Staffordshire Police Face Surveillance Criticism
It seems that barely a week goes by without a local council or police forced being criticised for alleged misuse of spying powers.
This time, it’s the turn of Staffordshire Police, who have been accused of misusing anti-terrorism laws to spy on potential criminals.
According to reports, Staffordshire Police used surveillance equipment to spy on those who were suspected of a range of crimes- ranging from gun crimes to burglaries. The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act is believed to have been used numerous times- although Staffordshire Police allegedly won’t reveal exact figures.
However, Staffordshire Police’s Detective Superintendent Martin Evans, stressed:
“Directed surveillance is one of the tactics available when we proactively target individuals of organised crime groups who we believe are actively committing crime.
“The surveillance can range from planned monitoring of a CCTV camera to look for and follow someone to covertly following people around. Authority will only be given by a senior officer of Superintendent rank or above once they are satisfied that the proposed activities are proportionate and necessary.”
RIPA is primarily aimed at capturing those suspected of serious crimes, although it was also revealed that individuals who committed minor public order offences were put under surveillance- which will lead to many people wondering just how well monitored the Act is.