IPCC investigating MPS mass document shredding

A Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) intelligence unit is under investigation following allegations it destroyed a large number of files after the Undercover Policing Inquiry (UCPI) was announced. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) confirmed on Wednesday (February 8) an ongoing inquiry into claims regarding the shredding of documents by the National Domestic Extremism and Disorder Intelligence Unit (NDEDIU), which provides intelligence on domestic extremism and strategic public order issues in the UK. Following Theresa May’s confirmation of the UCPI in 2014, it is alleged a large number of documents – including files on the Green Party’s Baroness Jenny Jones – were shredded, despite an MPS instruction not to destroy files without “express permission”. Political activist Baroness Jones was a member of the London Assembly from its creation in 2000 until 2016 and sat on the Metropolitan Police Authority from 2000 until it was abolished in 2012. Official files show the NDEDIU kept a log of Baroness Jones’ political movements between 2001 and 2012, including recording a tweet she sent saying she was “concerned that she may be kettled by the Met” at a pro-cycling protest. Records were also kept about her protests against the arms trade and invasion of Iraq. Whistle-blower Sergeant David Williams, who previously worked for the NDEDIU, said in January 2016 he had witnessed three officers shredding more than 30 reports relating to Ms Jones, and a further two officers deleting records from a database. He claims the information was destroyed to prevent her from discovering the extent of the force’s monitoring of her political activities. Responding to these claims last year, the MPS said the files had been destroyed as part of a programme to improve its record keeping, adding it was not done “inappropriately”. IPCC Deputy Chair Sarah Green said: “Having already undertaken a number of investigative steps, the IPCC can now confirm this investigation is ongoing. While the evidence indicates that a large number of documents were shredded over a period of days in May 2014, the difficult task ahead for our investigators is to determine what the documentation was, why it was destroyed, whether electronic copies were kept and who may have ordered its destruction. “We are also examining what action the MPS took once it was alerted, by a member of staff, to the allegations in December 2014. “We are liaising with officials from the UCPI and appreciate the serious concern participants in that Inquiry will be feeling at this news. We will continue to keep the Inquiry updated with our progress as the investigation continues.” The MPS said it referred the allegations about the shredded documents to the IPCC in May 2016. A spokesperson said: “The MPS has briefed the UCPI regarding the referral. We remain committed to providing our fullest possible co-operation to the Inquiry. “It would be inappropriate for the MPS to provide further information whilst the independent investigation is ongoing.