Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000

Part II U.K. Surveillance and covert human intelligence sources

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Pt. II (ss. 26-48) applied (with modifications)(16.3.2001) by S.I. 2001/1057, arts. 2, 3

Pt. II (ss. 26-48): power to apply (with modifications) conferred (1.10.2002) by 2002 c. 30, s. 19(2)(a); S.I. 2002/2306, art. 2(b)(v)

C2 Pt. 2 modified (1.4.2004) by The Independent Police Complaints Commission (Investigatory Powers) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/815), art. 3 (as amended (E.W.) (8.1.2018) by The Independent Office for Police Conduct (Transitional and Consequential) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/1250), regs. 1, 10(6) (with reg. 37))

Introductory U.K.

26 Conduct to which Part II applies. U.K.

(1) This Part applies to the following conduct—

(a) directed surveillance;

(b) intrusive surveillance; F1 ...

(c) the conduct and use of covert human intelligence sources [F2 ; and

(d) criminal conduct in the course of, or otherwise in connection with, the conduct of covert human intelligence sources]

(2) Subject to subsection (6), surveillance is directed for the purposes of this Part if it is covert but not intrusive and is undertaken—

(a) for the purposes of a specific investigation or a specific operation;

(b) in such a manner as is likely to result in the obtaining of private information about a person (whether or not one specifically identified for the purposes of the investigation or operation); and

(c) otherwise than by way of an immediate response to events or circumstances the nature of which is such that it would not be reasonably practicable for an authorisation under this Part to be sought for the carrying out of the surveillance.

(3) Subject to subsections (4) to (6), surveillance is intrusive for the purposes of this Part if, and only if, it is covert surveillance that—

(a) is carried out in relation to anything taking place on any residential premises or in any private vehicle; and

(b) involves the presence of an individual on the premises or in the vehicle or is carried out by means of a surveillance device.

(4) For the purposes of this Part surveillance is not intrusive to the extent that—

(a) it is carried out by means only of a surveillance device designed or adapted principally for the purpose of providing information about the location of a vehicle; or

(b) it is surveillance consisting in any such interception of a communication as falls within section 48(4).

(5) For the purposes of this Part surveillance which—

(a) is carried out by means of a surveillance device in relation to anything taking place on any residential premises or in any private vehicle, but

(b) is carried out without that device being present on the premises or in the vehicle,

is not intrusive unless the device is such that it consistently provides information of the same quality and detail as might be expected to be obtained from a device actually present on the premises or in the vehicle.

(6) For the purposes of this Part surveillance which—

(a) is carried out by means of apparatus designed or adapted for the purpose of detecting the installation or use in any residential or other premises of a television receiver (within the meaning of [F3 Part 4 of the Communications Act 2003)], and

(b) is carried out from outside those premises exclusively for that purpose,

is neither directed nor intrusive.

(7) In this Part—

(a) references to the conduct of a covert human intelligence source are references to any conduct of such a source which falls within any of paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection (8), or is incidental to anything falling within any of those paragraphs; and

(b) references to the use of a covert human intelligence source are references to inducing, asking or assisting a person to engage in the conduct of such a source, or to obtain information by means of the conduct of such a source.

(8) For the purposes of this Part a person is a covert human intelligence source if—

(a) he establishes or maintains a personal or other relationship with a person for the covert purpose of facilitating the doing of anything falling within paragraph (b) or (c);

(b) he covertly uses such a relationship to obtain information or to provide access to any information to another person; or

(c) he covertly discloses information obtained by the use of such a relationship, or as a consequence of the existence of such a relationship.

[F4 (8A) In this Part references to criminal conduct in the course of, or otherwise in connection with, the conduct of a covert human intelligence source are references to any conduct that—

(a) disregarding this Part, would constitute crime, and

(b) consists of, is in the course of, or is otherwise in connection with, the conduct of a covert human intelligence source.]

(9) For the purposes of this section—

(a) surveillance is covert if, and only if, it is carried out in a manner that is calculated to ensure that persons who are subject to the surveillance are unaware that it is or may be taking place;

(b) a purpose is covert, in relation to the establishment or maintenance of a personal or other relationship, if and only if the relationship is conducted in a manner that is calculated to ensure that one of the parties to the relationship is unaware of the purpose; and

(c) a relationship is used covertly, and information obtained as mentioned in subsection (8)(c) is disclosed covertly, if and only if it is used or, as the case may be, disclosed in a manner that is calculated to ensure that one of the parties to the relationship is unaware of the use or disclosure in question.

(10) In this section “private information”, in relation to a person, includes any information relating to his private or family life.

(11) References in this section, in relation to a vehicle, to the presence of a surveillance device in the vehicle include references to its being located on or under the vehicle and also include references to its being attached to it.

Textual Amendments

F1 Word in s. 26(1)(b) omitted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), ss. 1(2)(a), 9(2); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c) (with reg. 3(a)(b)(c))

F2 S. 26(1)(d) and word inserted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), ss. 1(2)(b), 9(2); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c) (with reg. 3(a)(b)(c))

F3 Words in s. 26(6)(a) substituted (1.4.2004) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 406, 411(2)(3), Sch. 17 para. 161(2) (with transitional provisions in Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 4(2), Sch. 2

F4 S. 26(8A) inserted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), ss. 1(3), 9(2); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c) (with reg. 3(a)(b)(c))

Authorisation of surveillance and human intelligence sources U.K.

27 Lawful surveillance etc. U.K.

(1) Conduct to which this Part applies shall be lawful for all purposes if—

(a) an authorisation under this Part confers an entitlement to engage in that conduct on the person whose conduct it is; and

(b) his conduct is in accordance with the authorisation.

(2) A person shall not be subject to any civil liability in respect of any conduct of his which—

(a) is incidental to any conduct that is lawful by virtue of subsection (1); and

(b) is not itself conduct an authorisation or warrant for which is capable of being granted under a relevant enactment and might reasonably have been expected to have been sought in the case in question.

(3) The conduct that may be authorised under this Part includes conduct outside the United Kingdom.

(4) In this section “relevant enactment” means—

(a) an enactment contained in this Act [F5 or the Investigatory Powers Act 2016];

(b) section 5 of the M1 Intelligence Services Act 1994 (warrants for the intelligence services); or

(c) an enactment contained in Part III of the M2 Police Act 1997 (powers of the police and of [F6 officers of Revenue and Customs).]

Textual Amendments

F5 Words in s. 27(4)(a) inserted (27.6.2018) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), s. 272(1), Sch. 10 para. 4 (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2018/652, reg. 12(g)(i)

F6 Words in s. 27(4)(c) substituted (15.2.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 88, 94, Sch. 12 para. 9; S.I. 2008/219, art. 2(b)

Marginal Citations

M1 1994 c. 13.

M2 1997 c. 50.

[F7 27A Section 27: criminal injuries compensation for s. 29B conduct U.K.

For the purposes of—

(a) the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 1995,

(b) the Scheme made under that Act,

(c) the Criminal Injuries Compensation (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 (S.I. 2002/796 (N.I. 1)), and

(d) the Scheme made under that Order,

section 27(1) has no effect in relation to conduct authorised under section 29B.]

Textual Amendments

F7 S. 27A inserted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), ss. 5, 9(2); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

28 Authorisation of directed surveillance. U.K.

(1) Subject to the following provisions of this Part, the persons designated for the purposes of this section shall each have power to grant authorisations for the carrying out of directed surveillance.

(2) A person shall not grant an authorisation for the carrying out of directed surveillance unless he believes—

(a) that the authorisation is necessary on grounds falling within subsection (3); and

(b) that the authorised surveillance is proportionate to what is sought to be achieved by carrying it out.

(3) An authorisation is necessary on grounds falling within this subsection if it is necessary—

(a) in the interests of national security;

(b) for the purpose of preventing or detecting crime or of preventing disorder;

(c) in the interests of the economic well-being of the United Kingdom;

(d) in the interests of public safety;

(e) for the purpose of protecting public health;

(f) for the purpose of assessing or collecting any tax, duty, levy or other imposition, contribution or charge payable to a government department; or

(g) for any purpose (not falling within paragraphs (a) to (f)) which is specified for the purposes of this subsection by an order made by the Secretary of State.

(4) The conduct that is authorised by an authorisation for the carrying out of directed surveillance is any conduct that—

(a) consists in the carrying out of directed surveillance of any such description as is specified in the authorisation; and

(b) is carried out in the circumstances described in the authorisation and for the purposes of the investigation or operation specified or described in the authorisation.

(5) The Secretary of State shall not make an order under subsection (3)(g) unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.

29 Authorisation of covert human intelligence sources. U.K.

(1) Subject to the following provisions of this Part, the persons designated for the purposes of this section shall each have power to grant authorisations for the conduct or the use of a covert human intelligence source.

(2) A person shall not grant an authorisation for the conduct or the use of a covert human intelligence source unless he believes—

(a) that the authorisation is necessary on grounds falling within subsection (3);

(b) that the authorised conduct or use is proportionate to what is sought to be achieved by that conduct or use; and

[F8 (c) that arrangements exist for the source's case that satisfy—

(i) the requirements of subsection (4A), in the case of a source of a relevant collaborative unit;

F9 (ii) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(iii) the requirements of subsection (5), in the case of any other source;

and that satisfy such other requirements as may be imposed by order made by the Secretary of State.]

[F10 (2A) For the meaning of “relevant collaborative unit” in subsection (2)(c)(i), see section 29A.]

(3) An authorisation is necessary on grounds falling within this subsection if it is necessary—

(a) in the interests of national security;

(b) for the purpose of preventing or detecting crime or of preventing disorder;

(c) in the interests of the economic well-being of the United Kingdom;

(d) in the interests of public safety;

(e) for the purpose of protecting public health;

(f) for the purpose of assessing or collecting any tax, duty, levy or other imposition, contribution or charge payable to a government department; or

(g) for any purpose (not falling within paragraphs (a) to (f)) which is specified for the purposes of this subsection by an order made by the Secretary of State.

(4) The conduct that is authorised by an authorisation for the conduct or the use of a covert human intelligence source is any conduct that—

(a) is comprised in any such activities involving conduct of a covert human intelligence source, or the use of a covert human intelligence source, as are specified or described in the authorisation;

(b) consists in conduct by or in relation to the person who is so specified or described as the person to whose actions as a covert human intelligence source the authorisation relates; and

(c) is carried out for the purposes of, or in connection with, the investigation or operation so specified or described.

[F11 (4A) For the purposes of this Part there are arrangements for the source's case that satisfy the requirements of this subsection if such arrangements are in force as are necessary for ensuring—

(a) that there will at all times be a qualifying person who will have day-to-day responsibility for dealing with the source, and for the source's security and welfare [F12 (see section 29A for the meaning of “qualifying person”) ];

(b) that there will at all times be another qualifying person who will have general oversight of the use made of the source;

(c) that there will at all times be a qualifying person who will have responsibility for maintaining a record of the use made of the source;

(d) that the records relating to the source that are maintained by virtue of paragraph (c) will always contain particulars of all such matters (if any) as may be specified for the purposes of this paragraph in regulations made by the Secretary of State; and

(e) that records maintained by virtue of paragraph (c) that disclose the identity of the source will not be available to persons except to the extent that there is a need for access to them to be made available to those persons.

F13 (4B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

(5) For the purposes of this Part there are arrangements for the source’s case that satisfy the requirements of this subsection if such arrangements are in force as are necessary for ensuring—

(a) that there will at all times be a person holding an office, rank or position with the relevant investigating authority who will have day-to-day responsibility for dealing with the source on behalf of that authority, and for the source’s security and welfare;

(b) that there will at all times be another person holding an office, rank or position with the relevant investigating authority who will have general oversight of the use made of the source;

(c) that there will at all times be a person holding an office, rank or position with the relevant investigating authority who will have responsibility for maintaining a record of the use made of the source;

(d) that the records relating to the source that are maintained by the relevant investigating authority will always contain particulars of all such matters (if any) as may be specified for the purposes of this paragraph in regulations made by the Secretary of State; and

(e) that records maintained by the relevant investigating authority that disclose the identity of the source will not be available to persons except to the extent that there is a need for access to them to be made available to those persons.

(6) The Secretary of State shall not make an order under subsection (3)(g) unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.

[F14 (6ZA) An authorisation for the conduct or the use of a covert human intelligence source does not authorise any criminal conduct in the course of, or otherwise in connection with, the conduct of a covert human intelligence source (but see section 29B for provision for the authorisation of such conduct).]

[F15 (6A) An authorisation under this section may not have the effect of authorising a covert human intelligence source who is a person designated under section 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002 to establish contact in person with another person.]

(7) The Secretary of State may by order—

(a) prohibit the authorisation under this section of any such conduct or uses of covert human intelligence sources as may be described in the order; and

(b) impose requirements, in addition to those provided for by subsection (2), that must be satisfied before an authorisation is granted under this section for any such conduct or uses of covert human intelligence sources as may be so described.

F16 (7A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F17 (7B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(8) In this section “relevant investigating authority”, in relation to an authorisation for the conduct or the use of an individual as a covert human intelligence source, means (subject to subsection (9)) the public authority for whose benefit the activities of that individual as such a source are to take place.

(9) In the case of any authorisation for the conduct or the use of a covert human intelligence source whose activities are to be for the benefit of more than one public authority, the references in subsection (5) to the relevant investigating authority are references to one of them (whether or not the same one in the case of each reference).

F18 (10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F8 S. 29(2)(c) substituted (25.1.2010) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 8(2), 116; S.I. 2009/3096, art. 3(c)

F9 S. 29(2)(c)(ii) omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 33(9)(a)

F10 S. 29(2A) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 31.3.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(5)(e)(6)(b), Sch. 19 para. 3(2)

F11 S. 29(4A)(4B) inserted (25.1.2010) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 8(4), 116; S.I. 2009/3096, art. 3(c)

F12 Words in s. 29(4A)(a) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 31.3.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(5)(e)(6)(b), Sch. 19 para. 3(3)

F13 S. 29(4B) omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 33(9)(c)

F14 S. 29(6ZA) inserted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), ss. 1(4), 9(2); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c) (with reg. 3(a)(b)(c))

F15 S. 29(6A) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 15.12.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 44, 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/1139, reg. 2(j) (as amended by S.I. 2017/1162, reg. 2)

F16 S. 29(7A) omitted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 31.3.2017 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(5)(e)(6)(b), Sch. 19 para. 3(4)

F17 S. 29(7B) omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 33(9)(c)

F18 S. 29(10) omitted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 31.3.2017 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(5)(e)(6)(b), Sch. 19 para. 3(5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 S. 29 excluded (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes) by S.I. 2000/2793, art. 5 (as amended by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), ss. 2(6), 9(2) (with s. 2(9)); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b))

C4 S. 29 excluded (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes) by S.I. 2000/2793, art. 3 (as amended by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), ss. 2(5), 9(2) (with s. 2(9)); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b))

C5 S. 29(2)(c) modified (6.11.2000) by S.I. 2000/2793, art. 4

[F19 29A Section 29: supplementary provision in relation to relevant collaborative units U.K.

(1) For the purposes of section 29(2)(c)(i), a “relevant collaborative unit” is a unit that falls within subsection (2) or (3).

(2) A unit falls within this subsection if—

(a) it consists of two or more police forces whose chief officers of police have made an agreement under section 22A of the Police Act 1996, and

(b) the agreement relates to the discharge by persons holding offices, ranks or positions with any of the forces of functions in connection with the conduct or use of the covert human intelligence source concerned.

(3) A unit falls within this subsection if—

(a) it consists of one or more police forces and the National Crime Agency,

(b) it is in place by virtue of an agreement made under section 22A of the Police Act 1996, and

(c) the agreement relates to the discharge by persons holding offices, ranks or positions within any such force, or by persons who are National Crime Agency officers, of functions in connection with the conduct or use of the covert human intelligence source concerned.

(4) In the case of a relevant collaborative unit that falls within subsection (2), a person is a “qualifying person” for the purposes of section 29(4A) if—

(a) the person holds an office, rank or position with a police force whose chief officer of police is a party to the agreement mentioned in subsection (2)(a) above, and

(b) the person is permitted by the terms of the agreement to have the responsibility mentioned in section 29(4A)(a) or (c) or the general oversight mentioned in section 29(4A)(b).

(5) In the case of a relevant collaborative unit that falls within subsection (3), a person is a qualifying person for the purposes of section 29(4A) if—

(a) the person—

(i) is a National Crime Agency officer, or

(ii) holds an office, rank or position with a police force whose chief officer of police is a party to the agreement mentioned in subsection (3)(b) above, and

(b) the person is permitted by the terms of the agreement to have the responsibility mentioned in section 29(4A)(a) or (c) or the general oversight mentioned in section 29(4A)(b).

(6) For the purposes of this section references to a police force are to the following—

(a) any police force maintained under section 2 of the Police Act 1996 (police forces in England and Wales outside London),

(b) the metropolitan police force, and

(c) the City of London police force.]

Textual Amendments

F19 S. 29A inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 31.3.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(5)(e)(6)(b), Sch. 19 para. 4

[F20 29B Covert human intelligence sources: criminal conduct authorisations U.K.

(1) Subject to the following provisions of this Part, the persons designated for the purposes of this section each have power to grant criminal conduct authorisations.

(2) A “criminal conduct authorisation” is an authorisation for criminal conduct in the course of, or otherwise in connection with, the conduct of a covert human intelligence source.

(3) A criminal conduct authorisation may only be granted in relation to a covert human intelligence source after, or at the same time as, an authorisation under section 29 which authorises the conduct or the use of the covert human intelligence source concerned.

(4) A person may not grant a criminal conduct authorisation unless the person believes—

(a) that the authorisation is necessary on grounds falling within subsection (5);

(b) that the authorised conduct is proportionate to what is sought to be achieved by that conduct; and

(c) that arrangements exist that satisfy such requirements as may be imposed by order made by the Secretary of State.

(5) A criminal conduct authorisation is necessary on grounds falling within this subsection if it is necessary—

(a) in the interests of national security;

(b) for the purpose of preventing or detecting crime or of preventing disorder; or

(c) in the interests of the economic well-being of the United Kingdom.

(6) In considering whether the requirements in subsection (4)(a) and (b) are satisfied, the person must take into account whether what is sought to be achieved by the authorised conduct could reasonably be achieved by other conduct which would not constitute crime.

(7) Subsection (6) is without prejudice to the need to take into account other matters so far as they are relevant (for example, the requirements of the Human Rights Act 1998).

(8) The conduct that is authorised by a criminal conduct authorisation is any conduct that—

(a) is comprised in any activities—

(i) which involve criminal conduct in the course of, or otherwise in connection with, the conduct of a covert human intelligence source, and

(ii) are specified or described in the authorisation;

(b) consists in conduct by or in relation to the person who is so specified or described as the covert human intelligence source to whom the authorisation relates; and

(c) is carried out for the purposes of, or in connection with, the investigation or operation so specified or described.

(9) If an authorisation under section 29, which authorises the conduct or the use of a covert human intelligence source to whom a criminal conduct authorisation relates, ceases to have effect, the criminal conduct authorisation also ceases to have effect so far as it relates to that covert human intelligence source (but this is without prejudice to whether the criminal conduct authorisation continues to have effect so far as it relates to any other covert human intelligence source).

(10) The Secretary of State may by order—

(a) prohibit the authorisation under this section of any such conduct as may be described in the order; and

(b) impose requirements, in addition to those provided for by subsections (3) and (4) and sections 29C and 29D, that must be satisfied before an authorisation is granted under this section for any such conduct as may be so described.]

Textual Amendments

F20 S. 29B inserted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), ss. 1(5), 9(2); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c) (with reg. 3(a)(b)(c))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 S. 29B excluded (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by S.I. 2000/2793, art. 7(1) (as inserted by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), ss. 2(8), 9(2) (with s. 2(9)); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c))

C7 S. 29B excluded (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by S.I. 2000/2793, art. 8(1) (as inserted by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), ss. 2(8), 9(2) (with s. 2(9)); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c))

C8 S. 29B(4)(c) modified (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by S.I. 2000/2793, art. 9 (as inserted by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), ss. 2(8), 9(2) (with s. 2(9)); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c))

[F21 29C Criminal conduct authorisations: safeguards for juveniles U.K.

(1) This section applies in relation to the grant of a juvenile criminal conduct authorisation.

(2) “A juvenile criminal conduct authorisation” is an authorisation under section 29B for criminal conduct in the course of, or otherwise in connection with, the conduct of a covert human intelligence source where that source is under the age of 18 (“the juvenile source”).

(3) In addition to satisfying the requirements of section 29B, a person may grant a juvenile criminal conduct authorisation only if—

(a) the person has considered the results of an appropriate risk assessment;

(b) there are exceptional circumstances such that—

(i) it is not reasonably foreseeable in the circumstances as the person believes them to be that any harm to the juvenile source would result from the grant of the authorisation, and

(ii) the person believes the authorisation would be compatible with the need to safeguard and promote the best interests of the juvenile source; and

(c) the person believes that appropriate arrangements for meetings are in force.

(4) For the purposes of subsection (3)(a), “an appropriate risk assessment” means an assessment which—

(a) identifies and evaluates the nature and magnitude of the risks of harm to the juvenile source arising in the course of, or as result of, the conduct authorised by the authorisation; and

(b) is carried out in accordance with provision made by the Secretary of State by regulations under this paragraph.

(5) In subsections (3)(b)(i) and (4)(a), “harm” means—

(a) physical injury; or

(b) psychological distress.

(6) For the purposes of subsection (3)(c), “appropriate arrangements for meetings” are such arrangements for the juvenile source's case as are necessary for ensuring—

(a) that, at all times when the juvenile source is under the age of 16, there will be a relevant person who will have responsibility for ensuring that an appropriate adult is present at all meetings in relation to the authorisation which take place between the source and a person representing a relevant investigating authority; and

(b) that, at all times when the juvenile source is 16 or 17 years old, there will be a relevant person who will have responsibility for—

(i) ensuring that an appropriate adult is present at all meetings in relation to the authorisation which take place between the source and a person representing a relevant investigating authority, other than any such meeting in relation to which a relevant person decides there are circumstances which justify the absence of an appropriate adult, and

(ii) maintaining a record of the reasons for each such decision that there are circumstances in relation to a meeting which justify the absence of an appropriate adult.

(7) In subsection (6)—

• “appropriate adult”, in relation to a juvenile source, means—

  (a)

  the parent or guardian of the juvenile source; or

  (b)

  any other person who—

  (i)

  has for the time being assumed responsibility for the juvenile source's welfare, or

  (ii)

  is otherwise qualified to represent the interests of the juvenile source;

• “relevant investigating authority”, in relation to a juvenile criminal conduct authorisation, means the public authority, or (as the case may be) one of the public authorities, for whose benefit the activities of the juvenile source as a covert human intelligence source are to take place;

• “relevant person”, in relation to a juvenile criminal conduct authorisation, means a person holding an office, rank or position with a relevant investigating authority in relation to the authorisation;

and in this subsection, “guardian”, in relation to a juvenile source, has the same meaning as “guardian of a child” in the Children Act 1989 (see section 105 of that Act).

(8) No provision made by or under this section affects the power to make additional provision by order under section 29B(4)(c) or (10) in relation to the grant of a juvenile criminal conduct authorisation.]

Textual Amendments

F21 S. 29C inserted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), ss. 2(1), 9(2); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

[F22 29D Criminal conduct authorisations: safeguards for vulnerable adults U.K.

(1) This section applies in relation to the grant of a vulnerable adult criminal conduct authorisation.

(2) “A vulnerable adult criminal conduct authorisation” is an authorisation under section 29B for criminal conduct in the course of, or otherwise in connection with, the conduct of a covert human intelligence source where that source is a vulnerable adult (“the vulnerable adult source”).

(3) For the purposes of this section, a “vulnerable adult” is a person aged 18 or over who by reason of mental disorder or vulnerability, disability, age or illness, is or may be unable to take care of themselves or to protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation.

(4) In addition to satisfying the requirements of section 29B, a person may grant a vulnerable adult criminal conduct authorisation only if the person—

(a) has considered the results of an appropriate risk assessment;

(b) believes that the risks of harm identified by that risk assessment have been properly explained to and understood by the vulnerable adult source; and

(c) has taken into account the need to safeguard and promote the best interests of the vulnerable adult source.

(5) “An appropriate risk assessment” means an assessment which—

(a) identifies and evaluates the nature and magnitude of the risks of harm to the vulnerable adult source arising in the course of, or as result of, the conduct authorised by the authorisation; and

(b) is carried out in accordance with provision made by the Secretary of State by regulations under this paragraph.

(6) For the purposes of subsections (3), (4)(b) and (5)(a), “harm” means—

(a) physical injury; or

(b) psychological distress.

(7) No provision made by or under this section affects the power to make additional provision by order under section 29B(4)(c) or (10) in relation to the grant of a vulnerable adult criminal conduct authorisation.]

Textual Amendments

F22 S. 29D inserted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), ss. 3, 9(2); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

30 Persons entitled to grant authorisations under ss. 28 [F23 , 29 and 29B]. U.K.

(1) Subject to subsection (3), the persons designated for the purposes of sections 28 [F24 , 29 and 29B] are the individuals holding such offices, ranks or positions with relevant public authorities as are prescribed for the purposes of this subsection by an order under this section.

(2) For the purposes of the grant of an authorisation that combines—

(a) an authorisation under section 28 [F25 , 29 or 29B], and

(b) an authorisation by the Secretary of State for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance,

the Secretary of State himself shall be a person designated for the purposes of that section.

(3) An order under this section may impose restrictions—

(a) on the authorisations under sections 28 [F26 , 29 and 29B] that may be granted by any individual holding an office, rank or position with a specified public authority; and

(b) on the circumstances in which, or the purposes for which, such authorisations may be granted by any such individual.

(4) A public authority is a relevant public authority for the purposes of this section—

(a) in relation to section 28 if it is specified in Part [F27 A1, 1 or 2] of Schedule 1; F28 ...

(b) in relation to section 29 if it is specified in Part [F29 A1 or 1] of that Schedule [F30 ; and

(c) in relation to section 29B if it is specified in Part A1 of that Schedule]

(5) An order under this section may amend Schedule 1 by—

(a) adding a public authority to Part [F31 A1, 1 or 2] of that Schedule;

(b) removing a public authority from that Schedule;

(c) moving a public authority from one Part of that Schedule to [F32 another];

(d) making any change consequential on any change in the name of a public authority specified in that Schedule.

(6) Without prejudice to section 31, the power to make an order under this section shall be exercisable by the Secretary of State.

(7) The Secretary of State shall not make an order under subsection (5) containing any provision for—

(a) adding any public authority to Part [F33 A1, 1 or 2] of that Schedule, or

(b) moving any public authority [F34 from—

(i) Part 1 or 2 to Part A1 of that Schedule, or

(ii) Part 2 to Part 1 of that Schedule,]

unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.

Textual Amendments

F23 Words in s. 30 heading substituted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), ss. 4(2), 9(2); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

F24 Words in s. 30(1) substituted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), ss. 4(3), 9(2); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

F25 Words in s. 30(2)(a) substituted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), ss. 4(4), 9(2); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

F26 Words in s. 30(3)(a) substituted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), ss. 4(5), 9(2); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

F27 Words in s. 30(4)(a) substituted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), ss. 4(6)(a), 9(2); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

F28 Word in s. 30(4)(a) omitted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), ss. 4(6)(b), 9(2); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

F29 Words in s. 30(4)(b) substituted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), ss. 4(6)(c), 9(2); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

F30 S. 30(4)(c) and word inserted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), ss. 4(6)(d), 9(2); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

F31 Words in s. 30(5)(a) substituted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), ss. 4(7)(a), 9(2); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

F32 Word in s. 30(5)(c) substituted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), ss. 4(7)(b), 9(2); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

F33 Words in s. 30(7)(a) substituted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), ss. 4(8)(a), 9(2); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

F34 Words in s. 30(7)(b) substituted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), ss. 4(8)(b), 9(2); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

31 Orders under s. 30 for Northern Ireland. U.K.

(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), the power to make an order under section 30 for the purposes of the grant of authorisations [F35 under section 28 or 29] for conduct in Northern Ireland shall be exercisable by the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister in Northern Ireland (concurrently with being exercisable by the Secretary of State).

(2) The power of the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to make an order under section 30 by virtue of subsection (1) or (3) of that section shall not be exercisable in relation to any public authority other than—

(a) the Food Standards Agency;

F36 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c) an authority added to Schedule 1 by an order made by that Office;

(d) an authority added to that Schedule by an order made by the Secretary of State which it would (apart from that order) have been within the powers of that Office to add to that Schedule for the purposes mentioned in subsection (1) of this section.

(3) The power of the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to make an order under section 30—

(a) shall not include power to make any provision dealing with an excepted matter;

(b) shall not include power, except with the consent of the Secretary of State, to make any provision dealing with a reserved matter.

(4) The power of the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to make an order under section 30 shall be exercisable by statutory rule for the purposes of the M3 Statutory Rules (Northern Ireland) Order 1979.

(5) A statutory rule containing an order under section 30 which makes provision by virtue of subsection (5) of that section for—

(a) adding any public authority to Part I or II of Schedule 1, or

(b) moving any public authority from Part II to Part I of that Schedule,

shall be subject to affirmative resolution (within the meaning of section 41(4) of the M4 Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954).

(6) A statutory rule containing an order under section 30 (other than one to which subsection (5) of this section applies) shall be subject to negative resolution (within the meaning of section 41(6) of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954).

(7) An order under section 30 made by the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister may—

(a) make different provision for different cases;

(b) contain such incidental, supplemental, consequential and transitional provision as that Office thinks fit.

(8) The reference in subsection (2) to an addition to Schedule 1 being within the powers of the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister includes a reference to its being within the powers exercisable by that Office with the consent for the purposes of subsection (3)(b) of the Secretary of State.

(9) In this section “excepted matter” and “reserved matter” have the same meanings as in the M5 Northern Ireland Act 1998; and, in relation to those matters, section 98(2) of that Act (meaning of “deals with”) applies for the purposes of this section as it applies for the purposes of that Act.

Textual Amendments

F35 Words in s. 31(1) inserted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), s. 9(2), Sch. para. 2; S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

F36 S. 31(2)(b) repealed (15.11.2001) by S.I. 2001/3686, art. 6(17)(a) (with art. 8)

Marginal Citations

M3 S.I. 1979/1573 (N.I. 12).

M4 1954 c. 33 (N.I.).

M5 1998 c. 47.

32 Authorisation of intrusive surveillance. U.K.

(1) Subject to the following provisions of this Part, the Secretary of State and each of the senior authorising officers shall have power to grant authorisations for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance.

(2) Neither the Secretary of State nor any senior authorising officer shall grant an authorisation for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance unless he believes—

(a) that the authorisation is necessary on grounds falling within subsection (3); and

(b) that the authorised surveillance is proportionate to what is sought to be achieved by carrying it out.

(3) Subject to the following provisions of this section, an authorisation is necessary on grounds falling within this subsection if it is necessary—

(a) in the interests of national security;

(b) for the purpose of preventing or detecting serious crime; or

(c) in the interests of the economic well-being of the United Kingdom.

[F37 (3A) In the case of an authorisation granted by the [F38 chair of the CMA], the authorisation is necessary on grounds falling within subsection (3) only if it is necessary for the purpose of preventing or detecting an offence under section 188 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (cartel offence).]

(4) The matters to be taken into account in considering whether the requirements of subsection (2) are satisfied in the case of any authorisation shall include whether the information which it is thought necessary to obtain by the authorised conduct could reasonably be obtained by other means.

(5) The conduct that is authorised by an authorisation for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance is any conduct that—

(a) consists in the carrying out of intrusive surveillance of any such description as is specified in the authorisation;

(b) is carried out in relation to the residential premises specified or described in the authorisation or in relation to the private vehicle so specified or described; and

(c) is carried out for the purposes of, or in connection with, the investigation or operation so specified or described.

(6) For the purposes of this section the senior authorising officers are—

(a) the chief constable of every police force maintained under section 2 of the M6 Police Act 1996 (police forces in England and Wales outside London);

(b) the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis and every Assistant Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis;

(c) the Commissioner of Police for the City of London;

(d) the chief constable of [F39 the Police Service of Scotland];

(e) the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Deputy Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary;

(f) the Chief Constable of the Ministry of Defence Police;

(g) the Provost Marshal of the [F40 Royal Navy Police];

(h) the Provost Marshal of the Royal Military Police;

(i) the Provost Marshal of the Royal Air Force Police;

[F41 (ia) the Provost Marshal for serious crime;]

(j) the Chief Constable of the British Transport Police;

[F42 (k) the Director General of the National Crime Agency and any National Crime Agency officer who is designated for the purposes of this paragraph by that Director General;]

[F43 (m) an officer of Revenue and Customs who is a senior official and who is designated for the purposes of this paragraph by the Commissioners for Her Majesty's Revenue F44 ... Customs;]

[F45 (ma) a senior official in the department of the Secretary of State by whom functions relating to immigration are exercisable who is designated for the purposes of this paragraph by the Secretary of State; and]

(n) the [F46 chair of the CMA].

Textual Amendments

F37 S. 32(3A) inserted (20.6.2003) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 199(2)(a), 27; S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch.

F38 Words in s. 32(3A) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 134 (with art. 3)

F39 Words in s. 32(6)(d) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 33(10)

F40 Words in s. 32(6)(g) substituted (4.6.2007) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378, 383, Sch. 16 para. 170; S.I. 2007/1442, art. 2(1)

F41 S. 32(6)(ia) inserted (1.5.2022 for specified purposes, 5.12.2022 in so far as not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2021 (c. 35), s. 24(1), Sch. 5 para. 14; S.I. 2022/471, reg. 2(e); S.I. 2022/1095, reg. 4

F42 S. 32(6)(k) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 82; S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F43 S. 32(6)(m) substituted (15.2.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 88, 94, Sch. 12 para. 10; S.I. 2008/219, art. 2(b)

F44 Word in s. 32(6)(m) omitted (25.6.2013) by virtue of Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 21 para. 6 (with Sch. 20 para. 29); S.I. 2013/1042, art. 4(i)

F45 S. 32(6)(ma) inserted (25.6.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), ss. 55(2), 61(2) (with Sch. 21 para. 40); S.I. 2013/1042, art. 4(d)

F46 Words in s. 32(6)(n) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 134 (with art. 3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C9 S. 32 modified (S.) (14.12.2000) by S.I. 2000/3253, arts. 1(1)(2), 2, Sch. 1 para. 4(1) (with art. 6)

C10 S. 32: functions transferred to the Scottish Ministers (15.12.2000) by virtue of S.I. 2000/3253 arts. 1(1)(3), 3, Sch. 2 (with art. 6)

Marginal Citations

M6 1996 c. 16.

[F47 Authorisations requiring judicial approval [F48 or notification] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F47 Ss. 32A, 32B and cross-heading inserted (1.11.2012) by Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (c. 9), ss. 38(1), 120 (with s. 97); S.I. 2012/2075, art. 4(b) (with art. 6)

F48 Words in s. 32A cross-heading inserted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), s. 9(2), Sch. para. 3; S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

32A Authorisations requiring judicial approval U.K.

(1) This section applies where a relevant person has granted an authorisation under section 28 or 29.

(2) The authorisation is not to take effect until such time (if any) as the relevant judicial authority has made an order approving the grant of the authorisation.

(3) The relevant judicial authority may give approval under this section to the granting of an authorisation under section 28 if, and only if, the relevant judicial authority is satisfied that—

(a) at the time of the grant—

(i) there were reasonable grounds for believing that the requirements of section 28(2) were satisfied in relation to the authorisation, and

(ii) the relevant conditions were satisfied in relation to the authorisation, and

(b) at the time when the relevant judicial authority is considering the matter, there remain reasonable grounds for believing that the requirements of section 28(2) are satisfied in relation to the authorisation.

(4) For the purposes of subsection (3) the relevant conditions are—

(a) in relation to a grant by an individual holding an office, rank or position in a local authority in England or Wales, that—

(i) the individual was a designated person for the purposes of section 28,

(ii) the grant of the authorisation was not in breach of any restrictions imposed by virtue of section 30(3), and

(iii) any other conditions that may be provided for by an order made by the Secretary of State were satisfied,

(b) in relation to a grant, for any purpose relating to a Northern Ireland excepted or reserved matter, by an individual holding an office, rank or position in a district council in Northern Ireland, that—

(i) the individual was a designated person for the purposes of section 28,

(ii) the grant of the authorisation was not in breach of any restrictions imposed by virtue of section 30(3), and

(iii) any other conditions that may be provided for by an order made by the Secretary of State were satisfied, and

(c) in relation to any other grant by a relevant person, that any conditions that may be provided for by an order made by the Secretary of State were satisfied.

(5) The relevant judicial authority may give approval under this section to the granting of an authorisation under section 29 if, and only if, the relevant judicial authority is satisfied that—

(a) at the time of the grant—

(i) there were reasonable grounds for believing that the requirements of section 29(2), and any requirements imposed by virtue of section 29(7)(b), were satisfied in relation to the authorisation, and

(ii) the relevant conditions were satisfied in relation to the authorisation, and

(b) at the time when the relevant judicial authority is considering the matter, there remain reasonable grounds for believing that the requirements of section 29(2), and any requirements imposed by virtue of section 29(7)(b), are satisfied in relation to the authorisation.

(6) For the purposes of subsection (5) the relevant conditions are—

(a) in relation to a grant by an individual holding an office, rank or position in a local authority in England or Wales, that—

(i) the individual was a designated person for the purposes of section 29,

(ii) the grant of the authorisation was not in breach of any prohibition imposed by virtue of section 29(7)(a) or any restriction imposed by virtue of section 30(3), and

(iii) any other conditions that may be provided for by an order made by the Secretary of State were satisfied,

(b) in relation to a grant, for any purpose relating to a Northern Ireland excepted or reserved matter, by an individual holding an office, rank or position in a district council in Northern Ireland, that—

(i) the individual was a designated person for the purposes of section 29,

(ii) the grant of the authorisation was not in breach of any prohibition imposed by virtue of section 29(7)(a) or any restriction imposed by virtue of section 30(3), and

(iii) any other conditions that may be provided for by an order made by the Secretary of State were satisfied, and

(c) in relation to any other grant by a relevant person, that any conditions that may be provided for by an order made by the Secretary of State were satisfied.

(7) In this section—

• “ local authority in England ” means—

  (a)

  a district or county council in England,

  (b)

  a London borough council,

  (c)

  the Common Council of the City of London in its capacity as a local authority, or

  (d)

  the Council of the Isles of Scilly,

• “ local authority in Wales ” means any county council or county borough council in Wales,

• “ Northern Ireland excepted or reserved matter ” means an excepted or reserved matter (within the meaning of section 4(1) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998),

• “ Northern Ireland transferred matter ” means a transferred matter (within the meaning of section 4(1) of the Act of 1998),

• “ relevant judicial authority ” means—

  (a)

  in relation to England and Wales, a justice of the peace,

  (b)

  in relation to Scotland, a sheriff, and

  (c)

  in relation to Northern Ireland, a district judge (magistrates' courts) in Northern Ireland,

• “ relevant person ” means—

  (a)

  an individual holding an office, rank or position in a local authority in England or Wales,

  (b)

  also, in relation to a grant for any purpose relating to a Northern Ireland excepted or reserved matter, an individual holding an office, rank or position in a district council in Northern Ireland, and

  (c)

  also, in relation to any grant of a description that may be prescribed for the purposes of this subsection by an order made by the Secretary of State or every grant if so prescribed, a person of a description so prescribed.

(8) No order of the Secretary of State—

(a) may be made under subsection (7) unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House;

(b) may be made under this section so far as it makes provision which would be within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament if it were contained in an Act of the Scottish Parliament;

(c) may be made under this section so far as it makes provision which, if it were contained in an Act of the Northern Ireland Assembly, would be within the legislative competence of the Northern Ireland Assembly and would deal with a Northern Ireland transferred matter.

32B Procedure for judicial approval U.K.

(1) The public authority with which the relevant person holds an office, rank or position may apply to the relevant judicial authority for an order under section 32A approving the grant of an authorisation.

(2) The applicant is not required to give notice of the application to—

(a) any person to whom the authorisation relates, or

(b) such a person's legal representatives.

(3) Where, on an application under this section, the relevant judicial authority refuses to approve the grant of the authorisation concerned, the relevant judicial authority may make an order quashing the authorisation.

(4) In this section “ relevant judicial authority ” and “ relevant person ” have the same meaning as in section 32A. ]

[F49 32C Notification of criminal conduct authorisations U.K.

(1) This section applies where a person grants or cancels an authorisation under section 29B.

(2) The person must give notice that the person has granted or cancelled the authorisation to a Judicial Commissioner.

(3) A notice given for the purposes of subsection (2) must be given—

(a) in writing as soon as reasonably practicable and, in any event, before the end of the period of 7 days beginning with the day after that on which the authorisation to which it relates is granted or, as the case may be, cancelled; and

(b) in accordance with such arrangements made for the purposes of this paragraph by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner as are for the time being in force.

(4) A notice under this section relating to the grant of an authorisation under section 29B must—

(a) set out the grounds on which the person giving the notice believes that the requirements of section 29B(4) are satisfied in relation to the authorisation; and

(b) specify the conduct that is authorised under section 29B by the authorisation.

(5) Any notice that is required by this section to be given in writing may be given, instead, by being transmitted by electronic means.]

Textual Amendments

F49 S. 32C inserted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), ss. 6, 9(2); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

Police and [F50 Revenue and Customs] authorisations U.K.

Textual Amendments

F50 Words in cross-heading before s. 33 substituted (15.2.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 88, 94, Sch. 12 para. 11; S.I. 2008/219, art. 2(b)

33 Rules for grant of authorisations. U.K.

(1) A person who is a designated person for the purposes of section 28 [F51 , 29 or 29B] by reference to his office, rank or position with a police force F52 . . . shall not grant an authorisation under that section except on an application made by a member of the same force F53 . . . [F54 (subject to [F55 subsection (1ZB)] [F56 and section 33A ])].

[F57 (1ZZA) A person who is a designated person for the purposes of section 28, 29 or 29B by reference to the person’s office, rank or position with the tri-service serious crime unit must not grant an authorisation under that section except on an application made by a member of that unit.]

[F58 (1ZA) Subsection (1ZB) applies if the chief officer of police of a police force (“the authorising force”) has made an agreement under section [F59 22A ] of the Police Act 1996 with the chief office of police of one or more other police forces.

(1ZB) A person who is a designated person for the purposes of section 28 [F60 , 29 or 29B] by reference to an office, rank or position with the authorising force may grant an authorisation under that section on an application made by a member of a collaborative force.

(1ZC) For the purposes of subsection (1ZB) a police force is a collaborative force if—

(a) its chief officer of police is a party to the agreement mentioned in subsection (1ZA); and

(b) its members are permitted by the terms of the agreement to make applications for authorisations under section 28 [F61 , 29 or 29B] to a person who is a designated person for the purposes of that section by reference to an office, rank or position with the authorising force.

F62 (1ZD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F62 (1ZE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F62 (1ZF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

[F63 (1A) A person who is a designated person for the purposes of section 28 [F64 , 29 or 29B] by reference to his office or position with the [F65 National Crime Agency] shall not grant an authorisation under that section except on an application made by a member of the staff of the Agency [F66 (subject to section 33A) ].]

F67 (1B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F68 (2) A person who is a designated person for the purposes of section 28 [F69 , 29 or 29B] by reference to office, rank or position in Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs shall not grant an authorisation under that section except on an application made by an officer of Revenue and Customs.]

(3) [F70 Subject to [F71 subsection (3ZB)] [F72 and section 33A ],] A person who is a senior authorising officer by reference to a police force F73 . . . shall not grant an authorisation for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance except—

(a) on an application made by a member of the same force F74 . . . ; and

(b) in the case of an authorisation for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance in relation to any residential premises, where those premises are in the area of operation of that force F74 . . . .

[F75 (3ZZA) The Provost Marshal for serious crime must not grant an authorisation for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance except—

(a) on an application made by a member of the tri-service serious crime unit; and

(b) in the case of an authorisation for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance in relation to any residential premises, where those premises are in the area of operation of a police force mentioned in subsection (6)(d).]

[F76 (3ZA) Subsection (3ZB) applies if—

(a) the chief officer of police of a police force (“the surveillance authorising force”) has made an agreement under section [F77 22A] of the Police Act 1996 with the chief office of police of one or more other police forces; and

(b) an application for an authorisation for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance is made by a member of a collaborative force.

(3ZB) A person who is a senior authorising officer by reference to the surveillance authorising force may—

(a) grant the authorisation;

(b) in a case where the authorisation is for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance in relation to any residential premises, grant the authorisation only in relation to premises in the area which is—

(i) the area of operation of a collaborative force; and

(ii) specified in relation to members of that force in the agreement mentioned in subsection (3ZA).

(3ZC) For the purposes of subsections (3ZA) and (3ZB) a police force is a collaborative force if—

(a) its chief officer of police is a party to the agreement mentioned in subsection (3ZA); and

(b) its members are permitted by the terms of the agreement to make applications for authorisations for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance to a person who is a senior authorising officer by reference to the surveillance authorising force.

F78 (3ZD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F78 (3ZE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F78 (3ZF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

[F79 (3A) [F80 The Director General of the National Crime Agency] or a person designated for the purposes of section 32(6)(k) by that Director General shall not grant an authorisation for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance except on an application made by a [F81 National Crime Agency officer] [F82 (subject to section 33A) ].]

[F83 (4) A person who is a senior authorising officer by virtue of a designation by the Commissioners for Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs shall not grant an authorisation for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance except on an application made by an officer of Revenue and Customs.]

[F84 (4A) The [F85 chair of the CMA] shall not grant an authorisation for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance except on an application made by an officer of the [F86 CMA].]

[F87 (4ZA) A senior official who is a senior authorising officer by virtue of a designation by the Secretary of State under section 32(6)(ma) shall not grant an authorisation for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance except on an application made by an immigration officer.]

(5) A single authorisation may combine both—

(a) an authorisation granted under this Part by, or on the application of, an individual who is a member of a police force, [F88 a [F89 National Crime Agency officer] F90 ...,] or who is [F91 an officer of Revenue and Customs [F92 , an immigration officer]] [F93 or the chair or an officer of the CMA]; and

(b) an authorisation given by, or on the application of, that individual under Part III of the M7 Police Act 1997;

but the provisions of this Act or that Act that are applicable in the case of each of the authorisations shall apply separately in relation to the part of the combined authorisation to which they are applicable.

[F94 (5A) In subsections (1ZA) to (1ZC) and (3ZA) to (3ZC) a reference to a police force is to the following—

(a) any police force maintained under section 2 of the Police Act 1996 (police forces in England and Wales outside London);

(b) the metropolitan police force; and

(c) the City of London police force.

F95 (5B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

(6) For the purposes of this section—

(a) the area of operation of a police force maintained under section 2 of the M8 Police Act 1996, of the metropolitan police force [F96 or], of the City of London police force F97 ... is the area for which that force is maintained;

[F98 (aa) the area of operation of the Police Service of Scotland is Scotland;]

(b) the area of operation of the Royal Ulster Constabulary is Northern Ireland;

(c) residential premises are in the area of operation of the Ministry of Defence Police if they are premises where the members of that police force, under section 2 of the M9 Ministry of Defence Police Act 1987, have the powers and privileges of a constable;

(d) residential premises are in the area of operation of the [F99 Royal Navy Police] the Royal Military Police or the Royal Air Force Police if they are premises owned or occupied by, or used for residential purposes by, a person subject to service discipline;

(e) the area of operation of the British Transport Police F100 . . . is the United Kingdom;

F101 (f) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

and references in this section to the United Kingdom or to any part or area of the United Kingdom include any adjacent waters within the seaward limits of the territorial waters of the United Kingdom.

[F102 (7) In subsection (6) “subject to service law” and “civilian subject to service discipline” have the same meanings as in the Armed Forces Act 2006.]

Textual Amendments

F51 Words in s. 33(1) substituted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), s. 9(2), Sch. para. 4(2); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

F52 Words in s. 33(1) repealed (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 59, 174, 178, Sch. 4 para. 137(2)(a), Sch. 17; S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. paras. 10, 13(hh) (subject to art. 4(2)-(7))

F53 Words in s. 33(1) repealed (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 59, 174, 178, Sch. 4 para. 137(2)(b), Sch. 17; S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. paras. 10, 13(hh) (subject to art. 4(2)-(7))

F54 Words in s. 33(1) inserted (25.1.2010) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 9(2), 116; S.I. 2009/3096, art. 3(d)

F55 Words in s. 33(1) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 33(11)(a)

F56 Words in s. 33(1) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 31.3.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(5)(e)(6)(b), Sch. 19 para. 5(2)

F57 S. 33(1ZZA) inserted (1.5.2022 for specified purposes, 5.12.2022 in so far as not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2021 (c. 35), s. 24(1), Sch. 5 para. 15(2); S.I. 2022/471, reg. 2(e); S.I. 2022/1095, reg. 4

F58 S. 33(1ZA)-(1ZF) inserted (25.1.2010) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 9(3), 116; S.I. 2009/3096, art. 3(d)

F59 Word in s. 33(1ZA) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 31.3.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(5)(e)(6)(b), Sch. 19 para. 5(3)

F60 Words in s. 33(1ZB) substituted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), s. 9(2), Sch. para. 4(3); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

F61 Words in s. 33(1ZC)(b) substituted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), s. 9(2), Sch. para. 4(4); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

F62 S. 33(1ZD)-(1ZF) omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 33(11)(b)

F63 S. 33(1A) inserted (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 59, 178, Sch. 4 para. 137(3); S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. para. 10 (subject to art. 4(2)-(7))

F64 Words in s. 33(1A) substituted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), s. 9(2), Sch. para. 4(5); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

F65 Words in s. 33(1A) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 83(2); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F66 Words in s. 33(1A) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 31.3.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(5)(e)(6)(b), Sch. 19 para. 5(4)

F67 S. 33(1B) omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 33(11)(b)

F68 S. 33(2) substituted (15.2.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 88, 94, Sch. 12 para. 11(a); S.I. 2008/219, art. 2(b)

F69 Words in s. 33(2) substituted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), s. 9(2), Sch. para. 4(6); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

F70 Words in s. 33(3) inserted (25.1.2010) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 9(4), 116; S.I. 2009/3096, art. 3(d)

F71 Words in s. 33(3) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 33(11)(c)

F72 Words in s. 33(3) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 31.3.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(5)(e)(6)(b), Sch. 19 para. 5(5)

F73 Words in s. 33(3) repealed (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 59, 174, 178, Sch. 4 para. 137(4)(a), Sch. 17; S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. paras. 10, 13(hh) (subject to art. 4(2)-(7))

F74 Words in s. 33(3) repealed (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 59, 174, 178, Sch. 4 para. 137(4)(b), Sch. 17; S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. paras. 10, 13(hh) (subject to art. 4(2)-(7))

F75 S. 33(3ZZA) inserted (1.5.2022 for specified purposes, 5.12.2022 in so far as not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2021 (c. 35), s. 24(1), Sch. 5 para. 15(3); S.I. 2022/471, reg. 2(e); S.I. 2022/1095, reg. 4

F76 S. 33(3ZA)-(3ZF) inserted (25.1.2010) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 9(5), 116; S.I. 2009/3096, art. 3(d)

F77 Word in s. 33(3ZA)(a) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 31.3.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(5)(e)(6)(b), Sch. 19 para. 5(6)

F78 S. 33(3ZD)-(3ZF) omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 33(11)(d)

F79 S. 33(3A) inserted (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 59, 178, Sch. 4 para. 137(5); S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. para. 10 (subject to art. 4(2)-(7))

F80 Words in s. 33(3A) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 83(3)(a); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F81 Words in s. 33(3A) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 83(3)(b); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F82 Words in s. 33(3A) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 31.3.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(5)(e)(6)(b), Sch. 19 para. 5(7)

F83 S. 33(4) substituted (15.2.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 88, 94, Sch. 12 para. 11(b); S.I. 2008/219, art. 2(b)

F84 S. 33(4A) inserted (20.6.2003) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 199(3), 279; S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch.

F85 Words in s. 33(4A) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 135(2)(a) (with art. 3)

F86 Word in s. 33(4A) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 135(2)(b) (with art. 3)

F87 S. 33(4ZA) inserted (25.6.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 21 para. 7(2) (with Sch. 20 para. 29); S.I. 2013/1042, art. 4(i)

F88 Words in s. 33(5)(a) substituted (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 59, 178, Sch. 4 para. 137(6); S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. para. 10 (subject to art. 4(2)-(7))

F89 Words in s. 33(5)(a) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 83(4); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F90 Words in s. 33(5)(a) omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 33(11)(e)

F91 Words in s. 33(5)(a) substituted (15.2.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 88, 94, Sch. 12 para. 11(c); S.I. 2008/219, art. 2(b)

F92 Words in s. 33(5)(a) inserted (25.6.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 21 para. 7(3) (with Sch. 20 para. 29); S.I. 2013/1042, art. 4(i)

F93 Words in s. 33(5)(a) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 135(3) (with art. 3)

F94 S. 33(5A)(5B) inserted (25.1.2010) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 9(6), 116; S.I. 2009/3096, art. 3(d)

F95 S. 33(5B) omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 33(11)(f)

F96 Word in s. 33(6)(a) inserted (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 33(11)(g)(i)(aa)

F97 Words in s. 33(6)(a) omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 33(11)(g)(i)(bb)

F98 S. 33(6)(aa) inserted (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 33(11)(g)(ii)

F99 Words in s. 33(6)(d) substituted (4.6.2007) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378, 383, Sch. 16 para. 171(2)(a); S.I. 2007/1442, art. 2(1)

F100 Words in s. 33(6)(e) repealed (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 59, 174, 178, Sch. 4 para. 137(7)(a), Sch. 17; S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. paras. 10, 13(hh) (subject to art. 4(2)-(7))

F101 S. 33(6)(f) repealed (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 59, 174, 178, Sch. 4 para. 137(7)(b), Sch. 17; S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. paras. 10, 13(hh) (subject to art. 4(2)-(7))

F102 S. 33(7) substituted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378, 383, Sch. 16 para. 171(3); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Marginal Citations

M7 1997 c. 50.

M8 1996 c. 16.

M9 1987 c. 4.

[F103 33A Section 33: further provision in cases where NCA is party to collaboration agreement U.K.

(1) This section applies where the Director General of the National Crime Agency has made a collaboration agreement with the chief officer of police of one or more police forces (a “collaborative police force”).

(2) A person who is a designated person for the purposes of section 28 [F104 , 29 or 29B] by reference to an office, rank or position with a collaborative police force may grant an authorisation under that section on an application made by a National Crime Agency officer.

(3) A person who is a designated person for the purposes of section 28 [F105 , 29 or 29B] by reference to their position as a National Crime Agency officer may grant an authorisation under that section on an application made by a member of a collaborative police force.

(4) Authorisations may be granted to persons by virtue of subsection (2) or (3) only if such persons are permitted under the terms of the collaboration agreement to make applications for authorisations under section 28 [F106 , 29 or 29B] to a person who is a designated person for the purposes of that section—

(a) in the case of authorisations granted by virtue of subsection (2), by reference to an office, rank or position with the collaborative police force concerned, or

(b) in the case of authorisations granted by virtue of subsection (3), by reference to the person's position as a National Crime Agency officer.

(5) A person who is a senior authorising officer by reference to a collaborative police force may grant an authorisation for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance on an application made by a National Crime Agency officer.

(6) The Director General of the National Crime Agency, or a person designated for the purposes of section 32(6)(k) by that Director General, may grant an authorisation for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance on an application made by a member of a collaborative police force.

(7) Authorisations may be granted to persons by virtue of subsection (5) or (6) only if such persons are permitted under the terms of the collaboration agreement to make applications for authorisations for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance to a person who—

(a) in the case of authorisations granted by virtue of subsection (5), is a senior authorising officer by reference to the collaborative police force concerned, or

(b) in the case of authorisations granted by virtue of subsection (6), is the Director General of the National Crime Agency or a person designated for the purposes of section 32(6)(k) by that Director General.

(8) In the case of an application made by virtue of subsection (5) or (6) for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance in relation to any residential premises, authorisation may be granted only in relation to premises in the area which is—

(a) the area of operation of a collaborative police force, and

(b) specified in relation to members of that force in the collaboration agreement.

(9) For the purposes of this section the area of operation of a collaborative police force is the area for which that force is maintained.

(10) In this section—

• “collaboration agreement” means an agreement made under section 22A of the Police Act 1996;

• “collaborative police force” has the meaning given by subsection (1);

• “police force” has the meaning given by section 33(5A).]

Textual Amendments

F103 S. 33A inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 31.3.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(5)(e)(6)(b), Sch. 19 para. 6

F104 Words in s. 33A(2) substituted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), s. 9(2), Sch. para. 5(2); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

F105 Words in s. 33A(3) substituted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), s. 9(2), Sch. para. 5(3); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

F106 Words in s. 33A(4) substituted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), s. 9(2), Sch. para. 5(4); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

34 Grant of authorisations in the senior officer’s absence. U.K.

(1) This section applies in the case of an application for an authorisation for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance where—

(a) the application is one made by a member of a police [F107 force] [F107 force (other than a member of the tri-service serious crime unit), a member of the tri-service serious crime unit,] [F108 a [F109 National Crime Agency officer]] or by [F110 [F111 an officer of the CMA] or] [F112 an officer of Revenue and Customs [F113 or an immigration officer];] and

(b) the case is urgent.

(2) If —

(a) it is not reasonably practicable, having regard to the urgency of the case, for the application to be considered by any person who is a senior authorising officer by reference to the force [F114 or Agency] in question or, as the case may be, [F115 as [F116 Provost Marshal for serious crime or] the chair of the CMA or] by virtue of a designation by [F117 the Commissioners for Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs [F118 or the Secretary of State],] and

(b) it also not reasonably practicable, having regard to the urgency of the case, for the application to be considered by a person (if there is one) who is entitled, as a designated deputy of a senior authorising officer, to exercise the functions in relation to that application of such an officer,

the application may be made to and considered by any person who is entitled under subsection (4) to act for any senior authorising officer who would have been entitled to consider the application.

(3) A person who considers an application under subsection (1) shall have the same power to grant an authorisation as the person for whom he is entitled to act.

(4) For the purposes of this section—

(a) a person is entitled to act for the chief constable of a police force maintained under section 2 of the M10 Police Act 1996 if he holds the rank of assistant chief constable in that force;

(b) a person is entitled to act for the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, or for an Assistant Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, if he holds the rank of commander in the metropolitan police force;

(c) a person is entitled to act for the Commissioner of Police for the City of London if he holds the rank of commander in the City of London police force;

(d) a person is entitled to act for the chief constable of [F119 the Police Service of Scotland if he holds the rank of deputy or assistant chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland];

(e) a person is entitled to act for the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, or for the Deputy Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, if he holds the rank of assistant chief constable in the Royal Ulster Constabulary;

(f) a person is entitled to act for the Chief Constable of the Ministry of Defence Police if he holds the rank of deputy or assistant chief constable in that force;

(g) a person is entitled to act for the Provost Marshal of the [F120 Royal Navy Police] if he holds the position of assistant Provost Marshal in [F121 that force];

(h) a person is entitled to act for the Provost Marshal of the Royal Military Police or the Provost Marshal of the Royal Air Force Police if he holds the position of deputy Provost Marshal in the police force in question;

[F122 (ha) a person is entitled to act for the Provost Marshal for serious crime if the person holds the position of deputy Provost Marshal in the tri-service serious crime unit;]

(i) a person is entitled to act for the Chief Constable of the British Transport Police if he holds the rank of deputy or assistant chief constable in that force;

[F123 (j) a person is entitled to act for the [F124 Director General of the National Crime Agency] if he is a person designated for the purposes of this paragraph by that Director General as a person entitled so to act in an urgent case;]

(l) a person is entitled to act for a person who is a senior authorising officer by virtue of a designation by [F125 the Commissioners for Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs,] if he is [F126 a senior official] designated for the purposes of this paragraph by those Commissioners as a person entitled so to act in an urgent case.

[F127 (la) a person is entitled to act for a person who is a senior authorising officer by virtue of a designation under section 32(6)(ma), if the person is a senior official in the department of the Secretary of State by whom functions relating to immigration are exercisable who is designated for the purposes of this paragraph by the Secretary of State as a person entitled so to act in an urgent case;]

[F128 (m) a person is entitled to act for the [F129 chair of the CMA if he is an officer of the CMA] designated by it for the purposes of this paragraph as a person entitled so to act in an urgent case.]

F130 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6) In this section “designated deputy”—

[F131 (a) in relation to the chief constable for a police force in England and Wales, means—

(i) the person who is the appropriate deputy chief constable for the purposes of section 12A(1) of the Police Act 1996, or

(ii) a person holding the rank of assistant chief constable who is designated to act under section 12A(2) of that Act;

(aa) in relation to the chief constable [F132 of the Police Service of Scotland, means the deputy chief constable designated under section 18(3) of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012;] —

(i) a person holding the rank of deputy chief constable and, where there is more than one person in the police force who holds that rank, who is designated as the officer having the powers and duties conferred on a deputy chief constable by section 5A(1) of the Police (Scotland) Act 1967, or

(ii) a person holding the rank of assistant chief constable who is designated to act under section 5A(2) of that Act;]

(b) in relation to the Commissioner of Police for the City of London, means a person authorised to act under section 25 of the M11 City of London Police Act 1839;

F133 (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F107 Words in s. 34(1)(a) substituted (1.5.2022 for specified purposes) by Armed Forces Act 2021 (c. 35), s. 24(1), Sch. 5 para. 16(2); S.I. 2022/471, reg. 2(e)

F108 Words in s. 34(1)(a) substituted (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 59, 178, Sch. 4 para. 138(2); S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. para. 10 (subject to art. 4(2)-(7))

F109 Words in s. 34(1)(a) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 84(2); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F110 Words in s. 34(1)(a) inserted (20.6.2003) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 199(5)(a), 279; S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch.

F111 Words in s. 34(1)(a) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 136(2) (with art. 3)

F112 Words in s. 34(1) substituted (15.2.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 88, 94, Sch. 12 para. 12(a); S.I. 2008/219, art. 2(b)

F113 Words in s. 34(1)(a) inserted (25.6.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 21 para. 8(2) (with Sch. 20 para. 29); S.I. 2013/1042, art. 4(i)

F114 Words in s. 34(2)(a) substituted (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 59, 178, Sch. 4 para. 138(3); S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. para. 10 (subject to art. 4(2)-(7))

F115 Words in s. 34(2)(a) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 136(3) (with art. 3)

F116 Words in s. 34(2)(a) inserted (1.5.2022 for specified purposes) by Armed Forces Act 2021 (c. 35), s. 24(1), Sch. 5 para. 16(3); S.I. 2022/471, reg. 2(e)

F117 Words in s. 34(2)(a) substituted (15.2.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 88, 94, Sch. 12 para. 12(b); S.I. 2008/219, art. 2(b)

F118 Words in s. 34(2)(a) inserted (25.6.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 21 para. 8(3) (with Sch. 21 para. 40); S.I. 2013/1042, art. 4(i)

F119 Words in s. 34(4)(d) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 33(12)(a)

F120 Words in s. 34(4)(g) substituted (4.6.2007) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378, 383, Sch. 16 para. 172(a); S.I. 2007/1442, art. 2(1)

F121 Words in s. 34(4)(g) substituted (4.6.2007) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378, 383, Sch. 16 para. 172(b); S.I. 2007/1442, art. 2(1)

F122 S. 34(4)(ha) inserted (1.5.2022 for specified purposes) by Armed Forces Act 2021 (c. 35), s. 24(1), Sch. 5 para. 16(4); S.I. 2022/471, reg. 2(e)

F123 S. 34(4)(j) substituted (1.4.2006) for s. 34(4)(j)(k) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 59, 178, Sch. 4 para. 138(4); S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. para. 10 (subject to art. 4(2)-(7))

F124 Words in s. 34(4)(j) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 84(3); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F125 Words in s. 34(4)(l) substituted (15.2.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 88, 94, Sch. 12 para. 12(c)(i); S.I. 2008/219, art. 2(b)

F126 Words in s. 34(4)(l) inserted (15.2.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 88, 94, Sch. 12 para. 12(c)(ii); S.I. 2008/219, art. 2(b)

F127 S. 34(4)(la) inserted (25.6.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 21 para. 8(4) (with Sch. 21 para. 40); S.I. 2013/1042, art. 4(i)

F128 S. 34(4)(m) inserted (20.6.2003) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 199(5)(c), 279; S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch.

F129 Words in s. 34(4)(m) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 136(4) (with art. 3)

F130 S. 34(5) repealed (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 59, 174, 178, Sch. 4 para. 138(5), Sch. 17; S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. paras. 10, 13(hh) (subject to art. 4(2)-(7))

F131 S. 34(6)(a)(aa) substituted (8.11.2006) for s. 34(6)(a) by Police and Justice Act 2006 (c. 48), ss. 52, 53, Sch. 14 para. 39

F132 Words in s. 34(6)(aa) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 33(12)(b)

F133 S. 34(6)(c) repealed (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 59, 174, 178, Sch. 4 para. 138(6), Sch. 17; S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. paras. 10, 13(hh) (subject to art. 4(2)-(7))

Marginal Citations

M10 1996 c. 16.

M11 1839 c. xciv.

35 Notification of authorisations for intrusive surveillance. U.K.

(1) Where a person grants or cancels a [F134 police, [F135 tri-service serious crime unit,] [F136 the National Crime Agency], [F137 Revenue and Customs [F138 , immigration]]] [F139 or CMA] authorisation for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance, he shall give notice that he has done so to [F140 a Judicial Commissioner] .

(2) A notice given for the purposes of subsection (1)—

(a) must be given in writing as soon as reasonably practicable after the grant or, as the case may be, cancellation of the authorisation to which it relates;

(b) must be given in accordance with any such arrangements made for the purposes of this paragraph by the [F141 Investigatory Powers Commissioner] as are for the time being in force; and

(c) must specify such matters as the Secretary of State may by order prescribe.

(3) A notice under this section of the grant of an authorisation shall, as the case may be, either—

(a) state that the approval of a [F142 Judicial Commissioner] is required by section 36 before the grant of the authorisation will take effect; or

(b) state that the case is one of urgency and set out the grounds on which the case is believed to be one of urgency.

(4) Where a notice for the purposes of subsection (1) of the grant of an authorisation has been received by [F143 a Judicial Commissioner ] , he shall, as soon as practicable—

(a) scrutinise the authorisation; and

(b) in a case where notice has been given in accordance with subsection (3)(a), decide whether or not to approve the authorisation.

(5) Subject to subsection (6), the Secretary of State shall not make an order under subsection (2)(c) unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.

(6) Subsection (5) does not apply in the case of the order made on the first occasion on which the Secretary of State exercises his power to make an order under subsection (2)(c).

(7) The order made on that occasion shall cease to have effect at the end of the period of forty days beginning with the day on which it was made unless, before the end of that period, it has been approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.

(8) For the purposes of subsection (7)—

(a) the order’s ceasing to have effect shall be without prejudice to anything previously done or to the making of a new order; and

(b) in reckoning the period of forty days no account shall be taken of any period during which Parliament is dissolved or prorogued or during which both Houses are adjourned for more than four days.

(9) Any notice that is required by any provision of this section to be given in writing may be given, instead, by being transmitted by electronic means.

(10) In this section references to a [F144 police, [F145 tri-service serious crime unit,] [F146 the National Crime Agency], [F147 Revenue and Customs [F148 immigration]]] [F149 or CMA] authorisation are references to an authorisation granted by—

(a) a person who is a senior authorising officer by reference to a police force [F150 or the [F151 National Crime Agency]];

[F152 (aa) the Provost Marshal for serious crime;]

(b) a person who is a senior authorising officer by virtue of a designation [F153 under section 32(6)(m) or (ma)]; F154 ...

[F155 (ba) the chair of the CMA; or]

(c) a person who for the purposes of section 34 is entitled to act for a person falling within paragraph (a) [F156 or for a person falling within paragraph (aa)] or for a person falling within paragraph (b) [F157 or for a person falling within paragraph (ba)].

Textual Amendments

F134 Words in s. 35(1) substituted (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 59, 178, Sch. 4 para. 139(2); S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. para. 10 (subject to art. 4(2)-(7))

F135 Words in s. 35(1) inserted (1.5.2022 for specified purposes, 5.12.2022 in so far as not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2021 (c. 35), s. 24(1), Sch. 5 para. 17(2); S.I. 2022/471, reg. 2(e); S.I. 2022/1095, reg. 4

F136 Words in s. 35(1) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 85(2); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F137 Words in s. 35(1) substituted (15.2.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 88, 94, Sch. 12 para. 13(a); S.I. 2008/219, art. 2(b)

F138 Word in s. 35(1) inserted (25.6.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 21 para. 9(2) (with Sch. 21 para. 40); S.I. 2013/1042, art. 4(i)

F139 Words in s. 35(1) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 137(2) (with art. 3)

F140 Words in s. 35(1) substituted (1.9.2017) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), ss. 233(3)(a), 272(1) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2017/859, reg. 2(e)

F141 Words in s. 35(2)(b) substituted (1.9.2017) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), ss. 233(3)(b), 272(1) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2017/859, reg. 2(e)

F142 Words in s. 35(3)(a) substituted (1.9.2017) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), ss. 233(3)(c), 272(1) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2017/859, reg. 2(e)

F143 Words in s. 35(4) substituted (1.9.2017) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), ss. 233(3)(a), 272(1) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2017/859, reg. 2(e)

F144 Words in s. 35(10) substituted (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 59, 178, Sch. 4 para. 139(3)(a); S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. para. 10 (subject to art. 4(2)-(7))

F145 Words in s. 35(10) inserted (1.5.2022 for specified purposes, 5.12.2022 in so far as not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2021 (c. 35), s. 24(1), Sch. 5 para. 17(3)(a); S.I. 2022/471, reg. 2(e); S.I. 2022/1095, reg. 4

F146 Words in s. 35(10) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 85(3)(a); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F147 Words in s. 35(10) substituted (15.2.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 88, 94, Sch. 12 para. 13(b); S.I. 2008/219, art. 2(b)

F148 Word in s. 35(10) inserted (25.6.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 21 para. 9(3)(a) (with Sch. 21 para. 40); S.I. 2013/1042, art. 4(i)

F149 Words in s. 35(10) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 137(3)(a) (with art. 3)

F150 Words in s. 35(10)(a) substituted (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 59, 178, Sch. 4 para. 139(3)(b); S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. para. 10 (subject to art. 4(2)-(7))

F151 Words in s. 35(10)(a) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 85(3)(b); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F152 S. 35(10)(aa) inserted (1.5.2022 for specified purposes, 5.12.2022 in so far as not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2021 (c. 35), s. 24(1), Sch. 5 para. 17(3)(b); S.I. 2022/471, reg. 2(e); S.I. 2022/1095, reg. 4

F153 Words in s. 35(10)(b) substituted (25.6.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 21 para. 9(3)(b) (with Sch. 21 para. 40); S.I. 2013/1042, art. 4(i)

F154 Word in s. 35(10)(b) repealed (20.6.2003) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 278, 279, Sch. 26; S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 10)

F155 S. 35(10)(ba) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 137(3)(b) (with art. 3)

F156 Words in s. 35(10)(c) inserted (1.5.2022 for specified purposes, 5.12.2022 in so far as not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2021 (c. 35), s. 24(1), Sch. 5 para. 17(3)(c); S.I. 2022/471, reg. 2(e); S.I. 2022/1095, reg. 4

F157 Words in s. 35(10)(c) inserted (20.6.2003) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 199(6)(c), 279; S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C11 S. 35 excluded (27.6.2018) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), s. 272(1), Sch. 8 para. 25(a) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2018/652, reg. 12(e)(iii)

36 Approval required for authorisations to take effect. U.K.

(1) This section applies where an authorisation for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance has been granted on the application of—

(a) a member of a police force;

[F158 (aa) a member of the tri-service serious crime unit;]

[F159 (b) a National Crime Agency officer;]

[F160 (d) an officer of Revenue and Customs F161 ...;]

[F162 (da) an immigration officer; or]

(e) [F163 an officer of the CMA].

(2) Subject to subsection (3), the authorisation shall not take effect until such time (if any) as—

(a) the grant of the authorisation has been approved by [F164 a Judicial Commissioner] ; and

(b) written notice of the Commissioner’s decision to approve the grant of the authorisation has been given, in accordance with subsection (4), to the person who granted the authorisation.

(3) Where the person who grants the authorisation—

(a) believes that the case is one of urgency, and

(b) gives notice in accordance with section 35(3)(b),

subsection (2) shall not apply to the authorisation, and the authorisation shall have effect from the time of its grant.

(4) Where subsection (2) applies to the authorisation—

(a) a [F165 Judicial Commissioner] shall give his approval under this section to the authorisation if, and only if, he is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the requirements of section 32(2)(a) and (b) are satisfied in the case of the authorisation; and

(b) a [F165 Judicial Commissioner ] who makes a decision as to whether or not the authorisation should be approved shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after making that decision, give written notice of his decision to the person who granted the authorisation.

(5) If [F166 a Judicial Commissioner] decides not to approve an authorisation to which subsection (2) applies, he shall make a report of his findings to the most senior relevant person.

(6) In this section “the most senior relevant person” means—

(a) where the authorisation was granted by the senior authorising officer with any police force who is not someone’s deputy, that senior authorising officer;

[F167 (aa) where the authorisation was granted by the Provost Marshal for serious crime or a person entitled to act for the Provost Marshal for serious crime by virtue of section 34(4)(ha), that Provost Marshal;]

(b) where the authorisation was granted by the [F168 Director General of the National Crime Agency], that Director General;

(c) where the authorisation was granted by a senior authorising officer with a police force who is someone’s deputy, the senior authorising officer whose deputy granted the authorisation;

[F169 (d) where the authorisation was granted by a person designated for the purposes of section 32(6)(k), or by a person entitled to act for the [F170 Director General of the National Crime Agency] by virtue of section 34(4)(j), that Director General;]

(f) where the authorisation was granted by a person entitled to act for a senior authorising officer under section 34(4)[F171 (a) to (i)] [F171 (a) to (h) or (i)], the senior authorising officer in the force in question who is not someone’s deputy; [F172 and]

[F173 (g) where the authorisation was granted by an officer of Revenue and Customs, the officer of Revenue and Customs for the time being designated for the purposes of this paragraph by a written notice given to the [F174 Investigatory Powers Commissioner ] by the Commissioners for Her Majesty's Revenue F175 ... Customs;]

[F176 (ga) where the authorisation was granted by a senior official designated under section 32(6)(ma) or entitled to act for such an official under section 34(4)(la), the senior official designated under section 32(6)(ma); and]

(h) where the authorisation was granted by the [F177 chair of the CMA] or a person entitled to act for [F178 the chair of the CMA] by virtue of section 34(4)(m), [F179 that chair].

(7) The references in subsection (6) to a person’s deputy are references to the following—

(a) in relation to—

(i) a chief constable of a police force maintained under section 2 of the M12 Police Act 1996,

(ii) the Commissioner of Police for the City of London, or

[F180 (iii) the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland,]

to his designated deputy;

(b) in relation to the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, to an Assistant Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis; and

(c) in relation to the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, to the Deputy Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary;

and in this subsection and that subsection “designated deputy” has the same meaning as in section 34.

(8) Any notice that is required by any provision of this section to be given in writing may be given, instead, by being transmitted by electronic means.

Textual Amendments

F158 S. 36(1)(aa) inserted (1.5.2022 for specified purposes) by Armed Forces Act 2021 (c. 35), s. 24(1), Sch. 5 para. 18(2); S.I. 2022/471, reg. 2(e)

F159 S. 36(1)(b) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 86(2); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F160 S. 36(1)(d) substituted (15.2.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 88, 94, Sch. 12 para. 14(a); S.I. 2008/219, art. 2(b)

F161 Word in s. 36(1)(d) omitted (25.6.2013) by virtue of Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 21 para. 10(2)(a) (with Sch. 21 para. 40); S.I. 2013/1042, art. 4(i)

F162 S. 36(1)(da) inserted (25.6.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 21 para. 10(2)(b) (with Sch. 21 para. 40); S.I. 2013/1042, art. 4(i)

F163 Words in s. 36(1)(e) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 138(2) (with art. 3)

F164 Words in s. 36(2)(a) substituted (1.9.2017) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), ss. 233(3)(a), 272(1) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2017/859, reg. 2(e)

F165 Words in s. 36(4)(a)(b) substituted (1.9.2017) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), ss. 233(3)(c), 272(1) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2017/859, reg. 2(e)

F166 Words in s. 36(5) substituted (1.9.2017) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), ss. 233(3)(a), 272(1) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2017/859, reg. 2(e)

F167 S. 36(6)(aa) inserted (1.5.2022 for specified purposes) by Armed Forces Act 2021 (c. 35), s. 24(1), Sch. 5 para. 18(3)(a); S.I. 2022/471, reg. 2(e)

F168 Words in s. 36(6)(b) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 86(3); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F169 S. 36(6)(d) substituted (1.4.2006) for s. 36(6)(d)(e) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 59, 178, Sch. 4 para. 140(3)(b); S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. para. 10 (subject to art. 4(2)-(7))

F170 Words in s. 36(6)(d) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 86(3); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F171 Words in s. 36(6)(f) substituted (1.5.2022 for specified purposes) by Armed Forces Act 2021 (c. 35), s. 24(1), Sch. 5 para. 18(3)(b); S.I. 2022/471, reg. 2(e)

F172 Word in s. 36(6)(f) repealed (20.6.2003) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 278, 279, Sch. 26; S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 10)

F173 S. 36(6)(g) substituted (15.2.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 88, 94, Sch. 12 para. 14(b); S.I. 2008/219, art. 2(b)

F174 Words in s. 36(6)(g) substituted (1.9.2017) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), ss. 233(3)(b), 272(1) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2017/859, reg. 2(e)

F175 Word in s. 36(6)(g) omitted (25.6.2013) by virtue of Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 21 para. 10(3)(a) (with Sch. 21 para. 40); S.I. 2013/1042, art. 4(i)

F176 S. 36(6)(ga) inserted (25.6.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 21 para. 10(3)(b) (with Sch. 21 para. 40); S.I. 2013/1042, art. 4(i)

F177 Words in s. 36(6)(h) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 138(3)(a) (with art. 3)

F178 Words in s. 36(6)(h) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 138(3)(b) (with art. 3)

F179 Words in s. 36(6)(h) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 138(3)(c) (with art. 3)

F180 S. 36(7)(a)(iii) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 33(13)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 S. 36 excluded (27.6.2018) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), s. 272(1), Sch. 8 para. 25(b) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2018/652, reg. 12(e)(iii)

Marginal Citations

M12 1996 c. 16.

37 Quashing of police and [F181 Revenue and Customs] authorisations etc. U.K.

(1) This section applies where an authorisation for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance has been granted on the application of—

(a) a member of a police force;

[F182 (b) a National Crime Agency officer;]

[F183 (d) an officer of Revenue and Customs F184 ... ;]

[F185 (da) an immigration officer; or]

[F186 (e) an officer of the CMA.]

(2) Where [F187 a Judicial Commissioner] is at any time satisfied that, at the time when the authorisation was granted or at any time when it was renewed, there were no reasonable grounds for believing that the requirements of section 32(2)(a) and (b) were satisfied, he may quash the authorisation with effect, as he thinks fit, from the time of the grant of the authorisation or from the time of any renewal of the authorisation.

(3) If [F187 a Judicial Commissioner] is satisfied at any time while the authorisation is in force that there are no longer any reasonable grounds for believing that the requirements of section 32(2)(a) and (b) are satisfied in relation to the authorisation, he may cancel the authorisation with effect from such time as appears to him to be the time from which those requirements ceased to be so satisfied.

(4) Where, in the case of any authorisation of which notice has been given in accordance with section 35(3)(b), [F187 a Judicial Commissioner] is at any time satisfied that, at the time of the grant or renewal of the authorisation to which that notice related, there were no reasonable grounds for believing that the case was one of urgency, he may quash the authorisation with effect, as he thinks fit, from the time of the grant of the authorisation or from the time of any renewal of the authorisatio

(5) Subject to subsection (7), where [F187 a Judicial Commissioner ] quashes an authorisation under this section, he may order the destruction of any records relating wholly or partly to information obtained by the authorised conduct after the time from which his decision takes effect.

(6) Subject to subsection (7), where—

(a) an authorisation has ceased to have effect (otherwise than by virtue of subsection (2) or (4)), and

(b) [F187 a Judicial Commissioner] is satisfied that there was a time while the authorisation was in force when there were no reasonable grounds for believing that the requirements of section 32(2)(a) and (b) continued to be satisfied in relation to the authorisation,

he may order the destruction of any records relating, wholly or partly, to information obtained at such a time by the authorised conduct.

(7) No order shall be made under this section for the destruction of any records required for pending criminal or civil proceedings.

(8) Where [F188 a Judicial Commissioner] exercises a power conferred by this section, he shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, make a report of his exercise of that power, and of his reasons for doing so—

(a) to the most senior relevant person (within the meaning of section 36); and

(b) to the [F189 Investigatory Powers Commissioner (if he is not that Commissioner)] .

(9) Where an order for the destruction of records is made under this section, the order shall not become operative until such time (if any) as—

(a) [F190 any period] for appealing against the decision to make the order has expired; and

(b) any appeal brought within that period has been dismissed by the [F191 Investigatory Powers Commissioner] .

(10) No notice shall be required to be given under section 35(1) in the case of a cancellation under subsection (3) of this section.

Textual Amendments

F181 Words in s. 37 heading substituted (15.2.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 88, 94, Sch. 12 para. 15; S.I. 2008/219, art. 2(b)

F182 S. 37(1)(b) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 87; S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F183 S. 37(1)(d) substituted (15.2.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 88, 94, Sch. 12 para. 15; S.I. 2008/219, art. 2(b)

F184 Word in s. 37(1)(d) omitted (25.6.2013) by virtue of Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 21 para. 11(a) (with Sch. 21 para. 40); S.I. 2013/1042, art. 4(i)

F185 S. 37(1)(da) inserted (25.6.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 21 para. 11(b) (with Sch. 21 para. 40); S.I. 2013/1042, art. 4(i)

F186 S. 37(1)(e) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 139 (with art. 3)

F187 Words in s. 37(2)-(6) substituted (1.9.2017) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), ss. 233(3)(a), 272(1) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2017/859, reg. 2(e)

F188 Words in s. 37(8) substituted (1.9.2017) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), ss. 233(3)(a), 272(1) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2017/859, reg. 2(e)

F189 Words in s. 37(8)(b) substituted (1.9.2017) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), ss. 233(3)(d), 272(1) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2017/859, reg. 2(e)

F190 Words in s. 37(9)(a) substituted (1.9.2017) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), s. 272(1), Sch. 10 para. 76 (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2017/859, reg. 2(j)

F191 Words in s. 37(9)(b) substituted (1.9.2017) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), ss. 233(3)(b), 272(1) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2017/859, reg. 2(e)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C13 S. 37(2)-(4) excluded (27.6.2018) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), s. 272(1), Sch. 8 para. 25(c) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2018/652, reg. 12(e)(iii)

38 Appeals against decisions by [F192 Judicial Commissioners] . U.K.

(1) Any senior authorising officer may appeal to the [F193 Investigatory Powers Commissioner] against any of the following—

(a) any refusal of [F194 a Judicial Commissioner (other than the Investigatory Powers Commissioner)] to approve an authorisation for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance;

(b) any decision of such a Commissioner to quash or cancel such an authorisation;

(c) any decision of such a Commissioner to make an order under section 37 for the destruction of records.

(2) In the case of an authorisation granted by the designated deputy of a senior authorising office or by a person who for the purposes of section 34 is entitled to act for a senior authorising officer, that designated deputy or person shall also be entitled to appeal under this section.

(3) An appeal under this section must be brought within the period of seven days beginning with the day on which the refusal or decision appealed against is reported to the appellant.

(4) Subject to subsection (5), the [F195 Investigatory Powers Commissioner] , on an appeal under this section, shall allow the appeal if—

(a) he is satisfied that there were reasonable grounds for believing that the requirements of section 32(2)(a) and (b) were satisfied in relation to the authorisation at the time in question; and

(b) he is not satisfied that the authorisation is one of which notice was given in accordance with section 35(3)(b) without there being any reasonable grounds for believing that the case was one of urgency.

(5) If, on an appeal falling within subsection (1)(b), the [F195 Investigatory Powers Commissioner ] —

(a) is satisfied that grounds exist which justify the quashing or cancellation under section 37 of the authorisation in question, but

(b) considers that the authorisation should have been quashed or cancelled from a different time from that from which it was quashed or cancelled by the [F196 Judicial Commissioner] against whose decision the appeal is brought,

he may modify that Commissioner’s decision to quash or cancel the authorisation, and any related decision for the destruction of records, so as to give effect to the decision under section 37 that he considers should have been made.

(6) Where, on an appeal under this section against a decision to quash or cancel an authorisation, the [F195 Investigatory Powers Commissioner] allows the appeal he shall also quash any related order for the destruction of records relating to information obtained by the authorised conduct.

(7) In this section “designated deputy” has the same meaning as in section 34.

Textual Amendments

F192 Words in s. 38 heading substituted (1.9.2017) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), ss. 233(3)(g), 272(1) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2017/859, reg. 2(e)

F193 Words in s. 38(1) substituted (1.9.2017) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), ss. 233(3)(b), 272(1) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2017/859, reg. 2(e)

F194 Words in s. 38(1)(a) substituted (1.9.2017) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), ss. 233(3)(e), 272(1) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2017/859, reg. 2(e)

F195 Words in s. 38(4)-(6) substituted (1.9.2017) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), ss. 233(3)(b), 272(1) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2017/859, reg. 2(e)

F196 Words in s. 38(5)(b) substituted (1.9.2017) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), ss. 233(3)(f), 272(1) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2017/859, reg. 2(e)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C14 S. 38 excluded (27.6.2018) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), s. 272(1), Sch. 8 para. 25(d) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2018/652, reg. 12(e)(iii)

39 Appeals to the [F197 Investigatory Powers Commissioner] : supplementary. U.K.

(1) Where the [F198 Investigatory Powers Commissioner] has determined an appeal under section 38, he shall give notice of his determination to both—

(a) the person by whom the appeal was brought; and

(b) the [F199 Judicial Commissioner] whose decision was appealed against.

(2) Where the determination of the [F200 Investigatory Powers Commissioner ] on an appeal under section 38 is a determination to dismiss the appeal, the [F200 Investigatory Powers Commissioner ] shall make a report of his findings—

(a) to the persons mentioned in subsection (1); and

(b) to the Prime Minister.

(3) [F201 Subsections (6) to (8) of section 234 of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016] (reports to be laid before Parliament and exclusion of matters from the report) apply in relation to any report to the Prime Minister under subsection (2) of this section as they apply in relation to any report under [F202 subsection (1) of that section] .

(4) Subject to subsection (2) of this section, the [F203 Investigatory Powers Commissioner] shall not give any reasons for any determination of his on an appeal under section 38.

Textual Amendments

F197 Words in s. 39 heading substituted (1.9.2017) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), ss. 233(3)(b), 272(1) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2017/859, reg. 2(e)

F198 Words in s. 39(1) substituted (1.9.2017) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), ss. 233(3)(b), 272(1) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2017/859, reg. 2(e)

F199 Words in s. 39(1)(b) substituted (1.9.2017) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), ss. 233(3)(f), 272(1) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2017/859, reg. 2(e)

F200 Words in s. 39(2) substituted (1.9.2017) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), ss. 233(3)(b), 272(1) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2017/859, reg. 2(e)

F201 Words in s. 39(3) substituted (1.9.2017) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), s. 272(1), Sch. 10 para. 77(a) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2017/859, reg. 2(j)

F202 Words in s. 39(3) substituted (1.9.2017) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), s. 272(1), Sch. 10 para. 77(b) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2017/859, reg. 2(j)

F203 Words in s. 39(4) substituted (1.9.2017) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), ss. 233(3)(b), 272(1) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2017/859, reg. 2(e)

F204 40 Information to be provided to Surveillance Commissioners. U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F204 S. 40 omitted (1.9.2017) by virtue of Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), s. 272(1), Sch. 10 para. 78 (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2017/859, reg. 2(j) (with reg. 7)

Other authorisations U.K.

41 Secretary of State authorisations. U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State shall not grant an authorisation for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance except on an application made by—

(a) a member of any of the intelligence services;

(b) an official of the Ministry of Defence;

(c) a member of Her Majesty’s forces;

(d) an individual holding an office, rank or position with any such public authority as may be designated for the purposes of this section as an authority whose activities may require the carrying out of intrusive surveillance.

(2) Section 32 shall have effect in relation to the grant of an authorisation by the Secretary of State on the application of an official of the Ministry of Defence, or of a member of Her Majesty’s forces, as if the only matters mentioned in subsection (3) of that section were—

(a) the interests of national security; and

(b) the purpose of preventing or detecting serious crime.

(3) The designation of any public authority for the purposes of this section shall be by order made by the Secretary of State.

(4) The Secretary of State may by order provide, in relation to any public authority, that an application for an authorisation for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance may be made by an individual holding an office, rank or position with that authority only where his office, rank or position is one prescribed by the order.

(5) The Secretary of State may by order impose restrictions—

(a) on the authorisations for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance that may be granted on the application of an individual holding an office, rank or position with any public authority designated for the purposes of this section; and

(b) on the circumstances in which, or the purposes for which, such authorisations may be granted on such an application.

(6) The Secretary of State shall not make a designation under subsection (3) unless a draft of the order containing the designation has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.

(7) References in this section to a member of Her Majesty’s forces do not include references to any member of Her Majesty’s forces who is a member of a police force by virtue of his service with the [F205 Royal Navy Police], the Royal Military Police or the Royal Air Force Police [F206 or is a member of the tri-service serious crime unit].

Textual Amendments

F205 Words in s. 41(7) substituted (4.6.2007) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378, 383, Sch. 16 para. 173; S.I. 2007/1442, art. 2(1)

F206 Words in s. 41(7) inserted (1.5.2022 for specified purposes, 5.12.2022 in so far as not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2021 (c. 35), s. 24(1), Sch. 5 para. 19; S.I. 2022/471, reg. 2(e); S.I. 2022/1095, reg. 4

42 Intelligence services authorisations. U.K.

(1) The grant by the Secretary of State [F207 or, the Scottish Ministers (by virtue of provision under section 63 of the Scotland Act 1998)] on the application of a member of one of the intelligence services of any authorisation under this Part must be made by the issue of a warrant.

(2) A single warrant issued by the Secretary of State [F207 or, the Scottish Ministers (by virtue of provision under s. 63 of the Scotland Act 1998)]may combine both—

(a) an authorisation under this Part; and

(b) an intelligence services warrant;

but the provisions of this Act or the M13 Intelligence Services Act 1994 that are applicable in the case of the authorisation under this Part or the intelligence services warrant shall apply separately in relation to the part of the combined warrant to which they are applicable.

(3) Intrusive surveillance in relation to any premises or vehicle in the British Islands shall be capable of being authorised by a warrant issued under this Part on the application of a member of the Secret Intelligence Service or GCHQ only if the authorisation contained in the warrant is one satisfying the requirements of section 32(2)(a) otherwise than in connection with any functions of that intelligence service in support of the prevention or detection of serious crime.

(4) Subject to subsection (5), the functions of the Security Service shall include acting on behalf of the Secret Intelligence Service or GCHQ in relation to—

(a) the application for and grant of any authorisation under this Part in connection with any matter within the functions of the Secret Intelligence Service or GCHQ; and

(b) the carrying out, in connection with any such matter, of any conduct authorised by such an authorisation.

(5) Nothing in subsection (4) shall authorise the doing of anything by one intelligence service on behalf of another unless—

(a) it is something which either the other service or a member of the other service has power to do; and

(b) it is done otherwise than in connection with functions of the other service in support of the prevention or detection of serious crime.

(6) In this section “intelligence services warrant” means a warrant under section 5 of the M14 Intelligence Services Act 1994.

Textual Amendments

F207 Words in s 42(1)(2) inserted (S.) (15.12.2000) by S.I. 2000/3253, arts. 1(1), 4(1), Sch. 3 Pt. II para. 7(a)(b) (with art. 6)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C15 S. 42 modified (S.) (14.12.2000) by S.I. 2000/3253, arts. 1(1)(2), 2, Sch. 1 para. 4(1) (with art. 6)

C16 S. 42: functions transferred to the Scottish Ministers (S.) (15.12.2000) by virtue of S.I. 2000/3253, arts. 1(1)(3), 3, Sch. 2 (with art. 6)

Marginal Citations

M13 1994 c. 13.

M14 1994 c. 13.

Grant, renewal and duration of authorisations U.K.

43 General rules about grant, renewal and duration. U.K.

(1) An authorisation under this Part—

(a) may be granted or renewed orally in any urgent case in which the entitlement to act of the person granting or renewing it is not confined to urgent cases; and

(b) in any other case, must be in writing.

[F208 (1A) Subsection (1)(a) does not apply in relation to an authorisation under section 28 or 29 to which section 32A applies.]

(2) A single authorisation may combine two or more different authorisations under this Part; but the provisions of this Act that are applicable in the case of each of the authorisations shall apply separately in relation to the part of the combined authorisation to which they are applicable.

(3) Subject to subsections (4) and (8), an authorisation under this Part shall cease to have effect at the end of the following period—

(a) in the case of an authorisation which—

(i) has not been renewed and was granted either orally or by a person whose entitlement to act is confined to urgent cases, or

(ii) was last renewed either orally or by such a person,

the period of seventy-two hours beginning with the time when the grant of the authorisation or, as the case may be, its latest renewal takes effect;

(b) in a case not falling within paragraph (a) in which the authorisation is for the conduct or the use of a covert human intelligence source [F209 or is an authorisation under section 29B], the period of twelve months beginning with the day on which the grant of the authorisation or, as the case may be, its latest renewal takes effect; and

(c) in any case not falling within paragraph (a) or (b), the period of three months beginning with the day on which the grant of the authorisation or, as the case may be, its latest renewal takes effect.

(4) Subject to subsection (6), an authorisation under this Part may be renewed, at any time before the time at which it ceases to have effect, by any person who would be entitled to grant a new authorisation in the same terms.

(5) Sections 28 to 41 shall have effect in relation to the renewal of an authorisation under this Part as if references to the grant of an authorisation included references to its renewal.

(6) A person shall not renew an authorisation for the conduct or the use of a covert human intelligence source [F210 or an authorisation under section 29B], unless he—

(a) is satisfied that a review has been carried out of the matters mentioned in subsection (7); and

(b) has, for the purpose of deciding whether he should renew the authorisation, considered the results of that review.

[F211 (6A) The relevant judicial authority (within the meaning given by subsection (7) of section 32A) shall not make an order under that section approving the renewal of an authorisation for the conduct or the use of a covert human intelligence source unless the relevant judicial authority—

(a) is satisfied that a review has been carried out of the matters mentioned in subsection (7) below, and

(b) has, for the purpose of deciding whether to make the order, considered the results of that review.]

(7) The matters mentioned in [F212 subsections (6) and (6A)] are—

(a) the use made of the source in the period since the grant or, as the case may be, latest renewal of the authorisation; and

(b) the tasks given to the source during that period and the information obtained from the conduct or the use of the source.

(8) The Secretary of State may by order provide in relation to authorisations of such descriptions as may be specified in the order that subsection (3) is to have effect as if the period at the end of which an authorisation of a description so specified is to cease to have effect were such period shorter than that provided for by that subsection as may be fixed by or determined in accordance with that order.

(9) References in this section to the time at which, or the day on which, the grant or renewal of an authorisation takes effect are references—

(a) in the case of the grant of an authorisation to which paragraph (c) does not apply, to the time at which or, as the case may be, day on which the authorisation is granted;

(b) in the case of the renewal of an authorisation to which paragraph (c) does not apply, to the time at which or, as the case may be, day on which the authorisation would have ceased to have effect but for the renewal; and

(c) in the case of any grant or renewal that takes effect under subsection (2) of section [F213 32A or] 36 at a time or on a day later than that given by paragraph (a) or (b), to the time at which or, as the case may be, day on which the grant or renewal takes effect in accordance with that subsection.

(10) In relation to any authorisation granted by a member of any of the intelligence services, and in relation to any authorisation contained in a warrant issued by the Secretary of State on the application of a member of any of the intelligence services, this section has effect subject to the provisions of section 44.

Textual Amendments

F208 S. 43(1A) inserted (1.11.2012) by Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (c. 9), s. 120, Sch. 9 para. 9(2) (with s. 97); S.I. 2012/2075, art. 4(d)

F209 Words in s. 43(3)(b) inserted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), s. 9(2), Sch. para. 6(2); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

F210 Words in s. 43(6) inserted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), s. 9(2), Sch. para. 6(3); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

F211 S. 43(6A) inserted (1.11.2012) by Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (c. 9), ss. 38(2)(a), 120 (with s. 97); S.I. 2012/2075, art. 4(b) (with art. 6)

F212 Words in s. 43(7) substituted (1.11.2012) by Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (c. 9), ss. 38(2)(b), 120 (with s. 97); S.I. 2012/2075, art. 4(b) (with art. 6)

F213 Words in s. 43(9)(c) inserted (1.11.2012) by Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (c. 9), s. 120, Sch. 9 para. 9(3) (with s. 97); S.I. 2012/2075, art. 4(d)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C17 S. 43(3) modified (6.11.2000) by S.I. 2000/2793, art. 6 (as amended (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), ss. 2(7), 9(2) (with s. 2(9)); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c))

S.43 applied (with modifications) (16.3.2001) by S.I. 2001/1057, art. 4

C18 S. 43(3) modified (1.2.2010) by The Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Covert Human Intelligence Sources: Matters Subject to Legal Privilege) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/3404), art. 8

C19 S. 43(3) modified (18.2.2010) by The Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Covert Human Intelligence Sources: Matters Subject to Legal Privilege) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/123), art. 8

C20 S. 43(3) modified (1.1.2014) by The Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Covert Human Intelligence Sources: Relevant Sources) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/2788), arts. 1, 3 (with art. 17)

C21 S. 43(3) modified (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by S.I. 2000/2793, art. 10 (as inserted by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), ss. 2(8), 9(2) (with s. 2(9)); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c))

44 Special rules for intelligence services authorisations. U.K.

(1) Subject to subsection (2), a warrant containing an authorisation for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance—

(a) shall not be issued on the application of a member of any of the intelligence services, and

(b) if so issued shall not be renewed,

except under the hand of the Secretary of State [F214 or, in the case of a warrant issued by the Scottish Ministers(by virtue of provision made under section 63 of the Scotland Act 1998), a member of the Scottish Executive.]

(2) In an urgent case in which—

(a) an application for a warrant containing an authorisation for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance has been made by a member of any of the intelligence services, and

(b) the Secretary of State has himself [F215 or the Scottish Ministers(by virtue of provision made under section 63 of the Scotland Act 1998) have themselves] expressly authorised the issue of the warrant in that case,

the warrant may be issued (but not renewed) under the hand of a senior official [F216 or as the case may be, a member of the staffof the Scottish Administration who is a member of the Senior Civil Service and is designated by the Scottish Ministers as a person under whose hand a warrant may be issued in such a case (in this section referred to as “a designated official”)]

(3) Subject to subsection (6), a warrant containing an authorisation for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance which—

(a) was issued, on the application of a member of any of the intelligence services, under the hand of a senior official [F217 or, as the case may be, a designated official] and

(b) has not been renewed under the hand of the Secretary of State [F218 or, in the case of a warrant issued by the Scottish Ministers (by virtue of provision made under section 3 of the Scotalnd Act 1998), a member of the Scottish Executive],

shall cease to have effect at the end of the second working day following the day of the issue of the warrant, instead of at the time provided for by section 43(3).

(4) Subject to subsections (3) and (6), where any warrant for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance which is issued or was last renewed on the application of a member of any of the intelligence services, the warrant (unless renewed or, as the case may be, renewed again) shall cease to have effect at the following time, instead of at the time provided for by section 43(3), namely—

(a) in the case of a warrant that has not been renewed, at the end of the period of six months beginning with the day on which it was issued; and

(b) in any other case, at the end of the period of six months beginning with the day on which it would have ceased to have effect if not renewed again.

(5) Subject to subsection (6), where—

(a) an authorisation for the carrying out of directed surveillance is granted by a member of any of the intelligence services, and

(b) the authorisation is renewed by an instrument endorsed under the hand of the person renewing the authorisation with a statement that the renewal is believed to be necessary on grounds falling within section 32(3)(a) or (c),

the authorisation (unless renewed again) shall cease to have effect at the end of the period of six months beginning with the day on which it would have ceased to have effect but for the renewal, instead of at the time provided for by section 43(3).

(6) The Secretary of State may by order provide in relation to authorisations of such descriptions as may be specified in the order that subsection (3), (4) or (5) is to have effect as if the period at the end of which an authorisation of a description so specified is to cease to have effect were such period shorter than that provided for by that subsection as may be fixed by or determined in accordance with that order.

(7) Notwithstanding anything in section 43(2), in a case in which there is a combined warrant containing both—

(a) an authorisation for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance, and

(b) an authorisation for the carrying out of directed surveillance,

the reference in subsection (4) of this section to a warrant for the carrying out of intrusive surveillance is a reference to the warrant so far as it confers both authorisations.

Textual Amendments

F214 Words in s. 44(1) inserted (S.) (15.12.2000) by S.I. 2000/3253, arts. 1(1), 4(1), Sch. 3 Pt. II para. 8(a) (with art. 6)

F215 Words in s. 44(2) inserted (S.) (15.12.2000) by S.I. 2000/3253, arts. 1(1), 4(1), Sch. 3 Pt. II para. 8(b)(i) (with art. 6)

F216 Words inserted at the end of s. 44(2) (S.) (15.12.2000) by S.I. 2000/3253, arts. 1(1), 4(1), Sch. 3 Pt. II para. 8(b)(ii) (with art. 6)

F217 Words in s. 44(3)(a) inserted (S.) (15.12.2000) by S.I. 2000/3253, arts. 1(1), 4(1), Sch. 3 Pt. II para. 8(c)(i) (with art. 6)

F218 Words in s. 44(3)(b) inserted (S.) (15.12.2000) by S.I. 2000/3253, arts. 1(1), 4(1), Sch. 3 Pt. II para. 8(c)(ii) (with art. 6)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C22 S. 44 excluded by 2016 c. 25, Sch. 8 para. 27(4) (as inserted (26.7.2018) by The Investigatory Powers (Codes of Practice and Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/905), arts. 1(3), 6)

C23 S. 44(1)(2)(b) modified (S.) (14.12.2000) by S.I. 2000/3253, arts. 1(1)(2), 2, Sch. 1 para. 5 (with art. 6)

C24 S. 44(1)(2)(b): functions transferred to the Scottish Ministers (S.) (15.12.2000) by virtue of S.I. 2000/3253, arts. 1(1)(3), 3, Sch. 2 (with art. 6)

45 Cancellation of authorisations. U.K.

(1) The person who granted or, as the case may be, last renewed an authorisation under this Part shall cancel it if—

(a) he is satisfied that the authorisation is one in relation to which the requirements of section 28(2)(a) and (b), 29(2)(a) and (b) [F219 , 29B(4)(a) and (b)] or, as the case may be, 32(2)(a) and (b) are no longer satisfied; F220 ...

(b) in the case of an authorisation under section 29, he is satisfied that arrangements for the source’s case that satisfy the requirements mentioned in subsection (2)(c) of that section no longer exist.

[F221 (c) in the case of an authorisation under section 29B where the source is under the age of 18 (“the juvenile source”), the person—

(i) becomes aware of circumstances in which it is reasonably foreseeable that harm, within the meaning of section 29C(5), to the juvenile source would result from the authorisation,

(ii) is satisfied that the authorisation would no longer be compatible with the need to safeguard and promote the best interests of the juvenile source, or

(iii) is satisfied that arrangements for the juvenile source's case that satisfy the requirements of subsection (3)(c) of section 29C no longer exist; or

(d) in the case of any authorisation under section 29B, the person is satisfied that any arrangements for the source's case required to satisfy any requirements mentioned in subsection (4)(c) of that section no longer exist]

(2) Where an authorisation under this Part was granted or, as the case may be, last renewed—

(a) by a person entitled to act for any other person, or

(b) by the deputy of any other person,

that other person shall cancel the authorisation if he is satisfied as to [F222 any] of the matters mentioned in subsection (1).

(3) Where an authorisation under this Part was granted or, as the case may be, last renewed by a person whose deputy had power to grant it, that deputy shall cancel the authorisation if he is satisfied as to [F223 any] of the matters mentioned in subsection (1).

(4) The Secretary of State may by regulations provide for the person by whom any duty imposed by this section is to be performed in a case in which it would otherwise fall on a person who is no longer available to perform it.

(5) Regulations under subsection (4) may provide for the person on whom the duty is to fall to be a person appointed in accordance with the regulations.

(6) The references in this section to a person’s deputy are references to the following—

(a) in relation to—

(i) a chief constable of a police force maintained under section 2 of the M15 Police Act 1996,

(ii) the Commissioner of Police for the City of London, or

[F224 (iii) the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland,]

to his designated deputy;

(b) in relation to the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, to an Assistant Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis; F225 . . . [F226 and]

(c) in relation to the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, to the Deputy Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary; F227 ...

F227 (ca) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(d) F228 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(e) F228 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(7) In this section “designated deputy” has the same meaning as in section 34.

Textual Amendments

F219 Words in s. 45(1)(a) inserted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), s. 9(2), Sch. para. 7(2)(a); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

F220 Word in s. 45(1)(a) omitted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), s. 9(2), Sch. para. 7(2)(b); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

F221 S. 45(1)(c)(d) inserted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), s. 9(2), Sch. para. 7(2)(c); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

F222 Word in s. 45(2) substituted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), s. 9(2), Sch. para. 7(3); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

F223 Word in s. 45(3) substituted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), s. 9(2), Sch. para. 7(4); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

F224 S. 45(6)(a)(iii) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 33(14)(a)

F225 Word in s. 45(6)(b) omitted (1.4.2007) by virtue of The Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2006 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1098), arts. 1(3), 6, Sch. para. 4(7)(a)

F226 Word in s. 45(6) inserted (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 33(14)(b)

F227 S. 45(6)(ca) and word omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 33(14)(c)

F228 S. 45(6)(d)(e) repealed (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 59, 174, 178, Sch. 4 para. 143(b), Sch. 17; S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. paras. 10, 13(hh) (subject to art. 4(2)-(7))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C25 S. 45 applied (with modifications) (16.3.2001) by S.I. 2001/1057, art. 5

C26 S. 45(1): functions transferred to the Scottish Ministers (15.12.2000) by virtue of S.I. 2000/3253, arts. 1(1)(3), 3, Sch. 2 (with art. 6)

C27 S. 45(1)(a) modified (S.) (14.12.2000) by S.I. 2000/3253, arts. 1(1), 2, Sch. 1 para. 5 (with art. 6)

Marginal Citations

M15 1996 c. 16.

Scotland U.K.

46 Restrictions on authorisations extending to Scotland. U.K.

(1) No person shall grant or renew an authorisation under this Part for the carrying out of any conduct if it appears to him—

(a) that the authorisation is not one for which this Part is the relevant statutory provision for all parts of the United Kingdom; and

(b) that all the conduct authorised by the grant or, as the case may be, renewal of the authorisation is likely to take place in Scotland.

(2) In relation to any authorisation, this Part is the relevant statutory provision for all parts of the United Kingdom in so far as it—

(a) is granted or renewed on the grounds that it is necessary in the interests of national security or in the interests of the economic well-being of the United Kingdom;

(b) is granted or renewed by or on the application of a person holding any office, rank or position with any of the public authorities specified in subsection (3);

(c) authorises conduct of a person holding an office, rank or position with any of the public authorities so specified;

(d) authorises conduct of [F229 or in relation to] an individual acting as a covert human intelligence source for the benefit of any of the public authorities so specified; or

(e) authorises conduct that is surveillance by virtue of section 48(4).

[F230 (ea) the department of the Secretary of State by whom functions relating to immigration are exercisable; and]

(3) The public authorities mentioned in subsection (2) are—

(a) each of the intelligence services;

(b) Her Majesty’s forces;

(c) the Ministry of Defence;

(d) the Ministry of Defence Police;

[F231 (dza) the Civil Nuclear Constabulary;]

[F232 (da) the CMA;]

[F233 (db) the National Crime Agency;]

[F234 (e) the Commissioners for Her Majesty's Revenue F235 ... Customs;]

(f) the British Transport Police.

(4) For the purposes of so much of this Part as has effect in relation to any other public authority by virtue of—

(a) the fact that it is a public authority for the time being specified in Schedule 1, or

(b) an order under subsection (1)(d) of section 41 designating that authority for the purposes of that section,

the authorities specified in subsection (3) of this section shall be treated as including that authority to the extent that the Secretary of State by order directs that the authority is a relevant public authority or, as the case may be, is a designated authority for all parts of the United Kingdom.

[F236 (5) No person may grant or renew a section 29B(5)(b) authorisation if it appears to the person that all or some of the conduct authorised by the section 29B(5)(b) authorisation is likely to take place in Scotland.

(6) But subsection (5) does not apply if the grant or renewal of the section 29B(5)(b) authorisation is for a purpose relating to a reserved matter (within the meaning of the Scotland Act 1998).

(7) For the purposes of subsections (5) and (6), “a section 29B(5)(b) authorisation” means an authorisation under section 29B in so far as it is granted or, as the case may be, renewed on the grounds that it is necessary on grounds falling within section 29B(5)(b).]

Textual Amendments

F229 Words in s. 46(2)(d) inserted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), s. 9(2), Sch. para. 8(a); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

F230 S. 46(3)(ea) inserted (25.6.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 21 para. 13(b) (with Sch. 21 para. 40); S.I. 2013/1042, art. 4(i)

F231 S. 46(3)(dza) inserted (1.4.2005) by Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), ss. 69, 198(2), Sch. 14 para. 8(1); S.I. 2005/877, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F232 S. 46(3)(da) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 141 (with art. 3)

F233 S. 46(3)(db) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 89; S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F234 S. 46(3)(e) substituted (15.2.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 88, 94, Sch. 12 para. 17; S.I. 2008/219, art. 2(b)

F235 Word in s. 46(3)(e) omitted (25.6.2013) by virtue of Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 21 para. 13(a) (with Sch. 21 para. 40); S.I. 2013/1042, art. 4(i)

F236 S. 46(5)-(7) inserted (10.8.2021 for specified purposes, 15.9.2021 for specified purposes, 30.9.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 (c. 4), s. 9(2), Sch. para. 8(b); S.I. 2021/605, reg. 2(a)(b)(c)

Supplemental provision for Part II U.K.

47 Power to extend or modify authorisation provisions. U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State may by order do one or both of the following—

(a) apply this Part, with such modifications as he thinks fit, to any such surveillance that is neither directed nor intrusive as may be described in the order;

(b) provide for any description of directed surveillance to be treated for the purposes of this Part as intrusive surveillance.

(2) No order shall be made under this section unless a draft of it has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.

48 Interpretation of Part II. U.K.

(1) In this Part—

• [F237 “CMA” means the Competition and Markets Authority;]

• “covert human intelligence source” shall be construed in accordance with section 26(8);

• “directed” and “intrusive”, in relation to surveillance, shall be construed in accordance with section 26(2) to (6);

• F238 ...

• “private vehicle” means (subject to subsection (7)(a)) any vehicle which is used primarily for the private purposes of the person who owns it or of a person otherwise having the right to use it;

• “residential premises” means (subject to subsection (7)(b)) so much of any premises as is for the time being occupied or used by any person, however temporarily, for residential purposes or otherwise as living accommodation (including hotel or prison accommodation that is so occupied or used);

• “senior authorising officer” means a person who by virtue of subsection (6) of section 32 is a senior authorising officer for the purposes of that section;

• “surveillance” shall be construed in accordance with subsections (2) to (4);

• “surveillance device” means any apparatus designed or adapted for use in surveillance.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), in this Part “surveillance” includes—

(a) monitoring, observing or listening to persons, their movements, their conversations or their other activities or communications;

(b) recording anything monitored, observed or listened to in the course of surveillance; and

(c) surveillance by or with the assistance of a surveillance device.

(3) References in this Part to surveillance do not include references to—

(a) any conduct of a covert human intelligence source for obtaining or recording (whether or not using a surveillance device) any information which is disclosed in the presence of the source;

(b) the use of a covert human intelligence source for so obtaining or recording information; or

(c) any such entry on or interference with property or with wireless telegraphy as would be unlawful unless authorised under—

(i) section 5 of the M16 Intelligence Services Act 1994 (warrants for the intelligence services); F239 ...

(ii) Part III of the M17 Police Act 1997 (powers of the police and of [F240 officers of Revenue and Customs)][F241 ; or

(iii) Part 5, or Chapter 3 of Part 6, of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (equipment interference).]

(4) References in this Part to surveillance include references to the interception of a communication in the course of its transmission by means of a postal service or telecommunication system if, and only if—

(a) the communication is one sent by or intended for a person who has consented to the interception of communications sent by or to him; and

(b) there is no interception warrant authorising the interception.

(5) References in this Part to an individual holding an office or position with a public authority include references to any member, official or employee of that authority.

(6) For the purposes of this Part the activities of a covert human intelligence source which are to be taken as activities for the benefit of a particular public authority include any conduct of his as such a source which is in response to inducements or requests made by or on behalf of that authority.

(7) In subsection (1)—

(a) the reference to a person having the right to use a vehicle does not, in relation to a motor vehicle, include a reference to a person whose right to use the vehicle derives only from his having paid, or undertaken to pay, for the use of the vehicle and its driver for a particular journey; and

(b) the reference to premises occupied or used by any person for residential purposes or otherwise as living accommodation does not include a reference to so much of any premises as constitutes any common area to which he has or is allowed access in connection with his use or occupation of any accommodation.

(8) In this section—

• “premises” includes any vehicle or moveable structure and any other place whatever, whether or not occupied as land;

• “vehicle” includes any vessel, aircraft or hovercraft.

Textual Amendments

F237 Definition in s. 48 inserted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 142(b) (with art. 3)

F238 Definition in s. 48 omitted (1.4.2014) by virtue of The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 142(a) (with art. 3)

F239 Word in s. 48(3)(c)(i) omitted (27.6.2018) by virtue of Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), s. 272(1), Sch. 10 para. 65(a) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2018/652, reg. 12(g)(iii)

F240 Words in s. 48(3)(c)(ii) substituted (15.2.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 88, 94, Sch. 12 para. 18; S.I. 2008/219, art. 2(b)

F241 S. 48(3)(c)(iii) and word inserted (27.6.2018) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), s. 272(1), Sch. 10 para. 65(b) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2018/652, reg. 12(g)(iii)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C28 S. 48(1) modified (temp.) (29.5.2018) by The Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (Commencement No. 5 and Transitional and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/652), reg. 19(5)

Marginal Citations

M16 1994 c. 13.

M17 1997 c. 50.