A new report has outlined the powers Liverpool Council has to use surveillance throughout the city.
Local authorities such as Liverpool are able to exercise criminal investigation powers for various reasons, ranging from fly-tipping and planning enforcement to the sale of counterfeit goods. An annual investigatory report on surveillance action carried out last year to the city’s audit committee has outlined the measures it can use to monitor behaviour.
Under powers granted by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA), Liverpool Council can undertake what it describes as “direct surveillance” for the purpose of a specific investigation or operation. The report said: “The council is not permitted to undertake intrusive surveillance, i.e. surveillance in private premises or vehicles. The viewing of CCTV footage after an incident does not constitute covert surveillance and therefore does not fall under RIPA.”
