Policy Directed surveillance and covert human intelligence sources policy

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3. Associated documents

Relevant Statutes

(a)  Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 as amended by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 and explanatory notes

(b)  Human Rights Act 1998

(c)   Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984

Relevant Statutory Instruments (include)

(d)  Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Directed Surveillance and Covert Human Intelligence Sources) Order 2003 (SI 2003 No 3171) as amended by   Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Directed Surveillance and Covert Human Intelligence Sources) Order 2010/521 as amended and Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Directed Surveillance and Covert Human Intelligence Sources) (Amendment) Order 2012/1500

(e) The Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Juveniles) Order 2000/2793

(f)  The Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Extension of Authorisation Provisions: Legal Consultations) Order 2010

Relevant Guidance

(a)  Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 – Home Office Guidance

(b)  Code of Practice for covert surveillance and property interference

(c) Code of Practice for covert human intelligence sources

(c)       Codes of Practice for the acquisition and disclosure of communications data and retention of communications data

(d)  Code of Practice for investigation of protected electronic information

(e)  Guidance from Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office – website

(f)   Guidance from the Home Office on the judicial approval process for RIPA and crime threshold for directed surveillance

All RIPA Codes, relevant legislation and guidance can be found on the Government website. Further guidance and advice is also available on the Investigatory Powers Commissioner's Officer (IPCO) website. IPCO independently oversee the use of investigatory powers, ensuring they are used in accordance with the law and in the public interest. In a case where it is felt that requirements have not been followed, the non-compliance can be reported as an ‘error’ and IPCO will, in the case of a serious matter, investigate the matter further. 

When this policy has been published and will be reviewed

Policy published 20 January 2022 Last updated 1 February 2022