Surveillance and investigation (RIPA)

The Human Rights Act 1998 requires us, and any organisations working on our behalf, to have respect for the private and family life of its residents. However, in certain cases it may be necessary for us to take action in ways that could interfere with an individual’s rights.

The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 provides a mechanism for authorising necessary and appropriate action to investigate claims of unlawful activity. The exercise of powers under the Act is not available for anyone’s use and therefore, in accordance with the Act, there are currently twelve authorising officers in senior positions.

Our Policy and Code of Practice on the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 sets out how we operate the required authorisation, review, renewal and cancellation process. 

You can also view the publication of the statistics on the use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 over the past 6 years, which is updated annually. Information which would allow for the identification of the individual is not included, as this may be a breach of data protection law.