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Introduction

Our authority is derived from these statutes and our remit covers the whole of the United Kingdom. The Commissioners either hold, or have held, high judicial office, whilst the Assistant Commissioners either hold, or have held, office as Crown Court or Circuit Judges, Sheriffs in Scotland or County Court Judges in Northern Ireland.

They are supported by a team of Inspectors and a secretariat making a total of 23 posts with a £1m budget.

Covert surveillance comprises four types of activity:

• Property interference
• Intrusive surveillance
• Directed surveillance
• Covert human intelligence sources.

Different levels of authorisation apply to each of these activities.

RIPA set up the Investigatory Powers Tribunal to deal with complaints from members of the public about the use of statutory powers and the conduct of public authorities. This is not OSC business.

The Tribunal's address is:

PO Box 33220
London
SW1H 9ZQ.

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© 2003 Office of Surveillance Commissioners