

SpycopsResearch.info is an Undercover Research Group project funded by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust.