Police surveillance at Climate Camp

Check out Fitwatch for reports on the actions of police Forward Intelligence Teams (FIT) at the Climate Camps in Edinburgh and South Wales.

FIT are infamous for their intrusive style of intelligence gathering – taking photographs and video footage of activists at meetings and demonstrations, and harassing those they have a particular “interest” in. They have been known to accompany activists away from demos – following them to their workplace or homes, on public transport or tailing their cars as they drive home. Their actions go over and above everyday intelligence gathering to make activists acutely aware that they are under surveillance, making activism seem risky and putting some people off from getting active.

The role of FIT has evolved slightly as their harassment of activists has gained some press coverage and they have been implicated in the death of Ian Tomlinson, and as activists have organised to actively oppose them. However, they are still a threat and will no doubt be sniffing around the Animal Rights Summer Gathering this coming weekend. For more information about the role of FIT teams and how best to oppose them, visit the Fitwatch site or come to the talk on “Fitwatching” at the AR gathering.