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Strong Local Voice, Strong Local ChampionAnnette Brooke, Lib Dem MP for Mid Dorset & North Poole |
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FURTHER SURVEILLANCE CRITICISM FOR POOLE
August 12, 2009 2:05 PM
The Lib Dems want to reduce surveillance powers
After heavy criticism for carrying out surveillance on a family suspected of abusing catchment area rules last year, Poole Council has now admitted obtaining private telephone records.
• All requests complied with the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, however, this was introduced by ministers to combat serious criminal activity, such as terrorism.
• Councils now widely use this legislation to combat 'threats' such as dog-fouling and littering.
• Nationally, 1500 surveillance requests are made a day.
• This converts to one in every 78 adults being made a target.
"This is one issue where Poole should not be leading the way. Only a magistrate should be able to approve a request for surveillance under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act," said Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole.
"The Lib Dems want tighter controls on surveillance powers for authorities including councils and the police."
Notes to Editor
The statistics come from an annual report by the interception of communications commissioner Sir Paul Kennedy
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