header-logo header-logo

Spy cops under scrutiny

30 July 2015 / Nicholas Griffin KC
Issue: 7664 / Categories: Features , Public
printer mail-detail
nlj_7664_griffin

Nicholas Griffin QC explores the scope & approach of the Pitchford Inquiry into undercover policing

Recently, there have been numerous and significant revelations about the way in which the state exercises its powers to spy on its own citizens. For its part, the government explains that we live in a time of terrorist threat and the law enforcement and spy agencies must be given the tools and powers they need to meet that threat. The result is that most of us are left wondering where the line between the competing interests of our security on the one hand and our privacy on the other should be drawn. 

Much of the media coverage has focused on the activities of the spy agencies in this country and in the US, particularly after the revelations of Edward Snowden. However, many of the same issues arise in connection with the activities of the police, including with the use of undercover officers who can gain access to our most private thoughts and information. It is now suggested

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Quinn Emanuel—James McSweeney

Quinn Emanuel—James McSweeney

London promotion underscores firm’s investment in white collar and investigations

Ward Hadaway—Louise Miller

Ward Hadaway—Louise Miller

Private client team strengthened by partner appointment

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

Kate Gaskell, CEO of Flex Legal, reflects on chasing her childhood dreams underscores the importance of welcoming those from all backgrounds into the profession

NEWS
Overcrowded prisons, mental health hospitals and immigration centres are failing to meet international and domestic human rights standards, the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) has warned
Two speedier and more streamlined qualification routes have been launched for probate and conveyancing professionals
Workplace stress was a contributing factor in almost one in eight cases before the employment tribunal last year, indicating its endemic grip on the UK workplace
Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School highlights a turbulent end to 2025 in the civil courts, from the looming appeal in Mazur to judicial frustration with ever-expanding bundles, in his final NLJ 'The insider' column of the year
Antonia Glover of Quinn Emanuel outlines sweeping transparency reforms following the work of the Transparency and Open Justice Board in this week's NLJ
back-to-top-scroll