The Investigatory Powers Commissioner is responsible for overseeing the use of investigatory powers by certain organisations to covertly gather information for investigative or intelligence purposes. He is supported in that work by up to 15 Judicial Commissioners and the team at IPCO.
There are over 600 public authorities who can use covert investigatory powers. However, not every organisation can use every power and the most intrusive powers can only be used by a small number. The Investigatory Powers Act 2016 introduced the role of the Investigatory Powers Commissioner to oversee the use of these powers by public authorities.
Before the creation of the Investigatory Powers Commissioner, the use of investigatory powers was overseen by several precursor organisations. Various pieces of legislation established their oversight before the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 brought together existing powers and introduced new safeguards for the most intrusive powers.
Certain organisations can gather information covertly using investigatory powers. Investigatory powers are used only for specific purposes, including the detection or prevention of serious crime, or if there is a threat to life. Use of the most intrusive powers is authorised by our Judicial Commissioners using the double-lock process.
There are over 600 public authorities who can use investigatory powers. However, not every organisation can use every power. The most intrusive powers can only be used by a small number. Who can use what power is controlled by five key pieces of legislation.
A comprehensive glossary of terms and vocabulary pertaining to the use and oversight of investigatory powers.