A former Metropolitan Police undercover officer, Mark Jenner, has told the Undercover Policing Inquiry that his five-year relationship with a woman he was monitoring was an 'open secret' among his colleagues. Mr Jenner, who operated under the alias Mark Cassidy between 1995 and 2000, infiltrated various left-wing and environmental groups, including the now-defunct protest group Reclaim the Streets. During this period, he formed a long-term relationship with a woman referred to as 'Alison' for legal reasons.
Giving evidence to the inquiry, Mr Jenner stated that while he was never explicitly instructed not to form sexual relationships with targets, he was also never given guidance that such relationships were permissible. He claimed that his colleagues were aware of his relationship with Alison, suggesting it was not a clandestine affair within the police unit. This admission raises further questions about the oversight and ethical guidelines governing undercover operations during that era.
The Undercover Policing Inquiry, chaired by Sir John Mitting, is examining the conduct of undercover officers from various police forces, including the Special Demonstration Squad (SDS) and the National Public Order Intelligence Unit (NPOIU), over several decades. Its remit includes investigating the impact of these operations on individuals, particularly women who were deceived into relationships with officers.
Mr Jenner is one of several former undercover officers who have given evidence to the inquiry regarding relationships formed during their deployments. Other officers, such as Bob Lambert and Jim Boyling, have also admitted to forming sexual relationships with women while operating undercover. These revelations have led to significant criticism and calls for accountability from victims and human rights organisations.
The inquiry’s findings are expected to have a profound impact on the future of undercover policing in the UK, potentially leading to stricter regulations and clearer ethical frameworks for officers operating in sensitive environments. The testimonies continue to highlight the severe emotional and psychological distress caused to individuals who were unwittingly involved with officers acting under false pretences.