What role does a television series play when the scandal it covers is already widely known? The “spy cops” scandal has been extensively reported, particularly by The Guardian, which has led investigative efforts on the issue. A public inquiry is already in progress. Yet, ITV’s three-part docuseries, The Undercover Police Scandal: Love and Lies Exposed, co-produced with The Guardian and featuring journalists Rob Evans and Paul Lewis, proves its significance.
Beyond television’s ability to reach a broader audience, the series’ use of personal testimony brings a depth of emotional impact that written reports may not fully capture. Utilizing true-crime documentary techniques, The Undercover Police Scandal keeps viewers engaged while providing ample time to absorb the gravity of the injustice it unveils—one that raises fundamental questions about the British state.
The Spy Cops Scandal: Decades of Deception
For decades, particularly in the 1990s and 2000s, undercover police officers infiltrated activist groups under false identities. What began as surveillance extended to shocking betrayals. More than 60 women unknowingly entered into relationships with these officers, believing them to be fellow activists. Some even had children with these impostors, unaware of their true identities.
Women targeted in the operation share their experiences in the documentary, though many conceal their identities using wigs and makeup. One victim, Lisa, spent five happy years with her partner before a chance sighting of his passport unraveled the truth. Another, known as “Alison,” recalled discovering a debit card with an unfamiliar surname after her partner abruptly disappeared. Helen Steel—one of the few to reveal her real name—is recognized for her involvement in the McLibel case. She, too, was abandoned by the man she believed to be the love of her life, only later realizing the sinister truth.
A Story of Betrayal and Exposure
The documentary employs classic true-crime storytelling techniques, taking viewers through the victims’ initial bliss, growing suspicions, and eventual transformation into relentless investigators. As they independently uncover the true identities of their partners, their discoveries gain momentum. The Guardian’s involvement helps break the story, leading to a nationwide scandal.
However, the true impact of the series lies in the raw emotion of the victims as they recount their stories. Personal photographs, home videos, and recollections of major life moments—weddings, funerals, and family gatherings—now carry the weight of deception. The series offers an intimate look at how these women’s lives were irreparably damaged.
State-Sanctioned Intrusion and Its Implications
The documentary highlights not just the officers’ deception but the larger implications of a government-backed program targeting activists. The women’s eerily similar experiences point to a coordinated, costly operation approved at high levels. The question remains: Why did the British government go to such extremes?
A key revelation comes when “Alison” describes her involvement in a community group supporting families of Black individuals killed in police encounters. The documentary reveals that, in 2014, then-Home Secretary Theresa May ordered an inquiry after it was exposed that undercover officers had infiltrated the campaign seeking justice for Stephen Lawrence.
Many of the women were engaged in peaceful causes, from environmental activism to anti-fascist movements, yet they were treated as threats requiring extreme surveillance. The series suggests two possible reactions to this level of government overreach—fear and distrust, or motivation to hold power to account. Helen Steel reminds viewers that every major civil right has been won through grassroots activism, reinforcing the importance of protest and political engagement.
A Rare Opportunity for Transparency
One of the documentary’s most chilling moments comes when “Alison” recalls realizing her boyfriend was a police officer. “I felt like I had uncovered something you weren’t supposed to uncover,” she says.
While the facts of the scandal are disturbing, The Undercover Police Scandal: Love and Lies Exposed plays a crucial role in shedding further light on the issue. It provides a rare moment where the public can see behind the curtain, understanding the extent of a deception that spanned decades.
The Undercover Police Scandal: Love and Lies Exposed airs on ITV1 and is available for streaming on ITVX.
