68
IPCO Annual Report 2018
Covert Human Intelligence Sources (CHIS) and Surveillance
11.13
We are content that the standard of compliance with the letter and spirit of the legislation
and the CoP is generally good. In recent years, there has been a reduction in the number of
authorisations granted in property interference, covert surveillance and CHIS; this has been
commensurate with the reduction in the number of staff in proactive and covert units.
11.14
We note that the number of authorised CHIS has declined gradually over the last ten years.
6,000
5,320
5,000
4,333
4,176
4,000
4,377
3,361
2,998
3,000
2,000
2,239
2,310
2015
2016
2,651
1,958
1,000
0
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2017
2018
(Annualised
Figure)
Figure 1: CHIS authorisations made by law enforcement over 10 years
11.15
Information obtained from CHIS is highly sensitive and can be invaluable to law
enforcement investigations by providing information that cannot be obtained using other
covert tactics.
Example: use of CHIS to progress a criminal investigation
A ‘County Line’ drugs distribution network was established in a town. An authorised CHIS knew
of vulnerable persons being used to sell the drugs on behalf of the organised crime group
and was able to provide vital intelligence enabling the police to target the offenders and the
premises they were using. Along with the assistance of other covert techniques, the police
were able to gather evidence of the drug dealing, safeguard vulnerable young persons being
exploited by the gang and successfully prosecute the offenders.
11.16
At each authority, the Central Authorities Bureau (CAB) oversees and quality assures
applications, authorisations and associated processes. We found that there is often a
lack of consistent standards, or a reduction in standards, at authorities where the CAB
experiences more frequent instances of staff change. Similarly, we have seen that the key
roles of Operational Security Officers (OpSy), who carry out structured audits and reviews
of covert operations and units conducting covert activity, and Senior Responsible Officers
(SROs), who act as a strategic compliance lead, can be instrumental to establishing best
practice environments. In some agencies, however, staff carrying out these roles also fulfil
other duties, which detracts from their positive impact on compliance.