Surveillance Powers - Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA)

On 1st August 2006, we adopted a policy to regulate our use of the powers available to us under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).  

This Act permits local authorities to carry out certain types of surveillance in specific situations. The surveillance is only done as a last resort, provided that the proper processes are followed and the authorisations signed off at a high level.

Review of our RIPA Arrangements

On 1 April 2009, councillors approved proposals to carry out an annual audit of our RIPA policies, procedures and training needs. These arrangements will now be comprehensivley reviewed at least every three years.

The objective of these reviews is to:

• test and enhance safeguards

• develop the democratic accountability and openness of how we use these powers.

Our Responsibilities

We take our responsibilities under RIPA seriously, keeing them under continual review

We make sure we act in accordance with the law and relevant statutory guidance at all times, by only taking action which is both necessary and proportionate.

Download our RIPA Policy

You can download our RIPA Policies and Procedures document below.