The government should act now to stop the police destruction of archived evidence
The 'authorised professional practice' issued by the College of Policing in 2023 in relation to review, retention and disposal of material that has 'historical value and enduring public interest' or which may be required 'for academic ... or statistical purposes' is that such material 'should be archived', irrespective of the fact that the retention period has expired. Moreover, the Data Protection Act and its regulations expressly allow for the retention of such material.
The egregious examples of police misconduct on the day are now well-known. At trial it was finally conceded that a South Yorkshire detective had literally dictated the script to officers sitting at desks in what became known as 'the schoolroom'. An inquiry may further reveal the role of the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Home Office. But not if police forces are simply allowed to unilaterally destroy the evidence in advance. The government should immediately act to prevent it.Edward Rees KCLondon
Government papers stored at the National Archives are sometimes withheld or weeded, but are an essential tool for research historians. It is disturbing to read that Northumbria police have destroyed files relating to Orgreave. This may have conformed with a document retention process, but Sherlock Holmes will not be required to work out why it happened just before the election of a government committed to an inquiry into the events that took place at Orgreave.
Perhaps the home secretary could ensure that no further police files are destroyed before the inquiry takes place, if necessary by requiring copies to be lodged with the civil servants responsible for setting it up. A democratic society needs an accurate record of its history, even if it may be an uncomfortable one for some.Dr Keith FlettLondon Socialist Historians Group
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