RIPA policy

The council is able to investigate a variety of criminal offences, and from time to time officers of the council may need to use investigation techniques which are covered by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) (as amended by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 and the Investigatory Powers Act 2016).

This policy, which has been endorsed by the Full Council, sets out the council’s commitment to abide by the relevant legislation, to follow the official Codes of Practice, to appropriately train employees and review its activities so that investigations are not compromised by poor practice and the public can have confidence in the council’s investigatory work.

This policy therefore sets out the Council’s approach to covert surveillance issues falling within the framework of RIPA in order to ensure consistency, balance and fairness. This information will provide additional protection and safeguards where these covert activities are likely to cause us to obtain what is termed “private information” about individuals or where we go “under cover” in certain circumstances. This policy also makes it clear to the general public what checks and balances will apply.