PART II

REGULATION OF INVESTIGATORY POWERS ACT 2000

1. The Committee has agreed policies and procedures which regulate the use of covert human intelligence sources (e.g. informants) or covert surveillance (e.g. hidden cameras) in pursuance of investigations. There are various circumstances in which the County Council might need to use such means to obtain evidence; hitherto such powers have been used mainly in the area of Trading Standards, but the same approach would now be used by any County Council department involved in such investigation work. The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act is supported by a code of practice and is overseen by the Office of Surveillance Commissioners. The County Council's procedures comply with their principles and also with the Human Rights Act.

2. The Committee has agreed to the adoption by the County Council of the policy and procedure applying to the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. They have also endorsed a list of authorising officers within departments. All Chief Officers are required to adhere to the authorisation procedures whenever covert surveillance or the use of covert human intelligence sources are carried out. The Head of Corporate and Legal Services and Monitoring Officer has been authorised to develop and implement a policy and authorisation procedure for the monitoring of staff e-mails and use of the internet, in accordance with a code of practice to be issued by the Information Commissioner. He has also been authorised to audit and maintain the centrally held records for all authorisations granted under the Act. The Office of Surveillance Commissioners has been notified of the policy and procedures now in place. Copies of the procedure notes have been placed in the Members' rooms.

P.A. Pierce

Chairman

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