Defra's enforcement policy
Defra and its Executive Agencies are responsible for enforcing a wide range of legal obligations, many of which carry a criminal sanction for non-compliance. This Enforcement Policy statement, which has the approval of the Attorney General, sets out the general principles Defra intends to follow in relation to regulation and its enforcement options when legal obligations are breached. It also specifically sets out public interest factors, in addition to those in the Code for Crown Prosecutors (2004), appropriate to the decision to prosecute in regulatory cases.
- Defra's enforcement policy statement (PDF 150 KB)
Directed Surveillance and Covert Human Intelligence Source Policy and Operational document
The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (2000) (RIPA) provides a legal framework for authorising Directed Surveillance and the use of Covert Human Intelligence Sources. This policy and procedure document sets out the circumstances in which Defra staff will be permitted to embark on a Directed Surveillance operation and the use of a Covert Human Intelligence Source and the requirements that will need to be observed in order that Defra will not contravene the relevant legislation, the Codes of Practice issued by the Home Office, or the Guidance of the Office of Surveillance Commissioners.
- Directed Surveillance and Covert Human Intelligence Source Policy and Operational document (PDF 171 KB)
Contact
For enquiries or for further information about this policy statement, please contact:
Chris Burke
Enforcement Policy Unit
Legal Group, B1
Area 4C
3-8 Whitehall Place
London SW1A 2HH
Tel: 0203 014 3159
Fax: 0203 014 3167
Email:chris.burke@defra.gsi.gov.uk
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Page last modified: 8 August 2008
Page published: 15
July 2005