# The Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Directed Surveillance and Covert Human Intelligence Sources) Order 2010

S.I. 2010/521 · made 25 February 2010 · revised to 29 October 2026

This Order consolidates the Orders revoked, or partially revoked, by article 10 of this Order.

Made under: Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (Section 30, Section 78)

PDFs: Printed copy https://openlegislation.uk/regulation-of-investigatory-powers-directed-surveillance-and-covert-human-intelligence-sources-order-2010/pdf/uksi_20100521_en.pdf; Explanatory Memorandum https://openlegislation.uk/regulation-of-investigatory-powers-directed-surveillance-and-covert-human-intelligence-sources-order-2010/pdf/uksiem_20100521_en.pdf

## Introductory text

This Statutory Instrument has been printed in substitution of the SI of the same number and is being issued free of charge to all known recipients of that Statutory Instrument.
Investigatory Powers
Made 25th February 2010
Coming into force 6th April 2010
This Order is made in exercise of the powers conferred on the Secretary of State by sections 30(1), (3), (5) and (6) and 78(5) of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.
In accordance with section 30(7) of that Act, a draft of this Order was laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.
Accordingly, the Secretary of State makes the following Order—

## 1 Citation, commencement and interpretation

(1) This Order may be cited as the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Directed Surveillance and Covert Human Intelligence Sources) Order 2010 and shall come into force on 6th April 2010.
(2) In this Order “the Act” means the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.
(3) In this Order “relevant source” means a source holding an office, rank or position with one of the following—
(a) a police force maintained under section 2 of the Police Act 1996,
(b) the City of London Police Force,
(c) the Metropolitan Police Force,
(d) the Police Service of Northern Ireland,
(e) the Police Service of Scotland,
(f) the Ministry of Defence Police,
(g) the Royal Navy Police,
(h) the Royal Military Police,
(i) the Royal Air Force Police,
(j) the British Transport Police,
(k) the National Crime Agency,
(l) Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, or
(m) the Home Office;
“section 29 authorisation” means an authorisation for the conduct or the use of a source under section 29 of the Act;
“source” means covert human intelligence source.
“tri-service serious crime unit” means the unit described in section 375(1A) of the Armed Forces Act 2006.

## 1A Long Term Authorisation

(1) In this Order a section 29 authorisation for the conduct or use of a relevant source is a long term authorisation if the periods mentioned in paragraph (2)(a) and (b), when taken together, exceed 12 months.
(2) Those periods are—
(a) the period for which the relevant source will be authorised under the authorisation, having regard (where relevant) to paragraph (4), and
(b) any period or periods, other than a period or periods to which paragraph (3) or (5) applies, for which the relevant source has previously been authorised as a source in relation to the same investigation or operation.
(3) This paragraph applies to a period or periods for which the relevant source has been authorised as a source under a section 29 authorisation where that authorisation was granted orally or by a person whose entitlement to act is confined to urgent cases.
(4) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(a) where the period or periods in respect of which a relevant source has previously been authorised as a source is less than 12 months in total, any further authorisation will cease to have effect, unless renewed, at the end of a period of 12 months less the total period for which the source has previously been authorised.
(5) For the purposes of paragraphs (2)(b) and (4) any period of authorisation which ceased to have effect more than 3 years prior to the intended commencement date of the authorisation referred to at paragraph (2)(a) shall be disregarded.
(6) In respect of an authorisation to which article 8(1)(b) of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Covert Human Intelligence Sources: Matters Subject to Legal Privilege) Order 2010 applies references in paragraphs (1) and (4) of this article to 12 months should be read as references to 3 months.
(7) For the purposes of this article any period for which the relevant source has previously been authorised as a source in relation to the same investigation or operation prior to 1st January 2014 shall be disregarded save for any period in relation to an authorisation that is extant on that date.

## 2 Amendment of Parts 1 and 2 of Schedule 1 to the Act

(1) Schedule 1 to the Act (relevant public authorities) is amended as follows.
(2) In Part 1 (relevant public authorities for the purposes of sections 28 and 29) omit—
(a) paragraph 4A (the force comprising the special constables appointed under section 79 of the Harbours, Docks and Piers Clauses Act 1847 on the nomination of the Dover Harbour Board),
(b) paragraph 10 (the Ministry of Defence),
(c) paragraph 15B (the Department for Work and Pensions),
(d) paragraph 20D (the Postal Services Commission), and
(e) paragraph 23 (a universal service provider (within the meaning of the Postal Services Act 2000) acting in connection with the provision of a universal postal service (within the meaning of that Act)).
(3) In that Part, for paragraph 17A (any fire authority within the meaning of the Fire Services Act 1947) substitute—
“17A. Any fire and rescue authority under the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004.”
(4) In that Part, after paragraph 20F insert—
“20G. The Health and Safety Executive.”
(5) In Part 2 (relevant public authorities for the purposes only of section 28) omit paragraph 24 (the Health and Safety Executive).
(6) In that Part, after paragraph 28 insert—
“The Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission
28A. The Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission.
Special constables nominated by the Dover Harbour Board
28B. The force comprising the special constables appointed under section 79 of the Harbours, Docks and Piers Clauses Act 1847 on the nomination of the Dover Harbour Board.
The Department for Work and Pensions
28C. The Department for Work and Pensions.
The Postal Services Commission
28D. The Postal Services Commission
Universal service providers
28E. A universal service provider (within the meaning of the Postal Services Act 2000) acting in connection with the provision of a universal postal service (within the meaning of that Act).”

## 3 Prescribed offices, ranks and position with relevant public authorities

(1) The Schedule to this Order has effect.
(1A) Part 1 to the Schedule has effect subject to Part 1A.
(2) Subject to the restrictions in articles 5 to 7A, the offices, ranks and positions listed in the entries in—
(a) column (2) of Part 1 of the Schedule (being offices, ranks and positions with the relevant public authorities which are listed in relation to such entries in column (1) of that Part and which are relevant public authorities for the purposes of sections 28 and 29 of the Act), ...
(aa) column (2) of Part 1A of the Schedule (being offices, ranks and positions with the relevant public authorities which are listed in relation to such entries in column (1) of that Part and which are relevant public authorities for the purposes of section 29 of the Act in relation to the authorisation of relevant sources), ...
(ab) column (2) of Part 1B of the Schedule (being offices, ranks and positions with the relevant public authorities which are listed in relation to such entries in column (1) of that Part and which are relevant public authorities for the purposes of section 29B of the Act), and
(b) column (2) of Part 2 of the Schedule (being offices, ranks and positions with the relevant public authorities which are listed in relation to such entries in column (1) of that Part and which are relevant public authorities for the purposes of section 28 of the Act only),
are prescribed for the purposes of section 30(1) of the Act.
(3) Where an office, rank or position with a relevant public authority is prescribed by virtue of article 3(2), all more senior offices, ranks or positions with that authority are also prescribed for the purpose of section 30(1) of the 2000 Act, subject to article 8.
(4) Where an office, rank or position with a relevant public authority is described in column 2 of the Schedule to this Order by reference to an agency, unit, branch, division or other part of that authority, the reference in paragraph (3) to all more senior offices, ranks or positions with that authority is a reference to all more senior offices, ranks or positions with that agency, unit, branch, division or part.
(5) In the entry for the Department for Transport in Part 1 of the Schedule—
(a) “former Driving Standards Agency function” means a function of the Driving Standards Agency immediately before 1st April 2014; and
(b) “former Vehicle and Operator Services Agency function” means a function of the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency immediately before 1st April 2014.

## 4 Additional offices, ranks and positions prescribed for urgent cases

(1) Subject to the restrictions in articles 5 to 7A, the offices, ranks and positions listed in the entries in column (3) of the Schedule (being offices, ranks and positions with the relevant public authorities which are listed in relation to such entries in column (1) of that Schedule) are prescribed for the purposes of section 30(1) of the Act in the circumstances specified in paragraph (2).
(2) An individual holding an office, rank or position which is listed in an entry in column (3) of the Schedule may only grant an authorisation—
(a) for the purposes of section 28 or 29 of the Act in the case of an entry in Part 1 of the Schedule;
(b) for the purposes of section 29 or 29B in the case of an entry in Part 1A of the Schedule;
(c) for the purposes of section 29B only in the case of an entry in Part 1B; or
(d) for the purposes of section 28 only in the case of an entry in Part 2,
where is it not reasonably practicable, having regard to the urgency of the case, for the application for an authorisation to be considered by an individual with the same relevant public authority holding an office, rank or position which is listed in column (2) of the Schedule.

## 5 Restrictions on the granting of authorisations

(1) An individual holding an office, rank or position which is listed in an entry in column (2) or (3) of Parts 1, 1A and 2 of the Schedule may not grant an authorisation unless that individual believes it is necessary for any of the grounds set out in paragraphs (a) to (f) of—
(a) section 28(3) or 29(3) of the Act in the case of an entry in Part 1 of the Schedule (subject to article 6(3)), or
(aa) section 29(3) of the Act in the case of an entry in Part 1A, or
(b) section 28(3) of the Act in the case of an entry in Part 2,
which is listed in the corresponding entry in column (4) of the Schedule.
(1A) An individual holding an office, rank or position which is listed in an entry in column (2) or (3) of Part 1A of the Schedule may not grant an authorisation under section 29B unless that individual believes it is necessary for any of the grounds set out in the corresponding entry in column (5) of that Part.
(1B) An individual holding an office, rank or position which is listed in an entry in column (2) or (3) of Part 1B of the Schedule may not grant an authorisation under section 29B unless that individual believes it is necessary for any of the grounds set out in section 29B(5) of the Act which are listed in the corresponding entry in column (4) of that Part.
(2) In column (4), a reference to a lettered paragraph is a reference to a paragraph identified by means of that letter in—
(a) section 28(3) or 29(3) of the Act in the case of an entry in Part 1 of the Schedule (subject to article 6(3)), or
(aa) section 29(3) or 29B(5) of the Act in the case of an entry in Part 1A, ...
(ab) section 29B(5) of the Act in the case of an entry in Part 1B, or
(b) section 28(3) of the Act in the case of an entry in Part 2.

## 6 

(1) Where an entry in column (2) or (3) of Part 1 of the Schedule is headed by reference to an authorisation under section 28 or section 29, an authorisation may only be granted by the individual holding the office, rank or position listed in the entry under the section by which the entry is headed.
(2) Such a heading in column (2) or (3) of Part 1 of the Schedule refers to section 28 or section 29, as the case may be, of the Act.
(3) Where paragraph (1) applies, a reference to a paragraph in column (4) of Part 1 of the Schedule is to a paragraph in subsection (3) of the section specified in the heading.

## 6A 

Where an entry in column (2) of Part 1A of the Schedule is headed by reference to an authorisation of a relevant source or to an authorisation for a long term authorisation, an authorisation may only be granted by the individual holding the office, rank or position listed in an entry under the relevant heading.

## 7 

An individual holding an office, rank or position with the Food Standards Agency may not grant an authorisation for conduct in Northern Ireland.

## 7A 

(1) An individual holding an office, rank or position with any county council or district council in England, a London borough council, the Common Council of the City of London in its capacity as a local authority, the Council of the Isles of Scilly, or any county council or county borough council in Wales may not grant an authorisation under section 28 unless the conditions in paragraphs (2) and (3) are met.
(2) The first condition is that the authorisation under section 28 is for the purpose of preventing or detecting conduct which—
(a) constitutes one or more criminal offences, or
(b) is, or corresponds to, any conduct which, if it all took place in England and Wales, would constitute one or more criminal offences.
(3) The second condition is that the criminal offence or one of the criminal offences referred to in the first condition is or would be—
(a) an offence which is punishable, whether on summary conviction or on indictment, by a maximum term of at least 6 months of imprisonment, or
(b) an offence under—
(i) section 146 of the Licensing Act 2003 (sale of alcohol to children);
(ii) section 147 of the Licensing Act 2003 (allowing the sale of alcohol to children);
(iii) section 147A of the Licensing Act 2003 (persistently selling alcohol to children);
(iv) section 7 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 (sale of tobacco, etc, to persons under eighteen) ;
(v) section 91 of the Children and Families Act 2014 (purchase of tobacco ... etc. on behalf of persons under 18);
(vi) section 10 of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 (sale of vaping or nicotine products to under 18s);
(vii) section 11 of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 (purchase of vaping or nicotine products on behalf of under 18s).

## 8 

The restrictions on the granting of authorisations under sections 28, 29 and 29B that apply to an individual holding an office, rank or position with a relevant public authority listed in column 2 of the Schedule to this Order shall also apply to individuals holding all more senior offices, ranks or positions with that authority that are prescribed by article 3(3).

## 9 Transitional arrangements

This Order does not affect the continued operation of the Orders mentioned in article 10 in relation to authorisations under section 28 or 29 of the Act granted before this Order comes into force.

## 10 Revocation

The following Orders are revoked to the extent indicated—
(a) all of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Directed Surveillance and Covert Human Intelligence Sources) Order 2003, except articles 1 to 3,
(b) articles 4 and 5 of the Independent Police Complaints Commission (Investigatory Powers) Order 2004,
(c) all of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Directed Surveillance and Covert Human Intelligence Sources) (Amendment) Order 2005, except articles 1 and 2(1),
(d) all of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Directed Surveillance and Covert Human Intelligence Sources) (Amendment) Order 2006, except articles 1 and 2.

## Signature

David Hanson
Minister of State
Home Office
25th February 2010

## Schedule: PRESCRIBED OFFICES ETC. IN RELEVANT PUBLIC AUTHORITIES AND RESTRICTIONS ON AUTHORISATIONS

## 1 OFFICES ETC. AND RESTRICTIONS IN RESPECT OF PUBLIC AUTHORITIES SPECIFIED IN PART 1 OF SCHEDULE 1 TO THE ACT

(1)
Relevant public authorities
(2)
Prescribed offices etc
(3)
Urgent cases
(4)
Grounds set out in paragraphs of section 28(3) or 29(3) of the Act
A police force maintained under section 2 of the Police Act 1996
Superintendent
Inspector
Paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)
The metropolitan police force
Superintendent
Inspector
Paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)
The City of London police force
Superintendent
Inspector
Paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)
The Police Service of Scotland
Superintendent
Inspector
Paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)
The Police Service of Northern Ireland
Superintendent
Superintendent
Paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)
The Ministry of Defence Police
Superintendent
Inspector
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Royal Navy Police
Commander
Lieutenant Commander
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Royal Military Police
Lieutenant Colonel
Major
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Royal Air Force Police
Wing Commander
Squadron Leader
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Service Police Complaints Commissioner
A senior investigating officer
An investigating officer
Paragraph (b)
The British Transport Police
Superintendent
Inspector
Paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)
The Civil Nuclear Constabulary
Superintendent
Inspector
Paragraphs (a) and (b)
The Serious Organised Crime Agency
Senior Manager (Grade 2)
Principal Officer (Grade 3)
Paragraph (b)
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
The Serious Fraud Office
Grade 6
—
Paragraph (b)
The force comprising the constables appointed under article 3 of the Mersey Docks and Harbour (Police) Order 1975 on the nomination of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company
Superintendent
Inspector
Paragraphs (b), (d) and (e)
The Security Service
General Duties 3 or any other Officer at Level 3
—
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Secret Intelligence Service
Grade 6 or equivalent
—
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Government Communications Headquarters
GC8
—
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Royal Navy
Commander
Lieutenant Commander
Paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)
The Army
Lieutenant Colonel
Major
Paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)
The Royal Air Force
Wing Commander
Squadron Leader
Paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)
The Commissioners for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs
Senior Officer
Higher Officer
Paragraphs (a), (b), (d), (e) and (f)
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Senior Investigation Officer in DEFRA Investigation Services
—
Paragraph (b)
Senior Fish Health Inspector (PB6 or above) in Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science
—
Paragraph (b)
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
The Department of Health and Social Care
Grade 6 in Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency
Grade 7 in Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency
Paragraphs (b), (d) and (e)
Home Office
Immigration Inspector or Senior Officer with responsibility for immigration and border security investigations and functions
Chief Immigration Officer or Higher Officer with responsibility for immigration and border security investigations and functions
Paragraphs (b) and (c)
Immigration Inspector or Senior Executive Officer with responsibility for security and intelligence in detention services (Immigration Removal Centres)
Paragraphs (b) and (d)
Section 28 authorisation
Grade 6 with responsibility for investigations or research relating to crime, terrorism or extremism
–
Paragraphs (b) and (d)
The Head of the Unit responsible for anti-corruption investigations and functions
Section 28 authorisation
Immigration Inspector or Senior Executive Officer with responsibility for anti-corruption investigations and functions
Paragraph (b)
The Ministry of Justice
A civil servant at Band 8 or above of Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service
A civil servant at Band 8 or above of Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service
Paragraphs (b) and (d)
A civil servant at Band 8 or above of Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service
A civil servant at Band 8 or above of Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service
Paragraphs (b) and (d)
The Department of Justice in Northern Ireland
Director of Prisons or Governor in Charge
Grade 7 or Governor in Charge
Paragraphs (b) and (d)
The Department for Business and Trade
An investigating officer in the Insolvency Service at Grade 7 or above
—
Paragraph (b)
An enforcement officer appointed under section 90 of the Employment Rights Act 2025, at or above the grade of senior executive officer
—
Paragraph (b)
The Department for Transport
Head of Enforcement in the Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Enforcement Officer in the Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Paragraphs (b) and (d)
. . .
. . .
. . .
Section 28 authorisation
Head of Intelligence or Head of Investigations in the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Section 28 authorisation
Area Manager or Regional Intelligence Coordinator in the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency ...
Paragraphs (b) and (d)
Section 29 authorisation
Head of Intelligence or Head of Investigations in the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Section 29 authorisation
Regional Intelligence Coordinator in the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency ...
Paragraphs (b) and (d)
The Welsh Assembly Government
Director General Health and Social Service Group or Chief Executive NHS Wales
Member of Department for Health and Social Services at a level equivalent to Grade 7
Paragraphs (b), (d) and (e)
Director of Finance, Department of Health and Social Services
Member of Department for Health and Social Services Finance at a level equivalent to Grade 7
Paragraphs (b), (d) and (e)
Deputy Director, Marine and Fisheries Division
—
Paragraph (b)
Head of Rural Payments Division
Member of Rural Payments Division at a level equivalent to Grade 7
Paragraphs (b) and (e)
Head of Department or equivalent grade in the Care Inspectorate Wales
Senior Manager or equivalent grade in the Care Inspectorate Wales
Paragraphs (b), (d) and (e)
The Welsh Revenue Authority
Grade 7 or equivalent
—
Paragraphs (b) and (f)
Any county council or district council in England, a London borough council, the Common Council of the City of London in its capacity as a local authority, the Council of the Isles of Scilly, and any county council or county borough council in Wales
Director, Head of Service, Service Manager or equivalent
—
Paragraph (b)
A fire and rescue authority under the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004
Group Manager
—
Paragraphs (b) and (d)
The Charity Commission
Senior Investigations Manager
Investigations Manager
Paragraph (b)
The Environment Agency
Section 28 authorisation
Section 28 authorisation
Paragraphs (b), (d) and (e)
Area Management Team Member or equivalent (Grade 7), Senior Enforcement Technical Advisor or equivalent (Grade 6)
Area Enforcement Team Leader or Enforcement Technical Adviser or equivalent (Grade 5)
Section 29 authorisation
–
Paragraphs (b), (d) and (e)
... Deputy Director National Enforcement Service or equivalent Deputy Director
The Financial Conduct Authority
A Head of Department in the Enforcement and Financial Crime Division
A Manager in the Enforcement and Financial Crime Division
Paragraph (b)
The Prudential Regulation Authority
The Head of Regulatory Action
Paragraph (b)
The Food Standards Agency
Section 28 authorisation
Paragraphs (b) and (e)
Grade 6 Deputy Head of the National Food Crime Unit or Head of Litigation in the Legal Department
Grade 7 Head of Intelligence or Head of Investigations in the National Food Crime Unit
Section 29 authorisation
Paragraphs (b) and (e)
Grade 6 Deputy Head of the National Food Crime Unit or Head of Litigation in the Legal Department
Grade 7 Head of Intelligence or Head of Investigations in the National Food Crime Unit
The Gambling Commission
Senior Manager
—
Paragraph (b)
The Competition and Markets Authority
Any member of the Senior Civil Service with responsibility for cartels or criminal enforcement
Grade 6 in the Cartels and Criminal Enforcement Group
Paragraphs (b) and (c)
The Independent Office for Police Conduct
Director or equivalent grade
Operations Manager
Paragraph (b)
The Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland
Senior Investigating Officer
Deputy Senior Investigating Officer
Paragraph (b)
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
The Care Quality Commission
Head of Operations in a region
Area Manager
Paragraphs (b) and (e)
The Health and Safety Executive
Band 1 Inspector
—
Paragraphs (b), (d) and (e)
The Office of Communications
Section 28 authorisation
Section 28 authorisation
Paragraph (b)
Principal responsible for spectrum investigation and enforcement
Senior Associate responsible for spectrum investigation and enforcement
Section 29 authorisation
—
Paragraph (b)
Senior Management Group member responsible for spectrum investigation and enforcement
The Marine Management Organisation
Section 28 authorisation
Section 28 authorisation
Paragraphs (b), (c) and (e)
Grade 7 Marine Enforcement Officer
Principal Marine Officer (SEO equivalent)
Section 29 authorisation
–
Paragraphs (b), (c) and (e)
Grade 6 Marine Enforcement Officer

## 1A Offices etc and Restrictions In Respect of Public Authorities Specified in Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the Act in Relation to Relevant Sources

(1)
Relevant public authorities
(2)
Prescribed offices etc
(3)
Urgent Cases
(4)
Grounds set out in section 29(3) of the Act
(5)
Grounds set out in section 29B(5) of the Act
A police force maintained under section 2 of the Police Act 1996
Relevant Source Authorisation
Assistant Chief Constable
Long Term Authorisation
Chief Constable
Superintendent
Paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The City of London Police Force
Relevant Source Authorisation
Commander
Long Term Authorisation
Commissioner
Superintendent
Paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Metropolitan Police Force
Relevant Source Authorisation
Commander
Long Term Authorisation
Assistant Commissioner
Superintendent
Paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Police Service of Northern Ireland
Relevant Source Authorisation
Assistant Chief Constable
Long Term Authorisation
Chief Constable
Superintendent
Paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Police Service of Scotland
Relevant Source Authorisation
Assistant Chief Constable
Long Term Authorisation
Chief Constable
Superintendent
Paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)
Paragraphs (a) and (c)
The Ministry of Defence Police
Relevant Source Authorisation
Assistant Chief Constable
Long Term Authorisation
Chief Constable
Superintendent
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Royal Navy Police
Relevant Source Authorisation
Commander
Long Term Authorisation
Provost Marshal (Navy)
Lieutenant Commander
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The tri-service serious crime unit
Relevant Source Authorisation: Squadron Leader, Major, or Lieutenant Commander
Long Term Authorisation: Provost Marshal for serious crime
Squadron Leader, Major, or Lieutenant Commander
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Royal Military Police
Relevant Source Authorisation
Colonel
Long Term Authorisation
Provost Marshal (Army)
Major
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Royal Air Force Police
Relevant Source Authorisation
Wing Commander
Long Term Authorisation
Provost Marshal (Royal Air Force)
Squadron Leader
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The British Transport Police
Relevant Source Authorisation
Assistant Chief Constable
Long Term Authorisation
Chief Constable
Superintendent
Paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The National Crime Agency
Relevant Source Authorisation
Deputy Director
Long Term Authorisation
Deputy Director General
Grade 2 Senior Manager
Paragraph (b)
Paragraph (b)
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs
Relevant Source Authorisation
Assistant Director
Long Term Authorisation
Director Criminal Investigation
Senior Officer
Paragraphs (a), (b), (d), (e) and (f)
Paragraphs (a) and (b)
The Home Office
Relevant Source Authorisation
Senior Civil Service pay band 1 with responsibility for criminal investigations in relation to immigration and border security
Long Term Authorisation
Director General with responsibility for criminal investigations in relation to immigration and border security
Grade 6 with responsibility for criminal investigations in relation to immigration and border security
Paragraphs (b), (c) and (d)
Paragraphs (b) and (c)

## 1B 

Offices etc and Restrictions in Respect of Public Authorities Specified in Part A1 of Schedule 1 to the Act
(1)
Relevant public authorities
(2)
Prescribed Offices etc
(3)
Urgent cases
(4)
Grounds set out in section 29B(5)
A police force maintained under section 2 of the Police Act 1996
Superintendent
Inspector
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Metropolitan police force
Superintendent
Inspector
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The City of London police force
Superintendent
Inspector
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Police Service of Scotland
Superintendent
Inspector
Paragraphs (a) and (c)
The Police Service of Northern Ireland
Superintendent
Superintendent
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Ministry of Defence Police
Superintendent
Inspector
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Royal Navy Police
Commander
Lieutenant Commander
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Royal Military Police
Lieutenant Colonel
Major
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Royal Air Force Police
Wing Commander
Squadron Leader
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The British Transport Police
Superintendent
Inspector
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The National Crime Agency
Senior Manager (Grade 2)
Principal Officer (Grade 3)
Paragraph (b)
The Security Service
General Duties 3 or any other Officer at Level 3
–
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Secret Intelligence Service
Grade 6 or equivalent
–
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Government Communications Headquarters
GC8
–
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Royal Navy
Commander
Lieutenant Commander
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Army
Lieutenant Colonel
Major
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Royal Air Force
Wing Commander
Squadron Leader
Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs
Senior Officer
Higher Officer
Paragraphs (a) and (b)
The Department of Health and Social Care
Grade 6 in the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority
Grade 7 in the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority
Paragraph (b)
The Home Office
Immigration Inspector or Senior Officer with responsibility for immigration and border security investigations and functions
Chief Immigration Officer or Higher Officer with responsibility for immigration and border security investigations and functions
Paragraphs (b) and (c)
The Ministry of Justice
A civil servant at Band 8 or above of Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service
A civil servant at Band 8 or above of Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service
Paragraph (b)
The Competition and Markets Authority
Any member of the Senior Civil Service with responsibility for cartels or criminal enforcement
Grade 6 in the Cartels and Criminal Enforcement Group
Paragraphs (b) and (c)
The Environment Agency
Deputy Director National Enforcement Service or equivalent Deputy Director
–
Paragraph (b)
The Financial Conduct Authority
A Head of Department in the Enforcement and Financial Crime Division
A Manager in the Enforcement and Financial Crime Division
Paragraph (b)
The Food Standards Agency
Grade 6 Deputy Head of the National Food Crime Unit or Head of Litigation in the Legal Department
Grade 7 Head of Intelligence or Head of Investigations in the National Food Crime Unit
Paragraph (b)
The Gambling Commission
Senior Manager
–
Paragraph (b)
The Serious Fraud Office
Grade 6
–
Paragraph (b)

## 2 OFFICES, ETC. AND RESTRICTIONS IN RESPECT OF RELEVANT PUBLIC AUTHORITIES SPECIFIED IN PART 2 OF SCHEDULE 1 TO THE ACT

(1)
Relevant public authorities
(2)
Prescribed offices etc.
(3)
Urgent cases
(4)
Grounds set out in paragraphs of section 28(3) of the Act
A Special Health Authority established under section 28 of the National Health Service Act 2006 or section 22 of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006
Senior Manager (not below the grade of Agenda for Change pay band 8b) in the exercise of the Secretary of State’s counter fraud functions, within the meaning of section 195 of the National Health Service Act 2006
—
Paragraph (b)
Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills
Deputy Director or Principal Officer
—
Paragraph (b)
The Information Commission
Head of Enforcement
Senior Investigating Officer
Paragraph (b)
General Pharmaceutical Council
Director ...
—
Paragraphs (b), (d) and (e)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
The Department for Work and Pensions
Senior Executive Officer or equivalent grade in Jobcentre Plus
Higher Executive Officer or equivalent grade in Jobcentre Plus
Paragraph (b)
Senior Executive Officer or equivalent grade carrying out functions in relation to child support
Higher Executive Office or equivalent grade carrying out functions in relation to child support
Paragraph (b)
Senior Executive Officer or equivalent grade in Department for Work and Pensions Risk Assurance Division
—
Paragraph (b)
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
A universal service provider (within the meaning of Part 3 of the Postal Services Act 2011) acting in connection with the provision of a universal postal service (within the meaning of that Act)
Senior Investigation Manager in Royal Mail Group Ltd
—
Paragraph (b)
The Natural Resources Body for Wales
Head of Operations
Operations Manager or Enforcement Manager
Paragraphs (b), (d) and (e)

## Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order consolidates the Orders revoked, or partially revoked, by article 10 of this Order.
Under section 30(1) of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (“the Act”), the persons designated for the purposes of sections 28 and 29 of that Act are the individuals holding such offices, rank and positions with relevant public authorities as are prescribed for the purposes of section 30(1) by order made by the Secretary of State. Under section 28(1), the persons designated for the purposes of that section have power to grant authorisations for the carrying out of directed surveillance (as defined by section 26(2)). Under section 29(1), the persons designated for the purposes of that section have power to grant authorisations for the conduct or the use of a covert human surveillance source (as defined by section 26(7) and (8)). Under section 30(4), a public authority must be specified in Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the Act in order to be a relevant public authority in relation to section 29. A public authority which is specified in either Part 1 or Part 2 of that Schedule is a relevant public authority for the purposes of section 28.
Article 3 and the Schedule to this Order prescribe the offices, positions and ranks in column (2) of the Schedule for these purposes. Article 4 and the Schedule to this Order prescribe the offices, positions and ranks in column (3) for the granting of authorisations in urgent cases. Articles 5 to 7 set out restrictions on the circumstances in which authorisations can be granted.
The main substantive changes to the content of the Orders revoked by this Order are made by article 2 which amends Schedule 1 to the Act to:
replace a reference which is now spent (by substituting “any fire and rescue authority under the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004” for “any fire authority within the meaning of the Fire Services Act 1947 (read with paragraph 2 of Schedule 11 to the Local Government Act 1985)”);
move four public authorities from Part 1 to Part 2 (the force comprising the special constables nominated by the Dover Harbour Board, the Department for Work and Pensions, the Postal Services Commission and a universal service provider (within the meaning of the Postal Services Act 2000) acting in connection with the provision of a universal postal service (within the meaning of that Act));
move one authority from Part 2 to Part 1 (the Health and Safety Executive);
remove one public authority from the Schedule (the Ministry of Defence); and
add one new public authority to the list of relevant public authorities in Part 2 (the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission).
Consequential amendments are made to the Schedule to this Order. In addition, no entry is included in respect of the Royal Parks Constabulary consequent on the coming into force of the repeal of the entry in respect of that Constabulary in Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Act.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/521 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/regulation-of-investigatory-powers-directed-surveillance-and-covert-human-intelligence-sources-order-2010
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.