2011 Annual Report of the Interception of Communications Commissioner
In every case where an error occurred, either no interception took place, or the product was
destroyed and steps were taken to reduce the risk of repetition. Sometimes, depending on the
nature of the error, staff had to receive further training or guidance. Sometimes systems had to
be revised or technical problems had to be analysed and eliminated.
Figure 3 – 2011 Breakdown of Intercept Errors by Agency
SCDEA
1
PSNI
1
SIS
1
Met Police
1
HMRC
3
SyS
14
GCHQ
5
SOCA
6
CSPs
10
6.5. Inspection Results
This section deals with the outcomes of those inspections that I undertook in 2011, in relation to
lawful interception under Part I, Chapter 1 of RIPA. I set out details of briefings I received during
each inspection visit, those whom I met, in broad terms what was discussed, and, my assessment
of compliance at each agency or department I oversee. In addition I set out details of some of the
errors that occurred, to the extent I am able to disclose without detriment to national security.
6.5.1. GCHQ
In relation to GCHQ, lists of relevant material were sent to my office in May and November
2011. My formal inspection visits to GCHQ were in late June and December respectively. I
selected a number of warrants of varied types for review during the formal oversight visit. All
inspection visits took place at GCHQ in Cheltenham.
During my inspection visits I met the Director of GCHQ and the Director-General for Intelligence
and Strategy. They briefed me as to the current level of threat. I then scrutinised the selected
warrants, with the assistance of the relevant case officers, and discussed with GCHQ lawyers and
other senior members of staff matters to which they wished to draw my attention.
During December 2011 I spoke to many of the local compliance staff on my role as commissioner,
which was followed by a Question and Answer session about the role of legalities in relation
to GCHQ operations. In addition, GCHQ legal advisers have taken the opportunity to discuss
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