The Ethics of Undercover Policing

Despite the media controversies surrounding high-profile cases of undercover policing, it is not always clear what ethical issues are at stake. Can undercover policing be justified? What are the ethical issues surrounding concealment and infiltration? What larger questions does undercover policing raise about the nature of policing and the legitimacy of coercive state action?

In this timely and clear account, Christopher Nathan explores these questions and more. He rejects the view that the...