Onward Virgin police officers

In his latest comment piece on our website Professor Ed Cape discusses the Metropolitan Police's collaboration with Virgin Media on a private prosecution.

Under the terms of the deal struck with Virgin Media, the Metropolitan Police were in line to collect millions of pounds under an 'incentive scheme', in return for assisting in the prosecution of individuals suspected of selling television set-top boxes that enabled purchasers to obtain access to premium services without a subscription.

In his piece Ed Cape writes:

'At first blush, this may seem something of a technical dispute. However, there are very significant dangers in the police becoming involved in private investigations...

'The Lord Chief said that it was essential that the Home Office, ACPO and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners give urgent consideration to the issues raised by the case. However, can we trust a government that is keen on privatising prisons and probation, and just about everything else in the criminal justice system, to be worried by the implications of Virgin Police?'