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.

Policy Manual - Contents

1. Summary of Legal Provision   (PDF 24KB)

2. Flowcharts (PDF 61KB)

3. Procedure for Covert Surveillance and Acquisition of Communications Data

4. Covert Surveillance – Code of Practice

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

6. Acquisition and Disclosure of Communications Data – Code of Practice

7. List of authorised officers (PDF 6KB)


8. Directed Surveillance

•  Application for the use of Directed Surveillance
•  Review of the use of Directed Surveillance
•  Renewal of Directed Surveillance
•  Cancellation of the use of Directed Surveillance

9.Covert Human Intelligence Source

• Application for the use of Convert Human Intelligence Sources (CHIS)
• Reviewing the use of Convert Human Intelligence Sources (CHIS)
• Renewal of authorisation to use Covert Human Intelligence Sources
• Cancellation of Convert Human Intelligence Sources (CHIS)

10 Acquisition of Communications Data

• Chapter II application for communication data
• Part I Chapter II request schedule for subscriber information
• RIPA Section 22 notice to obtain communications data from communications service providers
• Reporting an error by a CSP to the IOCCO
• Reporting an error by a public authority to the IOCCO

11. Home Office Index of all Relevant Forms