British police are building up a database of “domestic extremists” who turn up to protests, the Guardian said yesterday.
The database, which includes details of activists — including photographs and vehicle details — features people seen at public demonstrations, for example anti-war rallies and environmental protests, the newspaper said.
The policing of demonstrations became a major issue in Britain following the G20 protests in April. One man died when he collapsed after being hit by an officer and police also faced criticism for employing the controversial technique of “kettling” — the compulsory containment of large crowds.
The Guardian said senior officers said the term “domestic extremism” could include activists suspected of committing minor public order offences, such as civil disobedience.
Three national police units responsible for combating domestic extremism are run by the “terrorism and allied matters” committee of the Association of Chief Police Officers, the daily said. The committee gets £9 million (US$14.6 million) in public funding and employs around 100 people.
The main section is the National Public Order Intelligence Unit, which holds the central database for information supplied from forces around the country.
The Guardian said the units had four categories: animal rights campaigns; far-right groups; “extreme leftwing” protest groups, including anti-war campaigners; and “environmental extremism.”
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