The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) is the law governing the use of covert techniques by public authorities.

It requires that when public authorities – such as the police or government departments – need to use covert techniques to obtain private information about someone, they do it in a way that is necessary, proportionate, and compatible with human rights.

When does RIPA apply?

RIPA applies to a wide-range of investigations in which private information might be obtained. Cases in which it can apply include:

• terrorism
• crime
• public safety
• emergency services

What RIPA does?

RIPA's guidelines and codes apply to actions such as:

• intercepting communications, such as the content of telephone calls, emails or letters.
• acquiring communications data – the ‘who, when and where’ of communications, such as a telephone billing or subscriber details.
• conducting covert surveillance, either in private premises or vehicles (intrusive surveillance) or in public places (directed surveillance).
• the use of covert human intelligence sources, such as informants or undercover officers.
• access to electronic data protected by encryption or passwords.

Who to Contact?

For advice on the use of regulatory powers please contact the Council's legal unit on 01909 533274.

Bassetlaw District Council Policies

View the Council's corporate policy on RIPA.

RIPA Codes Of Practice Issued By The Home Office

Codes of practice and guidance for making an application under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (2000). These help public authorities assess and understand whether and in what circumstances it is appropriate to use covert techniques. The codes also provide guidance on what procedures need to be followed in each case. All RIPA codes must be approved and debated in both Houses of Parliament and published.

Guidance on the procedures that must be followed before interception of communications can take place.

• Code of practice on the interception of communications (PDF - 853kb)

Guidance on the procedures to be followed before acquiring or disclosing communications data.

• Code of practice on the acquisition and disclosure of communications data (PDF - 970kb)

Information and guidance for authorising covert surveillance and property interference.

• Code of practice on covert surveillance and property interference (PDF - 880kb)

The following code applies to authorising and using covert intelligence sources.

• Code of practice on the use of covert human intelligence sources (PDF - 1mb)

The following code provides guidance that should be followed when protected electronic information is decrypted.

• Code of practice for the investigation of protected electronic information (PDF - 887kb)