Covert Policing SRO Responsibilities and Inspections

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Questions and Answers

What is the main responsibility of the officer appointed by the SRO to chair the Covert Policing Working Group?

To manage covert policing strategies and make recommendations. (correct)

To handle all software development related to covert equipment.

To oversee all external inspections conducted by HMIC.

To conduct annual thematic inspections of all operational areas.

Who is responsible for conducting general internal inspections of the processes related to RIPO?

The Deputy Chief Constable alone.

External auditors from Her Majesty's Inspectorate.

Only the Superintendent appointed by the SRO.

The Professional Standards Unit in conjunction with CAB. (correct)

What is the primary reasoning behind limiting access to sensitive information?

To simplify information sharing among staff

To ensure that information is distributed to all employees

To enhance communication channels within the organization

To reduce the likelihood of compromise and improve traceability of unauthorized disclosures (correct)

What is the role of the Investigatory Powers Commissioners (IPCO) in relation to external inspections?

They perform the external inspection as defined in RIPO at agreed time scales. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following changes must be reported to an OIU supervisor regarding vetting clearance?

Change of marital status Signup and view all the answers

What is a recognized minimum standard regarding office security for OIU staff?

Doors must be closed when the office is unattended Signup and view all the answers

Which process must be followed for submitting information received that is not recorded on other force systems?

The 5x5x5 process. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for OIU staff to be aware of the presence of non-vetted personnel nearby?

To understand potential security risks present in their working environment Signup and view all the answers

What might trigger a thematic inspection of specific operational areas such as CHIS?

Authorization by the Chief Constable or Deputy Chief Constable. Signup and view all the answers

How often is vetting clearance reviewed for the staff engaged in covert operations?

Annually Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the true identity of the information source being recorded?

It is important except when the source is anonymous or unknown. Signup and view all the answers

What will the 5x5x5 process change to, as indicated in the content?

3x5x2 process. Signup and view all the answers

What type of cabinet is used in the OIU Inspectors office for storage?

A multi-combination security cabinet Signup and view all the answers

What is required of OIU staff regarding combination locks in their offices?

Only OIU staff will have access to the combination numbers Signup and view all the answers

What role does Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC) have in external inspections?

They perform additional external inspections during normal processes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding office security is incorrect?

Non-police personnel can access the interior office areas freely Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Primary Information Source Register (PISR)?

To collect and retain information from 5x5x5 reports. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions does the OIU Inspector take in relation to sources of information?

Monitors sources for potential CHIS assessment. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a 5x5x5 report is deemed to have intelligence value?

It is recorded in an Intelligence Source Register (ISR). Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'status drift' refer to in the context of the OIU Inspector's responsibilities?

A source shifting roles unexpectedly that may require CHIS authorization. Signup and view all the answers

When should police officers not employed in the OIU notify the OIU Inspector?

When a source is believed to operate in the capacity of a CHIS. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Source Handlers within the OIU?

To manage human sources designated as CHIS. Signup and view all the answers

How is the unique reference number assigned to a report within the ISR used?

To cross-reference with the Primary Information Source Register. Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for a source's identity before further dissemination of a 5x5x5 report?

The source's true identity should be confidentially removed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the Authorising Officer regarding CHIS?

Copy existing records to CD and transfer them Signup and view all the answers

How are renewals handled according to the defined process?

They follow the same process as new applications Signup and view all the answers

When should an authorisation for a CHIS be cancelled?

As soon as it is determined that the CHIS is no longer needed Signup and view all the answers

Who maintains records of CDs issued, received, and destroyed?

Divisional OIUs and CAB Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT an authorized record type maintained by OIU?

Official external communications Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended method for disseminating intelligence obtained through covert techniques?

Using a sanitised 5x5x5 format Signup and view all the answers

What action must be taken once information is transferred by CD and records are updated?

The CD must be destroyed Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the reasons for the absence of the Authorising Officer?

Detailed justification for their absence Signup and view all the answers

What should be documented to maintain the integrity of operations involving observation posts?

Compliance with R v Johnson requirements in the SMR or Sensitive Policy file Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the OIU Inspector during the second visit to a property owner?

Fulfilling requirements instead of a Chief Inspector Signup and view all the answers

What is the key purpose of drawing up memorandums of understanding between different agencies?

To ensure inter-agency management of CHIS and information sharing Signup and view all the answers

What remains a constant consideration to protect individuals assisting the SBA?

The duty of care to prevent unnecessary disclosure Signup and view all the answers

Which process is implemented to prevent the duplication of efforts in operations?

De-confliction process Signup and view all the answers

What is required for CHIS authorizations by the SBAP Chief Constable or Deputy?

Communication with DSA to verify the subject's current registration status Signup and view all the answers

Who bears the responsibility to ensure that relevant details reach the CC or DCC for a de-confliction request?

The CAB Signup and view all the answers

If the DSA check is negative when verifying a subject for CHIS, what action can be expected?

Informing the CC shortly after about the authorization Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Role of the Senior Responsible Officer (SRO)

The SRO must understand their role and have a systematic approach to executing responsibilities.
An officer of Superintendent rank will be appointed to chair the Covert Policing Working Group (CPWG).
The CPWG will consist of practitioners from Operational Intelligence Units (OIUs), Covert and Authorisations Branch (CAB), and force IT, advising the SRO on covert strategies and equipment.

Internal Inspection

Annual internal inspections will assess compliance with RIPO processes and procedures.
Thematic inspections can occur anytime as authorized by the Chief Constable (CC) or Deputy Chief Constable (DCC).
Professional Standards Unit will conduct inspections in collaboration with CAB under the DCC's direction.

External Inspection

Investigatory Powers Commissioners Office (IPCO) will carry out external inspections at set intervals approved by the CC/DCC.
Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) may perform additional external inspections during routine checks.

Information Management

All unrecorded information received by SBA Police must be submitted through the 5x5x5 process.
The true identity of information sources should be recorded unless it’s an anonymous source.
Primary Information Source Register (PISR) aims to limit exposure to sensitive information, enhancing tracking of unauthorized disclosures.

Vetting Process

Staff engaged in covert operations must achieve at least Security Clearance (SC) level.
Annual reviews of vetting clearance are mandatory, with immediate reporting of changes in circumstances affecting clearance.

Office Security Standards

Minimum office security standards are implemented, sensitive environments must remain secure and accessible only to vetted personnel.
OIU offices in Akrotiri share access corridors with police staff, necessitating closed doors when unattended.
Sensitive materials are stored in a multi-combination security cabinet.

Renewals and Cancellations

Renewals of authorizations are treated as new applications, following established processes.
Authorizations must be promptly cancelled when CHIS (Covert Human Intelligence Source) usage is no longer required, with required documentation sent to CAB.

Management of CHIS Records

Local management records for CHIS must be maintained by OIU and submitted as necessary to CAB for central authorization.
CAB will update central records and document all records of rewards and benefits for CHIS.

Security of Information Transfers

CDs containing sensitive CHIS information will be securely transferred and destroyed once the records are updated in the OIU and CAB systems.
OIU and CAB are responsible for maintaining a detailed record of all CDs issued, received, and destroyed.

Recording of Information

Covertly obtained information must be recorded and managed under specific protocols, including the use of surveillance logs and CHIS contact sheets.
Intelligence reports include sanitization processes to protect the identities of informants.

Intelligence Source Register (ISR)

Initial 5x5x5 reports deemed valuable are recorded in the ISR, giving each a unique reference number for tracking.
Information dissemination must occur under strict sanitization protocols.

Status Drift Monitoring

Continuous monitoring for information sources ensures they do not unintentionally become classified as CHIS.
Officers are required to report any individual acting like a CHIS to the OIU Inspector.

Inter-Agency Protocols

Memorandums of understanding between SBA Police, Customs, and Military will outline management of CHIS.
Information sharing with the Republic of Cyprus Police will remain under existing arrangements as they lack covert technique legislation.

De-confliction Process

A de-confliction process safeguards against operational overlap and compromises.
Divisional OIUs will forward de-confliction requests to CAB, who will notify the relevant authorities of outcomes.

CHIS Authorisation Protocol

Before authorising CHIS, the Chief Constable or Deputy will communicate details to the Deconfliction Support Agency (DSA) to prevent duplicate registrations.

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Description

This quiz explores the key responsibilities of the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) in covert policing, particularly focusing on inspections and information management. Participants will learn about the structure and functions of the Covert Policing Working Group, along with internal and external inspection protocols. Enhance your understanding of covert policing strategies and oversight mechanisms.