Hillsborough relatives' anger at 'secret society' police links
CALLS for “greater transparency” about links between the Freemasons and police were growing last night in the wake of the Hillsborough inquest.
South Yorkshire Police have been accused of links with a 'secret society'
Relatives of the 96 victims have long believed the powerful “secret society” wielded influence at South Yorkshire Police.
They believe officers, including disgraced match commander Chief Superintendent David Duckenfield, were promoted above their capabilities because of their Masonic connections, then colluded in an alleged cover-up.
David Duckenfield has admitted he was 'ill-equipped' for his role
By Duckenfield’s own admission he was “ill-equipped” for the role handed him just weeks before the tragedy in April 1989, a view shared by many of his ex-colleagues.
Now the Independent Police Complaints Commission, which is investigating alleged misconduct following the tragedy, is looking into Freemasonry in the force.
No police officer is required to declare their membership despite a number of reports calling for such a change.
A spokesman for the College of Policing, which drew up a code of ethics for the 127,000 police officers in England and Wales, said it was not aware of any force that held a voluntary register of Masonic members.
The Police Federation said it was supportive of a more open and transparent system.