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Page last updated at 07:56 GMT, Thursday, 2 February 2012

Controls on covert policing 'inadequate'

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A report by the Inspectorate of Constabulary has found that the undercover policeman, Mark Kennedy, whose actions led to the collapse of a trial of environmental protestors had "defied" management instructions and was inadequately supervised.

The report reviewed the activities of Mark Kennedy and other undercover officers deployed by the National Public Order Intelligence Unit.

The inspectorate says the oversight of undercover officers needs to be strengthened and suggests that an independent body may be required to authorise deployments.

The Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Sir Denis O'Connor, reflects on the findings.


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