Local authority CHIS, directed surveillance and communications data authorisations: RIPA 2000 and Investigatory Powers Act 2016 checklist and magistrates’ approval (England and Wales)

Published by a LexisNexis Corporate Crime expert

Checklists

This Checklist sets out the obligations for local authorities seeking approval to deploy surveillance powers under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA 2000) and the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA 2016). It should be read alongside Practice Notes: Regulation of investigatory powers under RIPA 2000 and The regulation of intelligence gathering—an introductory guide.

RIPA 2000 requirements

Under RIPA 2000, the requirements include:

advance authorisation for directed surveillance
a prohibition on the authority conducting intrusive surveillance
authorising the conduct and use of a covert human intelligence source (CHIS)
safeguards governing the conduct and use of a CHIS
authorisation to acquire communications data
obtaining judicial approval for those authorisations

Authorisation and judicial approval for the acquisition of communications data are now governed by IPA 2016. See Practice Notes: Surveillance powers of local authorities, The regulation of intelligence gathering—an introductory guide and Acquisition, retention and disclosure of communications data under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016...

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Richard Hanstock

Cornerstone Barristers

Richard is a public law barrister who enjoys applying the law to build and maintain sustainable communities. He advises and represents a wide range of public authorities, including local councils, government departments and police forces, as well as private individuals, companies and interest groups. Having volunteered as a police officer for 13 years, Richard is well-equipped to provide highly practical and realistic advice alongside robust and persuasive advocacy inside and outside court. He has extensive experience of managing anti-social behaviour, disorder within licensed premises and persistent breaches of planning control, supporting clients to navigate challenging legal landscapes to achieve a just outcome for communities, businesses and individuals. Richard is a deep specialist in the regulation of investigatory powers, including confiscation proceedings and police law. He is an expert in computer misuse and cyber security, building on his academic research on denial of service attacks at the...

Web page updated on 20/05/2026

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