Sex And Drugs Ban For Undercover Police

A new rule book for undercover police officers bans them from having sex with surveillance targets and taking drugs.

It comes amid an inquiry into undercover policing in England and Wales, following a string of controversies and claims which have resulted in payouts to several women who unwittingly became involved in relationships with covert officers.

The 80-page document, which is to be consulted on, has been published by the College of Policing.

Alex Marshall, the organisation's chief executive, said sexual relationships "can't be authorised".

"It's wrong, it shouldn't happen," he said.

"If in some extreme circumstance something happens where the operative has gone outside this guidance then you have to report it and it will be investigated."

The guidance warns operatives should be aware of the "dangers" posed through "exposure in true identity" on social media.

It also says undercover officers can only de deployed once they have been "accredited" and should undergo psychological screening or personality assessments.

Mr Marshall said covert operations were an "essential tactic" to protect the public, save lives and bring serious and organised criminals to justice.

"By publishing the vast majority of the guidance, withholding only operational tactics which would no longer be viable if shared, we want the public to see the measures we have in place to ensure undercover policing is used in a way that is proportionate, lawful and ethical," he added.

The guidance was welcomed by lawyer Jules Carey, of Bindmans, who is representing individuals affected by undercover policing.

However, he said: "It is disappointing that the guidance fails to spell out that in a democracy the first consideration should be whether it is necessary to use an undercover officer at all, or whether the intelligence could be obtained through some other means.

"The guidance should also make it clear that the degree of intrusion should be proportionate to the seriousness of the crime being investigated."