JB-15.15
Response
Accepted
AI-assessed
SOP for covert monitoring post evidence recording
Recommendation
When a CMP is being used to gather evidence or intelligence, the MPS (and other forces) should consider developing an SOP to ensure that the information is adequately recorded to provide a clear audit trail.
Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS)'s October 2022 report, a specific Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for covert monitoring post evidence recording had not yet been developed, pending the implementation of a national D-DaCS system. According to the MPS, it was reinforcing the national Surveillance Manual of Standards (MoS) through internal guidance and training. According to the College of Policing's APP-AP update from August 2023, this recommendation was still 'In Progress', and no further published evidence has been identified since then.
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 19 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, web.archive.org, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
This recommendation requires implementation across many organisations. The assessment reflects central policy response, not adoption in individual organisations.
Jurisdiction
England
Section Reference
15.15
Response
Accepted
Response
Accepted
Accepted
Metropolitan Police Service
28 Oct 2022
MPS formally responded on 28 October 2022 (para 30). MPS has not yet developed SOP pending national D-DaCS system. Reinforcing national Surveillance MoS via internal guidance and training.
Progress Timeline
Official Report
01 Aug 2023
Status as of College of Policing APP-AP update (August 2023): In Progress
Responsible Bodies
Metropolitan Police Service
Primary
Themes & Tags
Recommendation age
3.7 yrs
Last formal update
966 days ago