Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000

This Council is committed to working for the overall good of the people of Worcestershire, which will include carrying out appropriate investigations into allegations or concerns.  Very occasionally, this will require us to gather information in respect of individuals who may be unaware of what we are doing (eg. for suspected offences) through covert surveillance or the acquisition of communications data.  In doing so, we want to draw a fair balance between the public interest and the rights of individuals.

In order to achieve that balance, the Council wishes to take into account and comply with the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) and the Human Rights Act 1998.  This Procedure sets out the Council's approach to covert surveillance and the acquisition of communications data issues falling within the framework of RIPA in order to ensure consistency, balance and fairness.  This approach will provide additional protection and safeguards where these covert activities are likely to cause us to obtain what is called “private information” about individuals or where we go 'undercover' in certain circumstances.  This Procedure also makes it clear to the public what checks and balances will apply.

Those Officers authorised under the Act are listed under section 7  (10.73 KB)

POLICY MANUAL- CONTENTS


1. Summary of legal Provision  (23.12 KB)

2. Flowcharts  (60.87 KB)

3. Procedure for Covert Surveillance and Acquisition of Communications Data  (39.90 KB)

4.Covert Surveillance – Code of Practice

5.Covert Human Intelligence Sources (CHIS) – Code of Practice

6.Acquisition of Communications Data – draft Code of Practice

7.List of authorised officers  (10.74 KB)

8.Application Forms:

-Application for authorisation to carry out Directed Surveillance
-Application for authorisation of the use or conduct of a CHIS Intelligence Source
-Application for Acquisition of Communications Data
-Notice/Authorisation of Acquisition of Communications Data
-Designated Persons Consideration Form in respect of an Application for Acquisition of Communications Data
-Application for Communications Data – SPOC Rejection Form

9.Review Forms:

- Review of a Directed Surveillance Authorisation
- Review of a CHIS Authorisation

10.Renewal Forms:

- Application for renewal of a Directed Surveillance Authorisation
- Application for renewal of a CHIS Authorisation

11.Cancellation Forms

- Cancellation of a Directed Surveillance Authorisation
- Cancellation of an Authorisation for the Use of Conduct of a CHIS
- Cancellation of Notice for Acquisition of Communications Data ( to be sent to communications provider)
- Cancellation of Authorisation of Acquisition of Communications Data ( to be completed when cancelling a request for Communications Data and kept internally)

Home Office Index of all relevant forms