Issue - meetings

The Council is recommended to make the resolutions set out in the report at agenda item 10. 

65.1        The Leader introduced and moved the recommendation from the Executive, emphasising that adopting surveillance measures was a rare occurrence. The Leader highlighted the necessity for such actions to be lawful, necessary, and properly authorised under governing legislation. The use of surveillance was limited to investigating specific crimes or disorders, as outlined in the policy, and required a careful balance considering the seriousness of the offense and the availability of alternative evidence-gathering methods.

65.2        The Leader referred to human rights protection laws, particularly Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, incorporated into the document. The Leader expressed hope that decisions in the House of Commons wouldn't undermine these protections, emphasising that surveillance should only be pursued if no viable alternatives were available.

The Mayor moved to a vote and it was RESOLVED:

To approve the adoption of Covert Investigative Powers (Surveillance) Policy.

The Executive are recommended to make the resolutions set out in the report at agenda item 11.

Leader of the Council & Portfolio Holder for Policy, Governance and Communications; Portfolio Holder for Organisational Development and Governance

The Executive RESOLVED to RECOMMEND to Council the adoption of the Policy.

The Leader welcomed the alignment of Guildford and Waverley policies and summarised that the policy made clear that such powers were to be used sparingly, with proper authority, and with due diligence. Councillor Kiehl concurred, and added that Officers across both Councils would benefit from the clarity of using the same policy.

There being no further discussion, the Executive RESOLVED to RECOMMEND to Council the adoption of the Policy.

Reasons:

     I.        To align the policies of Waverley and Guildford and to improve consistency in reporting, monitoring and approval of covert surveillance and acquisition of communications data.

    II.        To ensure the integrity of the processes in place for the use of directed surveillance, covert human intelligence sources (CHIS) and acquiring communications data.

  III.        To maintain compliance with the Legislation and Codes of Practice that govern Investigatory powers and Human Rights

  IV.        To ensure collaborative engagement with IPCO and their inspectors

    V.        To ensure staff are fully trained and aware of their powers, duties and the authorisation process.