was taken to cancel the warrant. The delay was in making the formal cancellation
request.
60. The National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) reported one error
where an NCS warrant contained an incorrect telephone number: an incorrect
digit had been included in the application. Interception ceased immediately the
error was discovered. This error has identified areas where the application
process within the NCS and NCIS can be improved and steps have been put in
place to prevent future recurrences.
61. No errors were reported by the Metropolitan Police Special Branch or the
Ministry of Defence.
62. I now turn to give two examples of the ten errors made by the
communications service providers (CSPs).
63. The first, reported by the Security Service, concerns a feasibility check they
requested of a CSP for a mobile telephone number. The Security Service
requested a response by 11am on a particular day but, unfortunately, the relevant
CSP mistakenly thought that the warrant itself was going to be signed by 11 am
and rather than wait for the confirmatory telephone call from the warrant-issuing
department the CSP started the interception at 1045 am. On discovering the error
the interception was suspended.
64. The second error, reported by the Scottish Executive, occurred when a CSP
had a wrong case identification number logged against an intercept resulting in a
loss of product for six days. The case identification number was different to that
allocated when the schedule to the interception warrant was served on the CSP.
Conclusion
65. As I highlighted in my Report last year, the interception of communications
is an invaluable weapon for the purposes set out in section 5(3) of RIPA and, in
particular, in the battle against terrorism and serious crime. The task of the
agencies working in this field has become more difficult and complex as a result
of the proliferation of mobile telephones and the greater sophistication of
criminals and terrorists. RIPA brought the legislation up to date in the light of new
developments in technology in the communications industry. The law was
simplified in relation to the implementation of warrants, the issue of emergency
warrants, their duration and their discharge. These changes have increased the
efficiency of the enforcement agencies and the speed with which, in appropriate
circumstances, they may act whilst in each case being covered by section 15
safeguards.
66. It is my view that in 2004, as before, interception played a vital part in the
battle against terrorism and serious crime, and one that would not have been
achieved by other means. I am also satisfied that Ministers and the intelligence
and law enforcement agencies continue to carry out this task diligently and in
accordance with the law.
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