The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) faces backlash for instructing local police forces to refuse information requests regarding banned surveillance software and severe drug issues. Campaign group Big Brother Watch condemned these actions as authoritarian censorship. Despite the NPCC claiming adherence to legislation and offering guidance on Freedom of Information requests, their recommendations led to numerous information retractions, raising alarms about accountability and transparency in policing. Investigations revealed a significant number of such advisory instances by the NPCC, akin to practices undermining public trust in law enforcement.
"The NPCC's central referral unit appears to be acting like an authoritarian censor, blocking the public's right to know about critical issues like surveillance and drug use."
"During the first three months of 2024, the central referral unit advised forces on 1,706 occasions, equivalent to one in every 11 requests submitted."
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