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.

Cabinet received a report presenting an updated Regulation of Investigatory Powers 2000 (RIPA)  corporate policy for consideration. The report also requested Cabinet to consider related policies in relation 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.

Resolved: That

  i.  the updated corporate policy on RIPA be approved with immediate effect

  ii.  the updated corporate policies on:

a.  Non-RIPA surveillance

b.  The use of Social Media and the Internet in investigations

c.  Use of CCTV

be approved with immediate effect

  iii.  the role of CCTV Manager be undertaken by the Head of Service, Legal and Democratic Services