The RIP (Covert Surveillance: Code of Practice) Order 2002 and
the RIP (Covert Human Intelligence Sources: Code of Practice) Order
2002 give effect to the two Codes of Practice and will come into
force on 1st August 2002.
Under the tag line “Building a safe, just and tolerant society,”
the Covert Surveillance Order applies “to every authorisation of
covert surveillance or of entry on or interference with property or
with wireless telegraphy carried out” by public authorities under
certain provisions of the Intelligence Services Act of 1994, the
Police Act of 1997 and the RIP Act.
The Covert Surveillance Order sets out the procedures that are
required in carrying out surveillance, such as the recording of
fixed line or mobile phone conversations, and the steps that must
be taken to protect any data obtained. It also identifies the
authorisation level for each authority – e.g. a chief constable of
the police, or the Chief Executive of the NHS.
The Covert Human Intelligence Sources Code of Practice applies
to authorisations of the use of covert human intelligence sources –
such as agents, informants and officers working undercover –
carried out under the RIP Act.
