Decision details

The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) provides a framework for
certain public bodies, including local authorities, to use "covert surveillance" to
gather information about individuals without their knowledge for the purposes of
undertaking statutory functions in connection with the prevention or detection of
crime.

Members are required to review the use of RIPA and set the policy at least once a year.

The Committee considered a report on the annual review of the use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).

The Committee's attention was drawn to three additional policies linked to the use of covert surveillance.   These related to non RIPA surveillance, the use of social media and the internet in investigations, and a new draft CCTV Policy incorporating the codes of practice issued by the Surveillance Camera Commissioner and the Information Commissioner.  The report also proposed that the role of CCTV Manager be undertaken by the Head of Service Legal and Democratic Services.

Resolved:  That the recommendations set out in the report to Cabinet be noted and that no additional comments or suggested alternative recommendations be made.