This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Freedom of Information request 'Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act'.

 
 
 
 
               REGULATION OF INVESTIGATORY POWERS ACT 2003 
 
 
 
                                         COUNCIL PROCEDURES 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
                                                         CONTENTS 
 
 
 

1.  Introduction 
 
2.  Benefits of Obtaining Authorisation 
 
3.  Directed Surveillance 
 
4.  Covert Human Intelligence Sources 
 
5.  Authorisation Process 
 
6.  Activities Incapable of Authorisation 
 
7.  Confidential Material 
 
8.  Joint Operations 
 
9.  Handling & Disclosure of Product 
 
10. Use of Electronic Surveillance Devices 
 
11. Codes of Practice 
 
12. Scrutiny & Tribunal 
 
 
Appendix 1 – Forms 
 
Appendix 2 – List of Authorising Officers 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
1.  Introduction 
 
 
1.1 The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) regulates covert 
investigations by a number of bodies, including local authorities. It was 
introduced to ensure that individuals’ rights are protected whilst also ensuring 
that law enforcement and security agencies have the powers they need to do 
their job effectively. 
 
1.2 Carmarthenshire County Council (the Council) is therefore included within the 
RIPA framework with regard to the authorisation of both Directed 
Surveillance (DS) and the use of Covert Human Intelligence Sources (CHIS). 
 
1.3 The purpose of these Procedures is to set out the scope of RIPA, the 
circumstances where it applies, and the procedures to be followed when 
implementing it. 
 
1.4 Regard has been had to the Codes of Practice issued by the Home Office, and 
Guidance and Good/Bad Practice notes issued by the Office of the 
Surveillance Commissioner (OSC) in preparing these procedures. 
 
1.5 Subject to the provisions of Section 6 of this document, any covert 
surveillance activity carried out by or on behalf of the Council MUST be 
authorised one of the properly trained Authorising Officers listed in Appendix 
2, and dealt with in accordance with Sections 5 or 10 of this document. 
 
1.6 Individual Investigating Officers and Authorising Officers should familiarise 
themselves with this procedure document, the Codes of Practice issued by the 
Home Office, and such Guidance as is issued by the OSC from time to time. 
 
1.7 Deciding when an authorisation is required is a question of judgement. 
However, if an investigating officer is in any doubt, he/she should 
immediately seek legal advice. As a basic rule however, it is always safer to 
seek the appropriate authorisation.
 
 
1.8 The Senior Officer within the Council with strategic responsibility for RIPA 
issues is David Lyn Thomas, Head of Administration & Law 
 
1.9 The ‘Gate-keeping’ Officer, with responsibility for vetting all RIPA 
applications and maintaining the Central register is Robert Edgecombe, Senior 
Solicitor. In the absence of the Gate-Keeping Officer, his role will be 
undertaken by Philip Grafton, Senior Solicitor. 
 
1.10 
The elected member responsible for reviewing the authority’s use of 
RIPA and setting the authority’s RIPA policy each year is Councillor P A 
Palmer. 
 
 

 
 
 
 
ALL OFFICERS MUST NOTE THAT THE COUNCIL MAY ONLY 
AUTHORISE COVERT SURVEILLANCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF 
PREVENTING OR DETECTING CRIME AND DISORDER.
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.  BENEFITS OF OBTAINING AUTHORISATION 
 
 
2.1 RIPA states that where an authorisation is obtained, and the covert 
surveillance activity is conducted in accordance with that authorisation, then 
the activity will be lawful for all purposes. 
 
2.2 Where an authorisation is not obtained, then there is a risk that any evidence 
obtained as a result could be ruled as inadmissible in subsequent legal 
proceedings. 
 
2.3 Furthermore, unauthorised covert surveillance activity is more likely to result 
in a breach of an individual’s human rights, leading to a compensation claim 
against the Council. 
 
 
3.  DIRECTED SURVEILLANCE 
 
3.1 Surveillance includes; 
 
3.1.1  The monitoring, observing or listening to persons, their movements, their 
conversations or their other activities or communication. 
 
3.1.2  The recording of anything so monitored, observed or listened to in the 
course of surveillance. 
 
3.1.3  The surveillance by or with the assistance of a surveillance device. 
 
3.1.4  Directed Surveillance does NOT occur where covert recording of 
suspected noise nuisance takes place and the recording device is calibrated 
to record only excessive noise levels 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
3.2 Surveillance is ‘Directed’ for the purposes of RIPA if it is covert (but not 
intrusive) and is undertaken; 
 
3.2.1  For the purposes of a specific investigation or operation 
 
3.2.2  In such a manner as is likely to result in the obtaining of private 
information about a person (whether or not one is specifically identified 
for the purposes of the investigation or operation); and 
 
3.2.3  Otherwise than by an immediate response to events or circumstances the 
nature of which is such that it would not be reasonably practicable for an 
authorisation to be sought for the carrying out of the surveillance. 
 
 
3.2.4  OFFICERS SHOULD NOTE THAT THE SURVEILLANCE OF AN 
INDIVIDUAL’S ACTIVITIES AND/OR CONVERSATIONS IN A 
PUBLIC PLACE MAY AMOUNT TO THE OBTAINING OF PRIVATE 
INFORMATION AND THEREFORE FALLS WITHIN THE SCOPE 
OF PARAGRAPH 3.2.2 ABOVE (OSC Procedures & Guidance note, 
December 2008 paragraphs 149 & 150)
 
 
3.3 Surveillance is ‘covert’ if it is carried out in a manner calculated to ensure that 
the target is unaware it is or may be taking place. Therefore surveillance of an 
individual using city centre CCTV cameras could still require RIPA 
authorisations if the cameras are targeted on that individual and he/she is 
unaware that they are being watched. 
 
 
3.4 Covert surveillance becomes ‘intrusive’ if; 
 
3.4.1  It is carried out in relation to anything taking place on any residential 
premises or in any private vehicle, and 
3.4.2  Involves the presence of an individual on the premises or in the vehicle or 
is carried out by means of a surveillance device on the premises/vehicle, or 
3.4.3   Is carried out by means of a surveillance device in relation to anything 
taking place on any residential premises or in any private vehicle but is 
carried out without that device being on the premises or vehicle, where the 
device is such that it consistently provides information of the same quality 
and detail as might be expected to be obtained from a device actually 
present on the premises or vehicle. 
 
THE COUNCIL HAS NO POWER TO AUTHORISE INTRUSIVE 
SURVEILLANCE. IF INVESTIGATING OFFICERS HAVE ANY 
CONCERNS REGARDING THIS THEY SHOULD IMMEDIATELY SEEK 
LEGAL ADVICE. 
 


 
 
 
3.5 Surveillance is for the purposes of a specific investigation or operation if it is 
targeted in a pre-planned way at an individual or group of individuals, or a 
particular location or series of locations. 
 
3.6 Surveillance will not require authorisation if it is by way of an immediate 
response to an event or circumstances where it is not reasonably practicable to 
get an authorisation. For example, CCTV operators will not require an 
authorisation to monitor the activities of a suspected shoplifter immediately 
upon that person being reported to the operator. However CCTV operators 
should be aware that were they are requested to monitor such a person for 
more than 30 minutes, authorisation will be required. 
 
 
4.  COVERT HUMAN INTELLIGENCE SOURCES (CHIS) 
 
4.1 A person is a CHIS if; 
 
4.1.1  He/she establishes or maintains a personal or other relationship with a 
person for the covert purpose of facilitating the doing of anything falling 
within the paragraphs immediately below. 
4.1.2  He/she covertly uses such a relationship to obtain information or provide 
access to any information to another person, or 
4.1.3  He/she covertly discloses information obtained by the use of such a 
relationship or as a consequence of the existence of such a relationship. 
 
4.2 A purpose is covert in this context if the relationship is conducted in a manner 
that is calculated to ensure that one of the parties is unaware of that purpose. 
 
4.3 It is unclear whether RIPA only applies to private information in this context. 
Council policy therefore is to treat all such activities as being in need of 
authorisation whether or not the information sought is private information. 
 
4.4 When considering whether to make use of a CHIS, investigating officers 
MUST consult with the gate-keeping officer before taking any action, in order 
to ensure that the relevant Home Office Code of Practice is complied with. 
Where use is made of a CHIS, his/her designated handler must be a properly 
trained officer, who may not necessarily be based within the same 
department/section as the investigating officer. 
 
4.5 ONLY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE MAY AUTHORISE THE USE OF A 
JUVENILE CHIS. 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
5.  AUTHORISATION PROCESS 
 
5.1 Applications must normally be in writing, using the standard forms contained 
in Appendix 1. 
 
5.2 ONLY WHERE THE APPLICATION IS URGENT MAY MATTERS BE 
DEALT WITH ORALLY. IN SUCH CASES OFFICERS MUST FOLLOW 
THE CODES OF PRACTICE ISSUED BY THE HOME OFFICE.
 
 
5.3 Although it is possible to combine two or more applications in the same form, 
this practice is generally to be avoided. One situation where it may be 
appropriate is during a covert test purchase exercise involving more than one 
premise. In such cases investigating officers should contact the gate-keeping 
officer to discuss the operation before completing the forms. 
 
5.4 Once the appropriate application forms are completed, they should be 
submitted by email to the gate-keeping officer. 
 
5.5 The gate-keeping officer will then vet the application, enter in onto the Central 
Register and allocate a unique central reference number. The application may 
also be copied to the Chief Executive.  
 
5.6  The gate-keeping officer may recommend changes to the application, or agree 
to it being submitted unaltered to a designated authorising officer. 
 
5.7 Where an application must be authorised by the Chief Executive (in the case 
of a juvenile CHIS or cases involving confidential information), the gate-
keeping officer will arrange a meeting between the investigating officer, gate-
keeping officer and Chief Executive. 
 
5.8 In all other cases the investigating officer shall arrange to meet one of the 
authorising officers listed in Appendix 2 to discuss the application. 
 
5.9 When determining whether or not to grant an authorisation, Authorising 
Officers must have regard to; 
 
5.9.1  Whether what is proposed is necessary for preventing/detecting 
crime/disorder, 
5.9.2  Whether what is proposed is proportionate to the aim of the action 
5.9.3  Whether the proposed action is likely to result in collateral intrusion into 
the private lives of third parties, and if it is, whether all reasonable steps 
are being taken to minimise that risk. 
5.9.4  In the case of applications to authorise the use of a CHIS, whether all the 
requirements of Paragraphs 4.14 to 4.16 of the Code of Practice relating to 
the authorisation of a CHIS issued by the Home Office are complied with. 
 
 
 

 
 
5.10 
If an application is refused, the reasons for refusal shall be endorsed on  
the application 
 
5.11 
If an application is granted, the authorising officer must specify; 
 
5.11.1  The scope of the authorisation 
5.11.2  The duration of the authorisation 
5.11.3  The date (not more than 28 days) for review of the authorisation. 
 
5.12 
Irrespective of the outcome of the application, the investigating officer 
must immediately forward a copy of the completed application together with 
the authorising officers decision, to the gate-keeping officer, who will make 
the appropriate entries in the Central Register, and place the copy 
application/decision in the Central Record.  
 
 
5.13 
If, upon initial review of the authorisation, the authorising officer 
determines that it should remain in effect, reviews must take place every 28 
days during the life of the authorisation. The investigating officer must keep a 
record the results of any review and communicate them to the gate-keeping 
officer for entry in the Central Register. 
 
5.14 
Once an authorising officer determines that an authorisation is no 
longer necessary it must be cancelled immediately. 
 
5.15 
Once the operation to which the authorisation relates is concluded, or 
the activity authorised ceases, then the investigating officer must immediately 
meet the authorising officer to cancel the authorisation. 
 
5.16 
Whenever an authorisation is cancelled, the authorising officer must 
endorse the cancellation with his/her views as to the value of the authorised 
activity. 
 
5.17 
Whenever an authorisation is cancelled, a copy of that cancellation 
must be sent to the gate-keeping officer for it to be placed in the Central 
Record, and appropriate entries to be made in the Central Register. 
 
5.18 
Unless previously cancelled, an authorisation will last as follows; 
 
5.18.1  Written authorisation for Directed Surveillance – 3 months 
5.18.2  Urgent oral authorisation for Directed Surveillance – 72 hours 
5.18.3  Written authorisation for use of a CHIS – 12 months 
5.18.4  Urgent oral authorisation for use of a CHIS – 72 hours 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
5.19 
Immediately upon an authorisation ceasing to have effect in 
accordance with paragraph 5.18, the investigating officer and authorising 
officer shall meet to formally cancel the authorisation in accordance with 
paragraphs 5.14 to 5.17. (In order to assist officers, it is recommended that 
the reviews referred to in paragraph 5.13 be scheduled to coincide with the 
scheduled termination date of the authorisation.)
 
 
5.20 
If shortly before an authorisation ceases to have effect, the authorising 
officer is satisfied that the grounds for renewing the authorisation are met, 
then he/she may renew the authorisation. (Before renewing an authorisation, 
authorising officers must have regard to the appropriate sections of the 
relevant code of practice issued by the Home Office)
 
 
5.21 
An authorisation may be renewed for; 
 
5.21.1  In the case of a written renewal of a Directed Surveillance authorisation  
3 months
5.21.2  In the case of an urgent oral renewal of a directed surveillance 
authorisation – 72 hours
5.21.3  In the case of a written renewal of a CHIS authorisation – 12 months
5.21.4  In the case of an urgent oral renewals of a CHIS authorisation – 72 hours
 
5.22 
An authorisation may be renewed more than once. 
 
5.23 
All applications for renewal of an authorisation must record; 
 
5.23.1  In the case of directed surveillance all matters set out in paragraph 4.26 of 
the relevant Code of Practice issued by the Home Office 
5.23.2  In the case of CHIS, all matters set out in paragraph 4.24 of the relevant 
Code of Practice issued by the Home Office. 
 
5.24 
Where an authorisation is renewed, it must continue to be reviewed in 
accordance with paragraph 5.13 above. 
 
5.25 
Where an authorisation is renewed, a copy of the renewal must be sent 
to the gate-keeping officer and placed in the Central Record and appropriate 
entries made in the Central Register. 
 
 
WHERE AN APPLICATION IS GRANTED OR RENEWED THE 
INVESTIGATING OFFICER MUST ENSURE THAT ALL OFFICERS 
TAKING PART IN THE COVERT SURVEILLANCE ACTIVITY HAVE AN 
OPPORTUNITY TO READ THE AUTHORISATION AND FAMILIARISE 
THEMSELVES WITH ITS TERMS AND RESTRICTIONS BEFORE THE 
OPERATION COMMENCES. 
 
 

 
 
 
6.  ACTIVITIES INCAPABLE OF AUTHORISATION 
 
6.1 RIPA only applies to ‘core functions’ of the authority, as defined by the 
Investigatory Powers Tribunal in C v The Police (2006). It will also be 
apparent from Sections 1 to 5 above that certain instances of covert 
surveillance carried of by the authority are incapable of being authorised under 
RIPA. Examples of this include; 
6.1.1  Surveillance carried out as part of a planning investigation prior to issuing 
an enforcement notice 
6.1.2  Surveillance carried out as part of a public health investigation prior to 
issuing an abatement notice. (But see paragraph 3.1.3 above) 
6.1.3  Surveillance carried out as part of an internal disciplinary investigation 
6.1.4  Surveillance carried out in support of a defence of a personal injury claim 
 
6.2 None of these examples can be authorised as directed surveillance under 
RIPA, although all are capable of being justifiable cases of interference with 
an individuals human rights on the grounds that they are necessary and in the 
interests of public safety, the economic well-being of the country, for the 
protection of health or morals or for the protection of rights and freedoms of 
others. In these cases, although the authority cannot rely upon RIPA for 
protection, steps should be taken to ensure the authority is acting lawfully. 
 
 
6.3 Wherever an officer wishes to consider carrying out directed surveillance, 
which cannot be justified on crime and disorder grounds, but may fall within 
the scope of paragraph 6.2, he/she must contact the gate-keeping officer for 
advice. 
 
6.4 Where it is considered that the proposed surveillance activity is justifiable 
under paragraph 6.2, the officer will complete the RIPA application forms in 
the usual way, substituting the appropriate justification from paragraph 6.2 for 
the words ‘prevent/detect crime & disorder’ in Section 3 of the application 
form. 
 
6.5 The officer will then email the application to the gate-keeping officer, who 
will enter it into the Central Register and forward it to the Chief Executive. 
 
 
6.6 The proposed activity contained within the application can only take 
place if approved by the Chief Executive or in his absence, by another 
designated authorising officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
6.7 THE USE OF A CHIS CANNOT TAKE PLACE UNDER THE TERMS 
OF THIS SECTION. 
 
6.8 Any activity permitted under this section will subsequently be subject to the 
provisions of Section 5 above, and must be reviewed, renewed and cancelled 
in the same way. All such reviews, renewals and cancellations must be 
reported to the gate-keeping officer in accordance with Section 5. 
 
 
7.  CONFIDENTIAL MATERIAL 
 
7.1 Confidential material such as personal medical or spiritual information, 
confidential journalistic information or information subject to legal privilege is 
particularly sensitive and is subject to additional safeguards. 
 
7.2 In cases where such information may be obtained, an investigator must seek 
immediate legal advice. 
 
7.3 Only the Chief Executive may authorise surveillance activity, which may 
result in confidential information being obtained. 
 
7.4 Any application for an authorisation, which is likely to result in the acquisition 
of confidential material MUST include an assessment of how likely it is that 
confidential material will be acquired. 
 
7.5 Special care should be taken where the target of the investigation is likely to 
be involved in handling confidential material. Such applications should only 
be considered in exceptional and compelling circumstances and with full 
regard to the proportionality issues this raises. 
 
7.6 The following general principles apply to confidential material acquired under 
such authorisations; 
 
7.6.1  Officers handling material from such operations should be alert to 
anything that may fall within the definition of confidential material. Where 
there is any doubt, immediate legal advice should be sought. 
7.6.2  Confidential material should not be retained or copied unless it is 
necessary for a specified purpose. 
7.6.3  Confidential material should only be disseminated, after legal advice has 
been sought, where it is necessary for a specified purpose. 
7.6.4  The retention and/or dissemination of confidential material should be 
accompanied by a clear warning of its confidential nature. 
7.6.5  Confidential material should be destroyed as soon as it is no longer 
necessary to retain it for a specified purpose. 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
8.  JOINT OPERATIONS 
 
8.1 Where officers are engaged in operations with other public authorities, any 
covert activity must be authorised either in accordance with this document, or 
by an appropriate officer employed by the other authority. 
 
8.2 Officers should always ensure that when operating under an authorisation 
issued by another authority, that the authorising officer has the power to issue 
that authorisation, and that the authorisation covers the scope of the proposed 
activity. 
 
8.3 Officers are advised to request a copy of the relevant authorisation, or at least 
obtain a written note of the scope, duration and conditions of the authorised 
activity. 
 
8.4 Officers should also have regard to any other protocols specifically dealing 
with joint operations. 
 
 
9.  HANDLING & DISCLOSURE OF PRODUCT 
 
9.1 Officers are reminded of the rules relating to the retention and destruction of 
confidential material set out in section 7 above. 
 
9.2 Authorising Officers must ensure compliance with the appropriate data 
protection requirements and the relevant codes of practice in the handling and 
storage of material. 
 
9.3 Where material is obtained by surveillance, which is wholly unrelated to a 
criminal or other investigation or to any person who is the subject of such an 
investigation, and there is no reason to believe it will be relevant to future 
criminal or civil proceedings, it should be destroyed immediately. 
 
9.4 Consideration as to whether or not unrelated material should be destroyed is 
the responsibility of the Authorising Officer. 
 
9.5  RIPA does not prevent material properly obtained in one investigation being 
used in another investigation. However, the use of any covertly obtained 
material outside the council and/or for purposes other than for which the 
surveillance was authorised, should only be sanctioned in exceptional 
cases.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
10. USE OF SURVEILLANCE DEVICES 
 
 
10.1 
Surveillance devices include, static and mobile CCTV cameras, covert 
surveillance cameras, noise monitoring/recording devices, and any other 
mechanical and/or recording devices used for surveillance purposes. 
 
10.2 
Static CCTV cameras include ‘Town Centre’ cameras operated from 
Police Stations under the control of Council staff, as well as fixed security 
cameras located in council buildings. 
 
10.3 
Fixed security cameras, which are incapable of being remotely 
controlled, do not require RIPA authorisation provided their existence and 
purpose is made clear to the public through appropriate signage. 
 
10.4 
‘Town Centre’ and mobile CCTV cameras will not ordinarily require 
RIPA authorisation where their existence and use is also made clear by 
signage. However, where camera operators are requested to control the 
cameras so as to target specific individuals or locations, then the following 
rules apply; 
 
10.4.1  Where the request is made by way of an immediate response to an incident 
or intelligence received, no RIPA authorisation is required, subject to the 
proviso in paragraph 10.4.2 below. 
10.4.2  Where a request is made in accordance with paragraph 10.4.1 above and 
the surveillance lasts, or is likely to last for 30minutes or more, RIPA 
authorisation must be obtained. 
10.4.3  Where the request is made as part of a pre-planned operation or 
investigation, RIPA authorisation must be obtained. 
 
10.5 
The use of ‘Town Centre’ and mobile CCTV cameras in the context of 
police operations is covered in more detail in a separate protocol. 
 
10.6 
Camera operators should refuse to comply with any requests for 
surveillance activity unless they are satisfied; 
 
10.6.1  That a RIPA authorisation is unnecessary, or 
10.6.2  That an authorisation has been obtained and the scope, duration and 
limitations of the permitted activity have been confirmed in writing. 
 
10.7 
The Council maintains other covert surveillance equipment the control 
of which is regulated by a separate protocol. 
 
10.8 
It is recognised that many departments maintain conventional cameras 
and mobile phone cameras for use by staff on a regular basis. Staff must be 
reminded; 
 

 
 
10.8.1  That the covert use of such cameras (ie where the ‘target’ is not aware that 
he/she is being photographed) may require RIPA authorisation.  
10.8.2  As a general rule, unless the photograph is being taken as an immediate 
response to an unexpected incident, RIPA authorisation should be sought. 
 
 
10.9 
Use of noise monitoring/recording equipment is also covered by RIPA, 
where the equipment records actual noise, as opposed to just noise levels. 
 
10.10 
Where a target is made aware that noise monitoring may be taking 
place, then RIPA authorisation is not required. However; 
 
 
10.10.1Officers should take care to ensure that, when informing the target, that the 
identity of the complainant is not revealed. 
10.10.2Where there is a risk that the complainant’s identity could become known 
as a result of the target being informed of the proposed noise monitoring, it 
is advisable that RIPA authorisation be obtained. 
 
 
11. CODES OF PRACTICE 
 
11.1 
The Home Office has issued Codes of Practice relating both to 
Directed Surveillance and the use of CHIS. Copies of these codes are available 
via the Home Office, or Office of the Surveillance Commissioner (OSC) 
websites, or can be obtained from the gate-keeping officer. 
 
11.2 
Whilst these codes do not have the force of law, they represent best 
practice, and adherence to them will give the authority a better chance of 
opposing any allegation that RIPA and/or the Human Rights Act has been 
breached. 
 
11.3 
Investigating and Authorising Officers should ensure that when dealing 
with applications, regard is had to these codes. 
 
11.4 
The Office of the Surveillance Commissioner has also publishes useful 
guidance, copies of which can be obtained from the gate-keeping officer. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
SCRUNTINY AND TRIBUNAL 
 
11.5 
In order to ‘police’ RIPA, the council will be subject to an inspection 
by an OSC inspector every 2 years. The inspector will; 
11.5.1  Examine the Central Register 
11.5.2  Examine authorisations, renewals and cancellations  
11.5.3  Question officers regarding their implementation of the legislation. 
11.5.4  Report to the Chief Executive regarding his/her findings 
 
11.6 
A Tribunal has also been set up to deal with complaints made under 
RIPA. The tribunal may quash or cancel any authorisation and order the 
destruction of any record or information obtained as a result of such an 
authorisation. 
 
12.3However, the greatest scrutiny of the council’s actions under RIPA will 
come from the courts; 
12.3.1 Both the Magistrates Court and Crown Court may exclude evidence 
obtained as a result of covert surveillance. 
12.2.2 The County Court may when dealing with a case (eg Housing possession) 
take into account any activity, which amounts to a breach of Human Rights and 
exclude all or part of the case accordingly. 
12.3.3 The High Court may rule that the Council has acted in breach of an 
individual’s Human Rights as a result of undertaking covert surveillance, and 
award compensation as a result 
 
 
12.4 The Gate-Keeping officer will provide the following  to the elected member 

responsible for reviewing the authority’s RIPA activities; 
 
12.4.1  A quarterly report detailing the extent of the authority’s RIPA activities 

during the previous quarter 
12.4.2  An annual report setting the RIPA policy for the next 12 months.