In some circumstances it may be necessary for our employees, in the course of their duties, to make observations of a person or persons in a covert manner without that person's knowledge. By their nature, actions of this sort may constitute an interference with that person's right to privacy and may give rise to legal challenge as a potential breach of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998 – the right to respect for private and family life.
We're committed to complying with the act to ensure that an investigation is carried out properly and that the investigation is necessary and proportionate to the alleged offence.
The purpose of the RIPA policy is to ensure:
- that the proper procedures are in place in order to carry out covert surveillance
- an individual's right to privacy is not breached
- that proper authorisation is obtained for covert surveillance
- that the proper procedures have been followed
- that covert surveillance is considered as a last resort having exhausted all other avenues
Please see the policy and forms attached to this page.