Simon McLean discusses his reluctance to divulge details about undercover police work during episodes of Crime Time Inc. He explains that UC (undercover) operations require strict anonymity to protect agents and security service methods. Revisiting this work means confronting a painful past where officers had to adopt criminal personas.
McLean emphasises the inherent dangers of UC work, describing it as law enforcement's front line. Officers must maintain constant vigilance and concentration while living as different people, separated from family for extended periods. This creates psychological strain that many never fully recover from.
He notes that some colleagues now face scrutiny for decisions made decades ago, making public discussion particularly risky. McLean describes the experience as fundamentally incommunicable — the lies, manipulation, and deception required cannot be properly conveyed to outsiders.
Rather than receiving recognition, UC officers often face criticism and judgement from those unfamiliar with their work. McLean observes that enhanced regulation and support systems have improved somewhat in recent years, but sacrifices remain substantial and often go unacknowledged.