Guidance

Covert surveillance code of practice

Guidance on the use of covert surveillance by public authorities under part 2 of RIPA 2000.

• From: Home Office
• Published: 10 December 2014
• Last updated: 22 February 2024 — See all updates

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Covert surveillance and property interference code of practice (accessible)

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Covert surveillance and property interference code of practice

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Guidance on the use of covert surveillance by public authorities under part 2 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000.

The code of practice also provides guidance on entry or interference with property or wireless telegraphy by public authorities under section 5 of the Intelligence Services Act 1994 or part 3 of the Police Act 1997.

You can view the past code of practice on the National Archives website.

The Covert Human Intelligence Sources code of practice which was previously included on this page has now been revised and you can view the revised code of practice here.

Published 10 December 2014
Last updated 22 February 2024 + show all updates

1. 22 February 2024

   Accessible version added.

2. 13 December 2022

   A revised code of practice for Covert Human Intelligence sources has now been published on a separate page.

3. 20 September 2018

   Updated guidance.

4. 15 August 2018

   Revised codes take effect from 15 August 2018.

5. 10 December 2014

   First published.