RIPSA

Under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers ( Scotland ) Act 2000 (RIPSA) we can carry out covert surveillance:

• For the purposes of preventing or detecting crime or disorder;
• For the purposes of protecting public health; and
• In the interests of public safety

Examples of how we would carry out covert surveillance include:

• to investigate complaints of antisocial behaviour;
• to investigte breaches of certain types of legislation (e.g. Trading Standards and Environmental Health legislation); and
• to investigate fraudulent benefit claims.

Before we can carry out surveillance it must be approved by an Authorising Officer.  We normally have two Authorising Officers trained in each department of the Council.

You can read our policy on the use of surveillance at the right of this screen under Related RIPSA Downloads.  

We are allowed to use two types of covert surveillance: directed surveillance or the use of a Covert Human Intelligence Source (CHIS).  View the codes of practice for both types of surveillance at the right of this screen under Related RIPSA Downloads. 

Since the Act was introduced only three departments within the council have authorised surveillance under RIPSA: Services for Communities, Finance and City Development.  We have made very limited use of CHIS with four instances authorised in 2003/04 and one instance authorised in 2009/2010.  

You can find information on authorisations, reasons for investigation at the right hand side of this page under Related RIPSA Downloads. 

If you feel we have not acted correctly when carrying out directed surveillance or if you feel your human rights have been infringed you can complain to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal.