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

S.I. 2010/521 · Made 25 February 2010 · Extends to United Kingdom

Not fully up to date. 2 changes made by later legislation have not yet been written into this text, which is revised to 29 October 2026.

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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 2000f1.

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—

Annotations to the whole text

Footnotes

f1

2000 c.23.

Contents

  1. 1Citation, commencement and interpretation
  2. 1ALong Term Authorisation
  3. 2Amendment of Parts 1 and 2 of Schedule 1 to the Act
  4. 3Prescribed offices, ranks and position with relevant public authorities
  5. 4Additional offices, ranks and positions prescribed for urgent cases
  6. 5Restrictions on the granting of authorisations
  7. 6Article 6
  8. 6AArticle 6A
  9. 7Article 7
  10. 7AArticle 7A
  11. 8Article 8
  12. 9Transitional arrangements
  13. 10Revocation
  14. Signature
  15. Schedule: PRESCRIBED OFFICES ETC. IN RELEVANT PUBLIC AUTHORITIES AND RESTRICTIONS ON AUTHORISATIONS
  16. 1OFFICES ETC. AND RESTRICTIONS IN RESPECT OF PUBLIC AUTHORITIES SPECIFIED IN PART 1 OF SCHEDULE 1 TO THE ACT
  17. 1AOffices etc and Restrictions In Respect of Public Authorities Specified in Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the Act in Relation to Relevant Sources
  18. 1BPart 1B
  19. 2OFFICES, ETC. AND RESTRICTIONS IN RESPECT OF RELEVANT PUBLIC AUTHORITIES SPECIFIED IN PART 2 OF SCHEDULE 1 TO THE ACT
  20. Explanatory note

1Citation, commencement and interpretationI1

(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.

F1(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.

  • F2“tri-service serious crime unit” means the unit described in section 375(1A) of the Armed Forces Act 2006.

1ALong Term AuthorisationF1

(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 2010f1 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.

2Amendment of Parts 1 and 2 of Schedule 1 to the ActI1

(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 1847f1 on the nomination of the Dover Harbour Board)f2,

(b)

paragraph 10 (the Ministry of Defence),

(c)

paragraph 15B (the Department for Work and Pensions)f3,

(d)

paragraph 20D (the Postal Services Commission)f4, and

(e)

paragraph 23 (a universal service provider (within the meaning of the Postal Services Act 2000f5) acting in connection with the provision of a universal postal service (within the meaning of that Act))f6.

(3)

In that Part, for paragraph 17A (any fire authority within the meaning of the Fire Services Act 1947)f7 substitute—

“17A.

Any fire and rescue authority under the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004f8.”

(4)

In that Part, after paragraph 20Ff9 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).”

3Prescribed offices, ranks and position with relevant public authoritiesI1

(1)

The Schedule to this Order has effect.

F1(1A)

Part 1 to the Schedule has effect subject to Part 1A.

(2)

Subject to the restrictions in F2articles 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), F3...

F4(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), F5...

F6(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.

F7(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.

4Additional offices, ranks and positions prescribed for urgent casesI1

(1)

Subject to the restrictions in F1articles 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).

F2(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.

5Restrictions on the granting of authorisationsI1

(1)

An individual holding an office, rank or position which is listed in an entry in column (2) or (3) F1of 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

F2(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.

F3(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

F4(aa)

section 29(3) F5or 29B(5) of the Act in the case of an entry in Part 1A, F6...

F7(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.

6I1

(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.

6AF1

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.

7I1

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

7AF1

(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 2003f1 (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 2003f2 (persistently selling alcohol to children);

(iv)

section 7 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933f3 (sale of tobacco, etc, to persons under eighteen) F2;

(F3v)

section 91 of the Children and Families Act 2014 (purchase of tobacco F4... etc. on behalf of persons under 18);

(F5vi)

section 10 of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 (sale of vaping or nicotine products to under 18s);

(F6vii)

section 11 of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 (purchase of vaping or nicotine products on behalf of under 18s).

8I1

The restrictions on the granting of authorisations under sections F128, 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).

9Transitional arrangementsI1

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.

10RevocationI1

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 2003f1, except articles 1 to 3,

(b)

articles 4 and 5 of the Independent Police Complaints Commission (Investigatory Powers) Order 2004f2,

(c)

all of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Directed Surveillance and Covert Human Intelligence Sources) (Amendment) Order 2005f3, except articles 1 and 2(1),

(d)

all of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Directed Surveillance and Covert Human Intelligence Sources) (Amendment) Order 2006f4, except articles 1 and 2.

Signature

David Hanson

Minister of State

Home Office

25th February 2010

1OFFICES ETC. AND RESTRICTIONS IN RESPECT OF PUBLIC AUTHORITIES SPECIFIED IN PART 1 OF SCHEDULE 1 TO THE ACTI1

(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 1996f1SuperintendentInspectorParagraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)
The metropolitan police forceSuperintendentInspectorParagraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)
The City of London police forceSuperintendentInspectorParagraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)
F1The Police Service of Scotland SuperintendentInspectorParagraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)
The Police Service of Northern Irelandf2 Superintendent F2SuperintendentParagraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)
The Ministry of Defence PoliceSuperintendentInspectorParagraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Royal Navy PoliceCommanderLieutenant CommanderParagraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Royal Military PoliceLieutenant ColonelMajorParagraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Royal Air Force PoliceWing CommanderSquadron LeaderParagraphs (a), (b) and (c)
F3The Service Police Complaints Commissioner A senior investigating officerAn investigating officerParagraph (b)
The British Transport PoliceSuperintendentInspectorParagraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)
The Civil Nuclear ConstabularySuperintendentInspectorParagraphs (a) and (b)
The Serious Organised Crime AgencySenior Manager (Grade 2)Principal Officer (Grade 3)Paragraph (b)
F4. . .. . .. . .. . .
The Serious Fraud OfficeGrade 6—Paragraph (b)
The force comprising the constables appointed under article 3 of the Mersey Docks and Harbour (Police) Order 1975f3 on the nomination of the Mersey Docks and Harbour CompanySuperintendentInspectorParagraphs (b), (d) and (e)
The Security ServiceGeneral Duties 3 or any other Officer at Level 3—Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Secret Intelligence ServiceGrade 6 or equivalent—Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Government Communications HeadquartersGC8—Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Royal NavyCommanderLieutenant CommanderParagraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)
The ArmyLieutenant ColonelMajorParagraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)
The Royal Air ForceWing CommanderSquadron LeaderParagraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)
The Commissioners for Her Majesty’s Revenue and CustomsSenior OfficerHigher OfficerParagraphs (a), (b), (d), (e) and (f)
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsSenior 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)
F5. . .F6. . .. . .
F7. . .. . .. . .
The Department of Health F8and Social Care Grade 6 in Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory AgencyGrade 7 in Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory AgencyParagraphs (b), (d) and (e)
F9Home Office Immigration Inspector or Senior Officer with responsibility for immigration and border security investigations and functionsChief Immigration Officer or Higher Officer with responsibility for immigration and border security investigations and functionsParagraphs (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

F10Grade 6 with responsibility for investigations or research relating to crime, terrorism or extremism

F11–

F12Paragraphs (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 F13A civil servant at Band 8 or above of Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service F14A 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 ServiceA civil servant at Band 8 or above of Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation ServiceParagraphs (b) and (d)
F15The Department of Justice in Northern Ireland F16Director of Prisons or Governor in Charge F17Grade 7 or Governor in Charge Paragraphs (b) and (d)
F18The Department for Business and Trade F19An investigating officer in the Insolvency Service at Grade 7 or above —Paragraph (b)
F20An enforcement officer appointed under section 90 of the Employment Rights Act 2025, at or above the grade of senior executive officerF21— F22Paragraph (b)
F23The Department for Transport Head of Enforcement in the Maritime and Coastguard AgencyEnforcement Officer in the Maritime and Coastguard AgencyParagraphs (b) and (d)
F24. . .F25. . .F26. . .

Section 28 authorisation

F27Head 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 F28...

Paragraphs (b) and (d)

Section 29 authorisation

F29Head 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 F30...

Paragraphs (b) and (d)
The Welsh Assembly Government F31Director 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 7Paragraphs (b), (d) and (e)
F32Director of Finance, Department of Health and Social Services Member of Department for Health and Social Services Finance at a level equivalent to Grade 7Paragraphs (b), (d) and (e)
F33Deputy Director, Marine and Fisheries Division —Paragraph (b)
Head of Rural Payments DivisionMember of Rural Payments Division at a level equivalent to Grade 7Paragraphs (b) and (e)
F34Head of Department or equivalent grade in the Care Inspectorate Wales F35Senior Manager or equivalent grade in the Care Inspectorate Wales Paragraphs (b), (d) and (e)
F36The 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 WalesDirector, Head of Service, Service Manager or equivalent—Paragraph (b)
A fire and rescue authority under the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004Group Manager—Paragraphs (b) and (d)
The Charity CommissionSenior Investigations ManagerInvestigations ManagerParagraph (b)
The Environment AgencySection 28 authorisationSection 28 authorisationParagraphs (b), (d) and (e)
F37Area Management Team Member or equivalent (Grade 7), Senior Enforcement Technical Advisor or equivalent (Grade 6) F38Area Enforcement Team Leader or Enforcement Technical Adviser or equivalent (Grade 5)
Section 29 authorisationF39–Paragraphs (b), (d) and (e)
F40F41... Deputy Director National Enforcement Service or equivalent Deputy Director
F42The 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 AuthorityThe Head of Regulatory ActionParagraph (b)
The Food Standards Agency F43Section 28 authorisation Paragraphs (b) and (e)
F44Grade 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 F45Senior Manager —Paragraph (b)
The F46Competition and Markets Authority Any member of the Senior Civil Service with responsibility for cartels or criminal enforcement F47Grade 6 in the Cartels and Criminal Enforcement GroupParagraphs (b) and (c)
F48The Independent Office for Police Conduct F49Director or equivalent grade F50Operations Manager Paragraph (b)
The Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern IrelandSenior Investigating OfficerDeputy Senior Investigating OfficerParagraph (b)
F51. . .. . .. . .. . .
The Care Quality CommissionHead of Operations in a regionArea ManagerParagraphs (b) and (e)
The Health and Safety Executive F52Band 1 Inspector —Paragraphs (b), (d) and (e)
The Office of CommunicationsSection 28 authorisationSection 28 authorisationParagraph (b)
Principal responsible for spectrum investigation and enforcementSenior Associate responsible for spectrum investigation and enforcement
Section 29 authorisation—Paragraph (b)
Senior Management Group member responsible for spectrum investigation and enforcement
F53The Marine Management OrganisationSection 28 authorisationSection 28 authorisationParagraphs (b), (c) and (e)
Grade 7 Marine Enforcement OfficerPrincipal Marine Officer (SEO equivalent)
Section 29 authorisation–Paragraphs (b), (c) and (e)
Grade 6 Marine Enforcement Officer

1AOffices etc and Restrictions In Respect of Public Authorities Specified in Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the Act in Relation to Relevant SourcesF1

F2(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

SuperintendentParagraphs (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

SuperintendentParagraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Metropolitan Police Force

Relevant Source Authorisation

Commander

Long Term Authorisation

Assistant Commissioner

SuperintendentParagraphs (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

SuperintendentParagraphs (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

SuperintendentParagraphs (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

SuperintendentParagraphs (a), (b) and (c)Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Royal Navy Police

Relevant Source Authorisation

Commander

Long Term Authorisation

Provost Marshal (Navy)

Lieutenant CommanderParagraphs (a), (b) and (c)Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
F3The 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 CommanderParagraphs (a), (b) and (c)Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Royal Military Police

Relevant Source Authorisation

Colonel

Long Term Authorisation

Provost Marshal (Army)

MajorParagraphs (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 LeaderParagraphs (a), (b) and (c)Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The British Transport Police

Relevant Source Authorisation

Assistant Chief Constable

Long Term Authorisation

Chief Constable

SuperintendentParagraphs (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 ManagerParagraph (b)Paragraph (b)
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs

Relevant Source Authorisation

Assistant Director

Long Term Authorisation

Director Criminal Investigation

Senior OfficerParagraphs (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 securityParagraphs (b), (c) and (d)Paragraphs (b) and (c)

1BF1

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 1996SuperintendentInspectorParagraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Metropolitan police forceSuperintendentInspectorParagraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The City of London police forceSuperintendentInspectorParagraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Police Service of ScotlandSuperintendentInspectorParagraphs (a) and (c)
The Police Service of Northern IrelandSuperintendentSuperintendentParagraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Ministry of Defence PoliceSuperintendentInspectorParagraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Royal Navy PoliceCommanderLieutenant CommanderParagraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Royal Military PoliceLieutenant ColonelMajorParagraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Royal Air Force PoliceWing CommanderSquadron LeaderParagraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The British Transport PoliceSuperintendentInspectorParagraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The National Crime AgencySenior Manager (Grade 2)Principal Officer (Grade 3)Paragraph (b)
The Security ServiceGeneral Duties 3 or any other Officer at Level 3–Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Secret Intelligence ServiceGrade 6 or equivalent–Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Government Communications HeadquartersGC8–Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Royal NavyCommanderLieutenant CommanderParagraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The ArmyLieutenant ColonelMajorParagraphs (a), (b) and (c)
The Royal Air ForceWing CommanderSquadron LeaderParagraphs (a), (b) and (c)
Her Majesty’s Revenue and CustomsSenior OfficerHigher OfficerParagraphs (a) and (b)
The Department of Health and Social CareGrade 6 in the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory AuthorityGrade 7 in the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory AuthorityParagraph (b)
The Home OfficeImmigration Inspector or Senior Officer with responsibility for immigration and border security investigations and functionsChief Immigration Officer or Higher Officer with responsibility for immigration and border security investigations and functionsParagraphs (b) and (c)
The Ministry of JusticeA civil servant at Band 8 or above of Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation ServiceA civil servant at Band 8 or above of Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service

Paragraph (b)

The Competition and Markets AuthorityAny member of the Senior Civil Service with responsibility for cartels or criminal enforcementGrade 6 in the Cartels and Criminal Enforcement GroupParagraphs (b) and (c)
The Environment AgencyDeputy Director National Enforcement Service or equivalent Deputy Director–Paragraph (b)
The Financial Conduct AuthorityA Head of Department in the Enforcement and Financial Crime DivisionA Manager in the Enforcement and Financial Crime DivisionParagraph (b)
The Food Standards AgencyGrade 6 Deputy Head of the National Food Crime Unit or Head of Litigation in the Legal DepartmentGrade 7 Head of Intelligence or Head of Investigations in the National Food Crime UnitParagraph (b)
The Gambling CommissionSenior Manager–Paragraph (b)
The Serious Fraud OfficeGrade 6–Paragraph (b)

2OFFICES, ETC. AND RESTRICTIONS IN RESPECT OF RELEVANT PUBLIC AUTHORITIES SPECIFIED IN PART 2 OF SCHEDULE 1 TO THE ACTI1

(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 2006f1 or section 22 of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006f2Senior Manager (not below the grade of Agenda for Change pay band 8b) F1in 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 F2Deputy Director or Principal Officer —Paragraph (b)
F3The Information Commission Head of EnforcementSenior Investigating OfficerParagraph (b)
F4General Pharmaceutical Council Director F5...—Paragraphs (b), (d) and (e)
F6...F7...F8...F9...
F10............
The Department for Work and PensionsSenior Executive Officer or equivalent grade in Jobcentre PlusHigher Executive Officer or equivalent grade in Jobcentre PlusParagraph (b)
F11Senior Executive Officer or equivalent grade carrying out functions in relation to child support F12Higher Executive Office or equivalent grade carrying out functions in relation to child support F13Paragraph (b)
Senior Executive Officer or equivalent grade in Department for Work and Pensions Risk Assurance Division—Paragraph (b)
F14. . .. . .. . .. . .
A universal service provider (within the meaning of F15Part 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)
F16The Natural Resources Body for Wales F17Head of Operations F18Operations 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.