Inquiry Reveals Racism in Undercover Metropolitan Police Unit

A public inquiry into the Metropolitan Police's Special Demonstration Squad (SDS) has unveiled serious allegations of racism among senior officers who supervised undercover operations. Peter Francis, a former member of the SDS, testified that two senior officers exhibited overtly racist behavior during the 1990s. Francis described one officer, Detective Chief Superintendent Robert Potter, as “horribly racist,” stating that he frequently used the “N-word” and made derogatory comments about black justice campaigns. Francis's testimony is part of a broader investigation into the SDS's surveillance of political campaigns, particularly those related to the family of Stephen Lawrence, a black teenager murdered in 1993.

The Guardian

The inquiry, led by retired judge Sir John Mitting, was established in 2014 following revelations that the SDS had covertly monitored the Lawrence family as they sought justice for their son’s murder. Francis, who infiltrated various anti-racist and leftwing groups from 1993 to 1997, is the only undercover officer to publicly disclose the misconduct of the SDS. He reported that the unit, which operated from 1968 to at least 2010, spied on tens of thousands of activists, primarily from leftwing backgrounds.

The Guardian

During his testimony, Francis recounted that Potter and another unnamed senior officer, referred to as HN86, expressed disdain for black justice campaigns, believing that participants were incapable of independent thought. HN86 allegedly used racist terms to describe these campaigners, suggesting they were manipulated by radical leftist groups. Francis noted that the SDS employed only one black officer during his tenure, Trevor Morris, who faced distrust from HN86 due to his race.

The Guardian

The Metropolitan Police has publicly apologized for the surveillance of the Lawrence family, acknowledging the inappropriate actions of the SDS. However, the inquiry continues to face challenges, particularly regarding the anonymity of certain officers involved. HN86, who has denied the allegations, is currently pursuing legal action to avoid questioning by the inquiry.

The Guardian

Critics of the SDS's operations have raised concerns about the systemic racism within the unit and the broader implications for community trust in law enforcement. Activists have accused Francis of exaggerating his claims, particularly regarding violent confrontations involving anti-racist campaigners, further complicating the narrative surrounding the inquiry.

The Guardian

• “would use the N-word to describe the campaigns and impress on me the importance of stopping these ‘effing [N-word]s’” — Peter Francis, Former SDS Officer

The Guardian

• “view of the black justice campaigns was that they were unable to think for themselves and therefore they must all be being led by the more radical leftwing groups looking to advance their own agendas,” — Peter Francis, Former SDS Officer

The Guardian

The inquiry continues to unfold, with further testimonies expected to shed light on the practices of the SDS and the implications of its actions on racial justice movements in the UK.

The Guardian