Decision details

To seek approval for the adoption of an revised corporate policy for the use of the powers available under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) in order to keep the policy up to date, and address a recommendation from the Office of Surveillance Commissioners (OSC).

The proposed revised policy takes account of a) the impact of the Data Retention and Investigatory Powers Act 2014 which requires the National Anti-Fraud Network to be used for all communication data requests, b) the need to make the policy’ role’ rather than ‘post’ specific, and d) the recommendations by the OSC to clarify when a member of public providing information may be considered to be a Covert Human Intelligence Source, and who should attend the magistrates court.

RESOLVED that the Executive agrees:

(a)  the revised Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) - Policy and Procedures attached at Appendix A is approved; and

(b)  the post-holder assigned to the role of Senior Responsible Officer inherits the delegated authority to maintain Appendix 1 of the policy which assigns named officers to the roles covered by the policy.