Recommendation JB-15.13: Training on note-taking for covert monitoring officers
From Report into the Death of Jermaine Baker, published 5 July 2022.
Recommendation
The training referred to in paragraph 15.11 must emphasise the importance of covert monitoring officers (CMOs) making accurate notes of: (a) what they have heard; and (b) what they have passed on.
In brief (written by this site)
The Inquiry asked for covert monitoring officer training to emphasise accurate note-taking. In October 2022, the Metropolitan Police Service stated that accurate note-taking and organised dissemination systems are explored in its covert monitoring post awareness course and H2 training (Metropolitan Police Service response, Oct 2022). That same month, Chris Haward, National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) Lead for Surveillance, stated that surveillance standards would be strengthened to require staff to maintain an accurate contemporaneous record of what they have heard and what they have passed on (Chris Haward response, Oct 2022). The record holds nothing dated later than the response of October 2022 (Metropolitan Police Service response, Oct 2022).
AI-generated summary of the record on this page, checked by a second model and automatic checks, 2 Oct 2026. The record below is the sources' own words.
About this summary
This recommendation asks for cultural or behavioural change, which is difficult to verify from published sources alone. The record reflects policy commitments rather than measured outcomes.
Government response
In both the H2 training and the CMP operatives awareness course, the issues of accurate and consistent note-taking, together with effective and organised dissemination systems are comprehensively explored, as referenced within the Surveillance MoS.
This is already reflected in the previous MOG and current MOS. However, it will be strengthened to reflect this recommendation as shown below. Covert Audio Intrusive Surveillance & Covert Monitoring Posts Audio Monitoring Record (Extract) CMP staff are responsible for maintaining an accurate, bound and page-numbered / electronic contemporaneous monitoring record throughout the monitoring and recording period of: (a) What they have heard (b) What they have passed on The Audio Monitoring Record (AMR) provides a chronological record of events summarising the product of the covert surveillance device. Consideration must be given to the need for the SIO / TFC or CMP Manager to have immediate access to important sections of the record while monitoring or transcription is in progress. This may be passed on for briefing purposes by the use of a carbon copy form or digital platform at the required Government Security Classification. See also 15.15 response about recording information and decisions.
How this response relates to the recommendation
Site note: This is the letter of 20 October 2022 from Chief Constable Chris Haward (Lincolnshire Police), NPCC Lead for Surveillance, who signs it. A document-properties block on its last page names another officer as author; that block is a template left in the file, not a second author.
Delivery
No statement on delivery from College of Policing has been found in the sources searched (last checked 2 October 2026). This is separate from the response above.
Responsible bodies
Themes and tags
Who has spoken
- Metropolitan Police Service
Response - National Police Chiefs Council
Response