Difference between revisions of "HN21"
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{{Undercover_Police_Officer_sidebar|Name='HN21'|Alias=unknown|Series=undercover police officers|Image=Male_silhouette.png |Unit=Special Demonstration Squad|DatesDeployed=late 1970s / early 1980s|Targets=unknown}} | {{Undercover_Police_Officer_sidebar|Name='HN21'|Alias=unknown|Series=undercover police officers|Image=Male_silhouette.png |Unit=Special Demonstration Squad|DatesDeployed=late 1970s / early 1980s|Targets=unknown}} | ||
| − | '''HN21''' is the cipher given to a former [[Special Demonstration Squad]] undercover officer deployed in the late 70s / early 80s against one group and who reported on others. Is in his 60s. | + | '''HN21''' is the cipher given to a former [[Special Demonstration Squad]] undercover officer deployed in the late 70s / early 80s against one group and who reported on others. Is in his 60s. Originally his cover name was due to be revealed by the Undercover Policing Inquiry.<ref name="mitting.mindedto5.7Mar2018">Sir John Mitting, [https://www.ucpi.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/20180307-SDS-anonymity-Minded-to-5.pdf In the matter of section 19(3) of the Inquiries Act 2005. Applications for restriction orders in respect of the real and cover names of officers of the Special Operations Squad and Special Demonstration Squad - 'Minded To' Note 5], ''Undercover Policing Inquiry'', 7 March 2018.</ref> However, the Inquiry Chair, John Mitting, changed his mind in May 2018 to indicated he was minded to grant full anonymity to HN21 on mental health grounds.<ref name="ucpi.pr.23May2018">[https://www.ucpi.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/201805223-PN_SDS_MT_9.pdf 'Minded to' decisions relating to anonymity applications: Special Demonstration Squad Ruling on HN122], ''Undercover Policing Inquiry'', 23 May 2018.</ref><ref name="mitting.mindedto9.23May2018">[https://www.ucpi.org.uk/wp-conatent/uploads/2018/05/20180523-Minded_to_note_9_and_ruling_8.pdf Applications for restriction orders in respect of the real and cover names of officers of the Special Operations Squad and the Special Demonstrations Squad 'Minded to' note 9 and Ruling 8], ''Undercover Policing Inquiry'', 23 May 2018.</ref> |
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| + | * For an explanation of the HN cipher system, see the [[N Officers]] page. | ||
==In the Undercover Policing Inquiry== | ==In the Undercover Policing Inquiry== | ||
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* March 2018: Mitting minded to restrict real name, application over cover name is refused.<ref name="mitting.mindedto5.7Mar2018"/> According to Mitting, the risk to HN21 from groups they targeted is negligible. However, the former undercover suffers from depression, and the medical professional who examined him on behalf of the Inquiry, Dr. Busuttil, opined that HN21 is at high risk of recurrence if the real and cover names were published. Mitting however noted that deployment of HN21 is of 'some interest to the Inquiry' and needs a more thorough investigation than possible if explored simply under a cipher, stating:<ref name="mitting.mindedto5.7Mar2018"/> | * March 2018: Mitting minded to restrict real name, application over cover name is refused.<ref name="mitting.mindedto5.7Mar2018"/> According to Mitting, the risk to HN21 from groups they targeted is negligible. However, the former undercover suffers from depression, and the medical professional who examined him on behalf of the Inquiry, Dr. Busuttil, opined that HN21 is at high risk of recurrence if the real and cover names were published. Mitting however noted that deployment of HN21 is of 'some interest to the Inquiry' and needs a more thorough investigation than possible if explored simply under a cipher, stating:<ref name="mitting.mindedto5.7Mar2018"/> | ||
::I am not, at present, convinced that measures cannot be take to avoid harmful impact on the health of HN21. I will afford an opportunity to HN21 to consider such measures in a closed session and/or submit that they would be ineffective. A closed note accompanies these reasons. | ::I am not, at present, convinced that measures cannot be take to avoid harmful impact on the health of HN21. I will afford an opportunity to HN21 to consider such measures in a closed session and/or submit that they would be ineffective. A closed note accompanies these reasons. | ||
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| + | * May 2018: Mitting changes his mind to and stated intention to restrict both real and cover names, writing:<ref name="mitting.mindedto9.23May2018"/> | ||
| + | :: Since the publication of 'minded to' note 5 on 7 March 2018, HN21 has been examined again by Dr Busuttil, who as produced a further report dated 24 April 2018. In his opinion, which I accept, HN21's health has deteriorated since he was last seen by him in March 2017. He is suffering a mild to moderately severe depressive episode and another long term condition. He is receiving treatment, in the form of mild antidepressant medication which does improve his condition. In the opinion of Dr Busuttil, which again I accept, prolonged uncertainty about the outcome of his application for restriction orders has contributed to and maintained his depression. If his cover name were to be disclosed, Dr Busuttil's opinion is that his psychiatric symptoms are likely to worsen and render the treatment recommended, including an increased dose of antidepressant medication, less likely to succeed. Conversely, if his real and cover names are not disclosed, Dr Busuttil would expect his depression to respond to intervention. | ||
| + | :: The evidence of HN21 about his deployment and service in the SOS and police service after it ended, are of significant interest to the Inquiry. Mr Sanders QC, for HN21, accepts that it will have to be given publicly even if it is given in writing. He also submits that if it is given in a cypher, so as to alleviate his concerns about disclosure of his identity, it is likely to be of better quality. This submission is founded on the opinion of Dr Busuttil. I accept that it has some force. There is, however, a significant and unavoidable risk that if worthwhile public evidence is to be given by HN21, it will lead to his identification in his cover name by those who knew him when deployed. This is a risk, which will almost certainly have to be run, to permit the Inquiry to get the truth. According to the risk assessor, there is a strong sterile corridor between the real and cover name. Objectively, therefore, the risk of interference in private and family life which might be caused by the intrusive attentions of others is small. The only reason for not publishing the cover name is that stated above. I am minded to make a restriction order in respect of it, but only on the basis that detailed public evidence is provided by HN21 under his cypher, notwithstanding the risk that this may lead to the identification of his cover name. | ||
| + | :: There are no further closed reasons. | ||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
Revision as of 13:18, 17 July 2018
This article is part of the Undercover Research Portal at Powerbase - investigating corporate and police spying on activists
HN21 is the cipher given to a former Special Demonstration Squad undercover officer deployed in the late 70s / early 80s against one group and who reported on others. Is in his 60s. Originally his cover name was due to be revealed by the Undercover Policing Inquiry.[1] However, the Inquiry Chair, John Mitting, changed his mind in May 2018 to indicated he was minded to grant full anonymity to HN21 on mental health grounds.[2][3]
- For an explanation of the HN cipher system, see the N Officers page.
In the Undercover Policing Inquiry
- January 2018: directed that restriction order applications to be submitted by end of that month.[4]
- March 2018: Mitting minded to restrict real name, application over cover name is refused.[1] According to Mitting, the risk to HN21 from groups they targeted is negligible. However, the former undercover suffers from depression, and the medical professional who examined him on behalf of the Inquiry, Dr. Busuttil, opined that HN21 is at high risk of recurrence if the real and cover names were published. Mitting however noted that deployment of HN21 is of 'some interest to the Inquiry' and needs a more thorough investigation than possible if explored simply under a cipher, stating:[1]
- I am not, at present, convinced that measures cannot be take to avoid harmful impact on the health of HN21. I will afford an opportunity to HN21 to consider such measures in a closed session and/or submit that they would be ineffective. A closed note accompanies these reasons.
- May 2018: Mitting changes his mind to and stated intention to restrict both real and cover names, writing:[3]
- Since the publication of 'minded to' note 5 on 7 March 2018, HN21 has been examined again by Dr Busuttil, who as produced a further report dated 24 April 2018. In his opinion, which I accept, HN21's health has deteriorated since he was last seen by him in March 2017. He is suffering a mild to moderately severe depressive episode and another long term condition. He is receiving treatment, in the form of mild antidepressant medication which does improve his condition. In the opinion of Dr Busuttil, which again I accept, prolonged uncertainty about the outcome of his application for restriction orders has contributed to and maintained his depression. If his cover name were to be disclosed, Dr Busuttil's opinion is that his psychiatric symptoms are likely to worsen and render the treatment recommended, including an increased dose of antidepressant medication, less likely to succeed. Conversely, if his real and cover names are not disclosed, Dr Busuttil would expect his depression to respond to intervention.
- The evidence of HN21 about his deployment and service in the SOS and police service after it ended, are of significant interest to the Inquiry. Mr Sanders QC, for HN21, accepts that it will have to be given publicly even if it is given in writing. He also submits that if it is given in a cypher, so as to alleviate his concerns about disclosure of his identity, it is likely to be of better quality. This submission is founded on the opinion of Dr Busuttil. I accept that it has some force. There is, however, a significant and unavoidable risk that if worthwhile public evidence is to be given by HN21, it will lead to his identification in his cover name by those who knew him when deployed. This is a risk, which will almost certainly have to be run, to permit the Inquiry to get the truth. According to the risk assessor, there is a strong sterile corridor between the real and cover name. Objectively, therefore, the risk of interference in private and family life which might be caused by the intrusive attentions of others is small. The only reason for not publishing the cover name is that stated above. I am minded to make a restriction order in respect of it, but only on the basis that detailed public evidence is provided by HN21 under his cypher, notwithstanding the risk that this may lead to the identification of his cover name.
- There are no further closed reasons.
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Sir John Mitting, In the matter of section 19(3) of the Inquiries Act 2005. Applications for restriction orders in respect of the real and cover names of officers of the Special Operations Squad and Special Demonstration Squad - 'Minded To' Note 5, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 7 March 2018.
- ↑ 'Minded to' decisions relating to anonymity applications: Special Demonstration Squad Ruling on HN122, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 23 May 2018.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Applications for restriction orders in respect of the real and cover names of officers of the Special Operations Squad and the Special Demonstrations Squad 'Minded to' note 9 and Ruling 8, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 23 May 2018.
- ↑ Applications for restriction orders in respect of the real and cover names of officers of the Special Operations Squad and the Special Demonstrations Squad: Directions, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 11 January 2018.
