The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000

The Act has been in force since September 2000. It was introduced in order to prevent successful challenges being made under the Human Rights Act 1998 to those public authorities, such as the police and local councils, who are entrusted by law to carry out certain enforcement duties.

The Act identifies certain areas where carrying out these enforcement duties will inevitably conflict with individuals rights to privacy. The main areas which are of concern to the Council are:

• the use of covert human intelligence sources
• the use of directed surveillance
• the use of electronic surveillance

Following the procedures will allow Plymouth City Council to undertake their legal enforcement duties without the risk of successful challenge to either the evidence gathered, or to potential breaches of human rights.

Inspections of the use of RIPA

The Office of Surveillance Commissioners undertakes an assessment of how the Council implements the requirements of RIPA. These inspections are undertaken every two years by an inspector visiting the Council and reviewing the standard of authorisations to undertake covert surveillance. The latest inspection report is available below. The inspection report is marked 'restricted' but is a redacted version with any sensitive information removed.