RIPA And Covert Surveillance (an Update on the Latest Developments in the Law And Practice of Covert Surveillance Under RIPA)

The latest news on Directed Surveillance, Intrusive Surveillance and CHIS

Covert surveillance, under Part 2 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA), is an extremely complex and controversial area. Following numerous FOI requests and the Big Brother Watch report, many local authorities have been the subject of sensational headlines about "Anti Terror Legislation" and "Town Hall snoopers". In this workshop, Ibrahim Hasan and Sharon Heels will explain the different types of RIPA surveillance in detail in the light of the new Codes of Practice and Regulations, which came into force on 6th April 2010. This workshop is ideal for delegates new to RIPA as well as those seeking an update on the latest developments. It will help them prepare for an Office of Surveillance Commissioners (OSC) inspection and to implement any action points from a previous inspection.

STOP PRESS: Our workshop will cover the latest developments in this fast changing area of law right up to the day of the workshop including:

- The Investigatory Powers Tribunal decision involving Poole Council which has a big impact on the role of the authorising officer in Directed Surveillance

- The New RIPA Review, by Lord McDonald QC, which is due to report in Autumn 2010. This is likely to require local authorities to seek approval from a Magistrate before doing covert surveillance.

Our speakers will be discussing these developments in detail, giving you a head start in implementing any changes. The Programme below will be taught in a practical context with use of sector specific case studies and discussion. Time will also be spent going through the authorisation forms, an area which is often highlighted in OSC reports.

PROGRAMME - 10.00am to 4.00pm

The New Codes of Practice in Detail

• Key changes
• Practical steps
• Raising awareness

Human Rights and Privacy

• Article 8 - Right to Privacy
• Necessity and Proportionality
• Consequences of non compliance

Directed Surveillance

• When is surveillance "covert"?
• What is "private information"?
• Is CCTV covered?
• Are "drive bys" covered?

Covert Human Intelligence Sources (CHIS)

• What is a CHIS?
• Are volunteers a CHIS?
• What about test purchases?
• Is E-Bay trading a CHIS situation?

RIPA/RIPSA Authorisation Procedures

• Who can authorise?
• Necessity grounds
• What is "proportionality"?
• Revised standard Home Office forms
• How to complete the forms

Surveillance Commissioner (OSC) Inspections

• OSC Procedures and Guidance document
• Lessons from the latest report
• Preparing for an inspection
• Common criticisms

Common Questions

Test purchases, drive by's, watching smoking in pubs, under age sales, authorisation levels, other legal powers, informants' and diary sheets etc. E Bay fraud.

Case Studies and Practical Exercises