Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000

This Act gives local authorities the power to carry out certain types of surveillance on individuals.

The Council takes its statutory duties and responsibilities seriously and will at all times act in accordance with the law and use its powers under the Act only when it is necessary and proportionate to do so.

The Council has adopted a corporate policy based upon the Home Office Codes of Practice on Covert Surveillance and Covert Human Intelligence Sources.

Responsibility for the proper application of RIPA rests with authorising officers. The Council's RIPA Monitoring Officer is Charles Kerry, who will conduct an annual audit of all RIPA authorisations. The Council is also under the scrutiny of the Office of Surveillance Commissioners.

The carrying out of directed surveillance or the use of a covert human intelligence source without proper authorisation will make the action both unlawful and open to challenge. Any evidence gathered as a result may be inadmissible. The Council would also be open to allegations of maladministration as well as human rights violation claims.

Officers should therefore familiarise themselves with the Council's policy and the particular thought processes necessary for the proper completion of all RIPA authorisations, cancellations and renewals.

The Codes of Practice and further information and links to this topic may be found at the Office of Surveillance Commissioner's website http://www.ico.gov.uk/. (external link)

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Policy Relating to Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (51kb)