'Incognito' detectives complain after offenders eat in police canteen

Plainclothes detectives have complained that their cover is being blown after offenders on community service were allowed to eat in the police canteen.

Detectives working on "surveillance" crimes have criticised the scheme letting the group of known offenders, who are clearing the gardens of the Birmingham station, eat in the canteen.

The West Midlands officers have now complained that their identities are "out in the open" after 14 of the offenders, believed to have included burglars, drug dealers and muggers, were "invited" to have lunch.



One senior detective, who did not wish to be named, told Police Review: "We have got a covert observation team who are meant to be incognito. We do not want them coming around the corner straight into people they are supposed to be doing surveillance on next week."

Another added: "It's ludicrous – how are we supposed to move around in criminal circles under cover only for a couple of them to recognise us as dining partners. Whoever came up with this plan needs their head read.

"They moved freely around the station – I saw undercover officers trying to avoid being recognised by slipping out of side exits."