Council agrees a revised Regulation of Investigatory Powers Policy

Shropshire Council has agreed a new Regulation of Investigatory Powers Policy.

The policy makes it clear how the council intends to use covert techniques when undertaking operations and investigations.  These techniques include surveillance, the use of undercover officers and the acquisition of communications data.

The overarching position of the council is that covert techniques will not be used other than to obtain information or evidence to tackle serious criminality that causes significant harm or detriment to consumers or businesses, and to protect taxpayer’s money by tackling serious benefit fraud.  It must be clearly demonstrated to senior officers that no other investigation method or technique will deliver the required outcomes. 

The council’s authorisation procedures ensure that the techniques may only be used when they are necessary, proportionate and the level of intrusion into other people’s lives is eliminated or reduced to a minimum.

Frances Darling, Shropshire Council’s service manager for safer and stronger communities within public protection, said: 

“The council has recently consulted on the policy and we have now reached the final stage of this process, with the policy officially coming into effect on the Thursday 1 August 2013.  We plan to carry out additional and ongoing training to ensure officers and councillors remain fully up-to-date with the policy requirements.  We will also regularly report all RIPA-related activities.  This is to ensure councillors remain fully aware of the extent to which covert techniques are used, that they are satisfied that the use is in line with the policy, and that the policy remains fit for purpose.”

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for public protection, said:

“The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 is the law governing the use of covert techniques by public authorities, and this clearly includes Shropshire Council.  The council is committed to balancing its enforcement activities against the requirement to protect individuals’ human rights.  For this reason, it is important that we have this policy in place and that it remains fit for purpose in the future.”