Lancashire Council has used snooping powers over 300 times since 2004

One always thinks that covert surveillance powers are meant for suspected serious crimes and and terrorist offences.  And then, as we've revealed before, a local council pops up to disabuse you.

Over at the Lancashire Evening Post, some good Freedom of Information request research by the newspaper has revealed that Lancashire County Council has used RIPA powers over 300 times since 2004.

In the "statement that should never have had to have been made" of the week, Mark Jewell, Liberal Democrat councillor for Preston North West ward, said:

"it is not acceptable for authorities to spy on their own cleaners – as the county council did."

But then, why try to develop good management practices when you can instruct the boys in black to whip out the telephoto lenses?

RIPA powers should be banned for local authorities, or at least heavily curtailed.

By Alex Deane

Comments

[Sandy]

It is only a question of time before the Public Convenience will also have a 'Snoop'
The reason behind this will be of course in case of drug use.I left England a long long time ago when I could see what was happening. I now live in a country where the police are armed but I feel safe and am not snooped on when I take a pee.