RIPA policy

The code of practice sets out new requirements with regard to error reporting and places duties on the Senior Responsible Officer to investigate and if necessary report errors in a particular way.

Examples of particular errors which would require investigation and reporting are that surveillance has taken places without lawful authorisation or there has been a failure by the council to adhere to the safeguards set out in the relevant statutory provisions and codes of practice. This policy commits the council to providing sufficient resources to enable the Senior Responsible Officer to investigate and report on any such errors. This error investigation and reporting mechanism is separate from the council complaints process and the right of an individual to complaint to the Commissioners or relevant Ombudsman.

Having submitted an error report, this policy commits the council to following any subsequent guidance issued by the Commissioner.