10. OVERSIGHT
10.1. RIPA provides for an Interception of Communications
Commissioner, whose remit is to provide independent oversight of
the use of the powers contained within the warranted interception
regime under Chapter I of Part I of RIPA.
10.2. The Commissioner carries out biannual inspections of each of
the nine interception agencies. The primary objectives of the
inspections are to ensure that the Commissioner has the information
he or she requires to carry out his or her functions under section 57 of
RIPA and produce his or her report under section 58 of RIPA. This
may include inspection or consideration of:
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The systems in place for the interception of communications;
The relevant records kept by the intercepting agency;
The lawfulness of the interception carried out; and
Any errors and the systems designed to prevent such errors.
10.3. Any person who exercises the powers in RIPA Part I Chapter I
must report to the Commissioner any action that is believed to be
contrary to the provisions of RIPA or any inadequate discharge of
section 15 safeguards. He or she must also comply with any request
made by the Commissioner to provide any such information as the
Commissioner requires for the purpose of enabling him or her to
discharge his or her functions.
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