| 

About Us

 | 

 | 

 | 

 | 

Property interference

By virtue of the 1997 Act, no authorised entry or interference is unlawful. The authorising officer must believe that the action proposed is necessary for the prevention or detection of serious crime, and that the action authorised is proportionate to what it seeks to achieve.

Authorisations must be notified to a Commissioner including decisions to renew or cancel.

In sensitive circumstances a Commissioner's prior approval is required before an authorisation becomes effective. This occurs where:

• the property is a dwelling, a hotel bedroom or an office
• information is likely to be acquired which is subject to legal privilege
• confidential personal or journalistic material is likely to be acquired.

Further information on property interference is included in the Surveillance Commissioner Role section of this website.

  Site map | Technical support | Terms & conditions

© 2009 Office of Surveillance Commissioners