Difference between revisions of "HN91"

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''HN91'' is the cipher given to a former undercover officer with the [[Special Demonstration Squad]] who was deployed against two groups in the 'last period of existence of the SDS'.<ref name="ucpi.minded-to11.21June2018">Sir John Mitting, [https://www.ucpi.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/20180621-SDS_anonymity_Minded_to_11.pdf Applications for restriction orders in respect of the real and cover names of officers of the Special Operations Squad and the Special Demonstration Squad - 'Minded To' Note 11], ''Undercover Policing Inquiry'', 21 June 2018.</ref>
 
''HN91'' is the cipher given to a former undercover officer with the [[Special Demonstration Squad]] who was deployed against two groups in the 'last period of existence of the SDS'.<ref name="ucpi.minded-to11.21June2018">Sir John Mitting, [https://www.ucpi.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/20180621-SDS_anonymity_Minded_to_11.pdf Applications for restriction orders in respect of the real and cover names of officers of the Special Operations Squad and the Special Demonstration Squad - 'Minded To' Note 11], ''Undercover Policing Inquiry'', 21 June 2018.</ref>
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The Chair of the Undercover Policing Inquiry has indicated he is minded to restrict both real and cover names of HN91.<ref name="ucpi.pr.9July2018"/>
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* For the N cipher system see [[N officers]] page.
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==As an SDS undercover officer==
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Joined police in early 1990s and into Special Branch in late 1990s. Late 1990s / early 2000s joined the SDS. Spent several months to build their legend.<ref name="nh91.personal.statement.25Apr2018">'HN91', [https://www.ucpi.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/20180425-HN91_impact_statement.pdf HN91 Impact Statement], ''Metropolitan Police Service'', 25 April 2017, published 9 July 2018 via ucpi.org.uk.</ref>
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From risk assessment:<ref name="hn91.ra.21June2018">Duncan Hodge, [https://www.ucpi.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/20180621-HN91_risk_assessment.pdf N91 - Risk Assessment], ''Metropolitan Police Service'', 21 June 2018, published 9 July 2018 via ucpi.org.uk.</ref>
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* On recruitment: N91 was first approached and then signposted towards other field officers to find out more about the unit.
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* 'N91 was not explicitly promised anonymity. However it was explained to N91 that the SDS operated under conditions of absolute secrecy and they would be expected to maintain their anonymity. Nothing was put in writing for N91 but they say that it was made clear that this was a reciprocal arrangement.'
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* No arrests during deployment.
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* 'The risk assessor notes that N91 felt they had good support from some other UCO operatives. N91 also states that they had visits with a psychiatrist during their time in deployment.'
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Claims that a number of people associated with the group they targeted were violent, and are likely to still be. They state that if the inquiry revealed either cover or real name, they are likely to move abroad. They went on to say (in their personal statement):<ref name="nh91.personal.statement.25Apr2018"/>
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:: I would never have become a UCO if I  had been told that my anonymity would not be protected for  life. I  have always been discrete about my work and expected that this would operate both ways.  I never engaged in any criminal acts while deployed and I did not have a relationship with any activists. After my relationship with my first partner ended, I started a new relationship towards  the end of my deployment with my current partner,  who was not involved in any activism or campaigning.  For the first few months of this relationship, my current partner knew me by my cover name but I then told  him/her that I was in fact a UCO and we have remained together since then. I did not have any other relationships while deployed.
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Risk assessor believes impact of revealing HN91's cover name is low to medium, and real name is medium to high.<ref name="hn91.ra.21June2018"/>
  
 
==In the Undercover Policing Inquiry==
 
==In the Undercover Policing Inquiry==
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* 21 June 2018: Application over real and cover name made which the Chair of the Inquiry, John Mitting, is minded to grant.<ref name="ucpi.pr.21June2018">[https://www.ucpi.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/20180621-PN-SDS-minded-to-11.pdf Press notice - 'Minded to' decisions relating to anonymity applications: Special Demonstration Squad], ''Undercover Policing Inquiry'', 21 June 2018.</ref> Open material to be published in due course to allowing responses to Mitting's position.<ref name="cti.explan.note.21June2018">[https://www.ucpi.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/20180621-update-counsels-explanatory-note-SDS-Minded-to-11.pdf Counsel to the Inqury's Explanatory Note to accompany the Chairman's 'Minded To' Note 9 and Ruling 8 in respect of applications for restrictions over the real and cover names of officers of the Special Operations Squad and Special Demonstration Squad: Update as at 21 June 2018], ''Undercover Policing Inquiry'', 21 June 2018.</ref> In his 'Minded To' note, Mitting wrote:<ref name="ucpi.minded-to11.21June2018"/>
 
* 21 June 2018: Application over real and cover name made which the Chair of the Inquiry, John Mitting, is minded to grant.<ref name="ucpi.pr.21June2018">[https://www.ucpi.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/20180621-PN-SDS-minded-to-11.pdf Press notice - 'Minded to' decisions relating to anonymity applications: Special Demonstration Squad], ''Undercover Policing Inquiry'', 21 June 2018.</ref> Open material to be published in due course to allowing responses to Mitting's position.<ref name="cti.explan.note.21June2018">[https://www.ucpi.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/20180621-update-counsels-explanatory-note-SDS-Minded-to-11.pdf Counsel to the Inqury's Explanatory Note to accompany the Chairman's 'Minded To' Note 9 and Ruling 8 in respect of applications for restrictions over the real and cover names of officers of the Special Operations Squad and Special Demonstration Squad: Update as at 21 June 2018], ''Undercover Policing Inquiry'', 21 June 2018.</ref> In his 'Minded To' note, Mitting wrote:<ref name="ucpi.minded-to11.21June2018"/>
  
:: HN91 was deployed against two groups in the last period of existence of the Special Demonstration  Squad. None f the members of the target groups posed or pose a threat to the safety of HN91. But for the factor referred to below, I would not have made a restriction order in respect of the cover name. Evidence about the deployments must be received to permit the Inquiry to fulfil its terms of reference. Some, at least, of it will have to be given in closed session.
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:: HN91 was deployed against two groups in the last period of existence of the Special Demonstration  Squad. None of the members of the target groups posed or pose a threat to the safety of HN91. But for the factor referred to below, I would not have made a restriction order in respect of the cover name. Evidence about the deployments must be received to permit the Inquiry to fulfil its terms of reference. Some, at least, of it will have to be given in closed session.
 
:: HN91 is a serving police officer, performing a valuable and sensitive role. If the cover name were to be published, there is a high risk that the real identity would be disclosed, in which event, HN91 could not continue to perform current duties. The risk of disclosure, by itself, would be likely to lead senior officers to transfer HN91 to other duties. It would not be in the public interest that this should occur. That interest outweighs the interests of the Inquiry in receiving public evidence about all aspects of the deployments of HN91.
 
:: HN91 is a serving police officer, performing a valuable and sensitive role. If the cover name were to be published, there is a high risk that the real identity would be disclosed, in which event, HN91 could not continue to perform current duties. The risk of disclosure, by itself, would be likely to lead senior officers to transfer HN91 to other duties. It would not be in the public interest that this should occur. That interest outweighs the interests of the Inquiry in receiving public evidence about all aspects of the deployments of HN91.
 
:: Publication of the real name of HN91 is, in any event, not required to permit the Inquiry to fulfil its terms of reference.  
 
:: Publication of the real name of HN91 is, in any event, not required to permit the Inquiry to fulfil its terms of reference.  
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: There was also a closed note accompanying this.
 
: There was also a closed note accompanying this.
  
* 9 July 2018: provisional decision to restrict real name made<ref name="ucpi.pr.9July2018">[https://www.ucpi.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/20180709-NPOIU_SDS-press_notice-anonymity-docs-FINAL.pdf Publication of documents relating to anonymity applications: National Public Order Intelligence Unit & Special Demonstration Squad], ''Undercover Policing Inquiry'', 9 July 2018.</ref> with the open application material also being published.<ref name="ucpi.doclist.9July2018">[https://www.ucpi.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/website_MTN_9_10_11-Officers_document_list.pdf List of documents relating to SOS officers - published 09 July 2018], ''Undercover Policing Inquiry'', 9 July 2018.</ref>
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* 9 July 2018: provisional decision to restrict real and cover names<ref name="ucpi.pr.9July2018">[https://www.ucpi.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/20180709-NPOIU_SDS-press_notice-anonymity-docs-FINAL.pdf Publication of documents relating to anonymity applications: National Public Order Intelligence Unit & Special Demonstration Squad], ''Undercover Policing Inquiry'', 9 July 2018.</ref> with the open application material also being published.<ref name="ucpi.doclist.9July2018">[https://www.ucpi.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/website_MTN_9_10_11-Officers_document_list.pdf List of documents relating to SOS officers - published 09 July 2018], ''Undercover Policing Inquiry'', 9 July 2018.</ref>
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::* [https://www.ucpi.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/20180423-HN91-application.pdf Open application for a restriction order (anonymity) re: HN91], Metropolitan Police, 23 Apr 2018 - over both real and cover names.
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::* [https://www.ucpi.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/20180621-HN91_risk_assessment.pdf N91 - Risk Assessment], 21 June 2018 (Duncan Hodge).
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::* [https://www.ucpi.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/20180425-HN91_impact_statement.pdf Impact Statement], 25 April 2018.
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
  
 
<references />
 
<references />

Revision as of 17:07, 20 July 2018


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This article is part of the Undercover Research Portal at Powerbase - investigating corporate and police spying on activists



Part of a series on
undercover police officers
'HN91'
Male silhouette.png
Alias: unknown
Deployment: short period in 'last period' of the SDS
Unit:
Targets:
two groups, unknown

HN91 is the cipher given to a former undercover officer with the Special Demonstration Squad who was deployed against two groups in the 'last period of existence of the SDS'.[1]

The Chair of the Undercover Policing Inquiry has indicated he is minded to restrict both real and cover names of HN91.[2]

As an SDS undercover officer

Joined police in early 1990s and into Special Branch in late 1990s. Late 1990s / early 2000s joined the SDS. Spent several months to build their legend.[3]

From risk assessment:[4]

  • On recruitment: N91 was first approached and then signposted towards other field officers to find out more about the unit.
  • 'N91 was not explicitly promised anonymity. However it was explained to N91 that the SDS operated under conditions of absolute secrecy and they would be expected to maintain their anonymity. Nothing was put in writing for N91 but they say that it was made clear that this was a reciprocal arrangement.'
  • No arrests during deployment.
  • 'The risk assessor notes that N91 felt they had good support from some other UCO operatives. N91 also states that they had visits with a psychiatrist during their time in deployment.'

Claims that a number of people associated with the group they targeted were violent, and are likely to still be. They state that if the inquiry revealed either cover or real name, they are likely to move abroad. They went on to say (in their personal statement):[3]

I would never have become a UCO if I had been told that my anonymity would not be protected for life. I have always been discrete about my work and expected that this would operate both ways. I never engaged in any criminal acts while deployed and I did not have a relationship with any activists. After my relationship with my first partner ended, I started a new relationship towards the end of my deployment with my current partner, who was not involved in any activism or campaigning. For the first few months of this relationship, my current partner knew me by my cover name but I then told him/her that I was in fact a UCO and we have remained together since then. I did not have any other relationships while deployed.

Risk assessor believes impact of revealing HN91's cover name is low to medium, and real name is medium to high.[4]

In the Undercover Policing Inquiry

  • 19 April 2018: directed that applications for HN91 were to be filed by 24 April 2018 by MPS legal team, or 27 April for the Designated Lawyers team.[5]
  • 23 May 2018: awaiting further information required to make a decision.[6][7]
  • 21 June 2018: Application over real and cover name made which the Chair of the Inquiry, John Mitting, is minded to grant.[8] Open material to be published in due course to allowing responses to Mitting's position.[9] In his 'Minded To' note, Mitting wrote:[1]
HN91 was deployed against two groups in the last period of existence of the Special Demonstration Squad. None of the members of the target groups posed or pose a threat to the safety of HN91. But for the factor referred to below, I would not have made a restriction order in respect of the cover name. Evidence about the deployments must be received to permit the Inquiry to fulfil its terms of reference. Some, at least, of it will have to be given in closed session.
HN91 is a serving police officer, performing a valuable and sensitive role. If the cover name were to be published, there is a high risk that the real identity would be disclosed, in which event, HN91 could not continue to perform current duties. The risk of disclosure, by itself, would be likely to lead senior officers to transfer HN91 to other duties. It would not be in the public interest that this should occur. That interest outweighs the interests of the Inquiry in receiving public evidence about all aspects of the deployments of HN91.
Publication of the real name of HN91 is, in any event, not required to permit the Inquiry to fulfil its terms of reference.
There was also a closed note accompanying this.
  • 9 July 2018: provisional decision to restrict real and cover names[2] with the open application material also being published.[10]

Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 Sir John Mitting, Applications for restriction orders in respect of the real and cover names of officers of the Special Operations Squad and the Special Demonstration Squad - 'Minded To' Note 11, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 21 June 2018.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Publication of documents relating to anonymity applications: National Public Order Intelligence Unit & Special Demonstration Squad, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 9 July 2018.
  3. 3.0 3.1 'HN91', HN91 Impact Statement, Metropolitan Police Service, 25 April 2017, published 9 July 2018 via ucpi.org.uk.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Duncan Hodge, N91 - Risk Assessment, Metropolitan Police Service, 21 June 2018, published 9 July 2018 via ucpi.org.uk.
  5. Sir John Mitting, 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, 19 April 2018.
  6. 'Minded to' decisions relating to anonymity applications: Special Demonstration Squad Ruling on HN122, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 23 May 2018.
  7. 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.
  8. Press notice - 'Minded to' decisions relating to anonymity applications: Special Demonstration Squad, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 21 June 2018.
  9. Counsel to the Inqury's Explanatory Note to accompany the Chairman's 'Minded To' Note 9 and Ruling 8 in respect of applications for restrictions over the real and cover names of officers of the Special Operations Squad and Special Demonstration Squad: Update as at 21 June 2018, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 21 June 2018.
  10. List of documents relating to SOS officers - published 09 July 2018, Undercover Policing Inquiry, 9 July 2018.