Issue - items at meetings - Surveillance Policy

Report of the Director of Environment (copy attached)

(1) That the continued use of covert surveillance and the accessing of communications data as an enforcement tool be approved; this to prevent and detect all crime and disorder investigated by its officers, providing that necessity and proportionality rules are stringently applied.

(2) That the implementation of an Annual Review relating to the use of RIPA powers be approved.

(3) That the use of the National Anti Fraud Network as the Single Point of Contact for accessing communications data be approved and that the Head of Trading Standards and Head of Operations be identified as the ‘Designated persons’ as required by legislation.

92.1    The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Environment that informed Members of the activities undertaken utilising the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA). The report confirmed that these activities were authorised in line with the necessity and proportionality rules and the council’s priority of fair enforcement of the law. The report also provided an update on the revisions made to the original policy to reflect recommendations made by the Surveillance and Interception Commissioner’s and legislative changes (for copy see minute book).

92.2    The Chairman welcomed the report, noting media interest in the issue nationally and reassuring colleagues that the council only used these powers in appropriate circumstances.

92.3 Councillor Theobald welcomed the report and the support of the Chairman.

92.4    RESOLVED -

(1) That the continued use of covert surveillance and the accessing of communications data as an enforcement tool be approved; this to prevent and detect all crime and disorder investigated by its officers, providing that necessity and proportionality rules are stringently applied.

(2) That the implementation of an Annual Review relating to the use of RIPA powers be approved.

(3) That the use of the National Anti Fraud Network as the Single Point of Contact for accessing communications data be approved and that the Head of Trading Standards and Head of Operations be identified as the ‘Designated persons’ as required by legislation.