Cabinet considered a report which sought approval for a Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) Policy and noted the outcome of the Investigatory Powers Commissioners Office inspection and that there had been no use of the RIPA powers in the last 12 months.
RESOLVED that the RIPA Policy be approved.
Reason
If the Council does not adopt a revised RIPA Policy and there is no common reference point, there is a risk that covert surveillance is inconsistently applied across different service areas. This might increase the risk of legal challenge and reduce the fairness and effectiveness of the Council’s approach to covert surveillance. The adoption of a policy is considered to be best working practice and will also assist the Council to demonstrate that it has regard to the relevant legislation and Codes of Practice.