Covert policing in the United Kingdom is when police officers secretly investigate people or situations. It can involve police officers pretending to be someone else, or secretly recording people or conversations. The purpose of covert policing is to gather evidence and help to solve crimes, protect people's safety, and stop illegal activities. Covert policing can help police officers keep people safe while they investigate, as they don't have to expose themselves to the dangerous situations. Covert policing is important in the United Kingdom because it helps police officers to stop crime and keep people safe.