2005.07.22 The Guardian
It isn't so much a plainclothes assignment - more of a no-clothes one. Police officers are preparing to shed their uniforms to go undercover on a popular naturists' beach.
As part of Operation Coast, officers in Dorset are trying to blend in with naturists at Studland Beach to try to catch so-called "doggers", people who meet to have, or watch, casual outdoor sex.
The officers may stand out a bit because they will not strip completely but protect their modesty by keeping on swimming trunks or bathing suits.
Studland Beach, which is managed by the National Trust, has been a favourite with naturists since the 1920s. But in recent years it has been blighted by the appearance of doggers.
Chief Inspector Nick Maton of Dorset police said naturists felt increasingly threatened. "To give an example, one naturist couple using the beach had actually written in the sand in front of them 'no pervs', so they would not be approached.
"For some people to feel the need to do that is quite unacceptable.
"Studland nudist beach has its own community and it is getting to the stage where people aren't taking their children there because of what has been happening."
Ch Insp Maton said there was growing concern that naturists would desert the beach.
"There is a real worry that the next generation of naturists will just not happen."
Dorset police have produced a leaflet which will be handed out to beach users, warning them that uniform and undercover officers will be patrolling.
It states: "Overt sexual activity is intimidating and threatens to bring naturism into disrepute."
Previous police clampdowns at the beach have already achieved some successes. An undercover female officer, for example, arrested a 45-year-old landscape gardener for outraging public decency after he approached her while she was sitting on a sand dune.
Last summer 16 people were arrested for outraging public decency at Studland Beach.
Ch Insp Maton said the officers would not immediately go on undercover patrol but would first try to dissuade offenders by informing them of the penalties they faced, and they would undertake uniformed patrols.
If this strategy does not work, officers will be asked to strip in the name of the law.
