Professional surveillance and the law

The following Acts of Parliament directly affect the use of surveillance in terms of evidence gathering. It is vital that we all have an understanding of the parameters in which we must operate. Warwickshire Investigation Agency will only ever act as professional witnesses and/or engage in covert surveillance based evidence gathering having given consideration to the following laws and guidelines:

Human Rights Act 1998

R.I.P.A 2000
Within the H.R. Act, surveillance is governed by a legal enforcement arm termed RIPA (Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act , 2000)
Simplified, this act refers to public bodies, who are directly accountable for carrying out surveillance, and puts in place strict guidelines which must be adhered to in order to protect an individuals human rights.

Public bodies are defined as:
•    Police
•    Customs and Excise
•    Inland Revenue
•    Institute of Trading Standards
•    Environment Agency
•    Local Authorities
•    Social Services
•    Dept. for Work and Pensions
•    Or any other body that comes under the public umbrella

For these bodies, non compliance with the strict guidelines would render the surveillance unlawful.

As a yard stick, such bodies must satisfy the following criteria in order to utilise surveillance tactics:

1.    Is it lawful?
2.    Is it necessary?
3.    Is it proportionate?

Warwickshire Investigation Agency will always offer assistance and guidance where required regarding the lawful use of surveillance in the UK.

Criminal Proceedure and Investigations Act (CIPA) 1996
This act governs this issue of trespass relevant to surveillance.

If you are unsure of your legal position in relation to surveillance, contact us now for a free, no obligation consultation and learn more in relation to covert surveillance and how WIA can help you.

A FREE borchure on WIA Professional Witness Services is available on request

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All evidence gathered by Warwickshire Investigation Agency is obtained legally and ethically by professional witnesses and can be presented as evidence in any court of law. All written and photographic evidence is presented to the client at the conclusion of every investigation.

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World Association of Professional Investigators		Institute of Professional Investigators


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