BTEC Advanced Award in Operational use of powers contained in the Regulations of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) for Covert Human Intelligence Sources and Directed Surveillance.

Introduction

This qualification will bring practitioners from any organisation to the operational standards expected of relevant authorities.

The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) and the Scottish equivalent, the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Scotland) Act (RIPSA) are complex pieces of legislation. (All further references to RIPA also include RIPSA)

RIPA provides clear statutory guidance and compliance requirements to relevant public bodies, who are allowed under the act to participate in all manner of covert activities to investigate matters within their jurisdiction.

Understanding these key-terms is crucial to getting RIPA right. This is one of the challenging areas, therefore, that this qualification develops with students during studies to ensure that they fully understand them.

Overview

The qualification provides a framework of understanding so officers can apply them practically when dealing with applications or operational use of any other aspect of RIPA.

Qualification Structure

The course consists of 40 hours of learning, made up as follows:

- Pre-course reading - 10 hours
- 2 tutorial training days - 14 hours

- Post-course work place assignment - 16 hours

Who should enrol

This qualification is a BTEC Level 3 , learning accredited at this level will reflect the ability to:

Apply knowledge and skills in a range of complex activities demonstrating comprehension of relevant theories; access and analyse information independently and make reasoned judgements, selecting from a considerable choice of procedures, in familiar and unfamiliar contexts; and direct own activities, with some responsibility for the output of others.

There are no entry or learning requirements for this qualification.

This qualification would be applicable for students who conduct Directed Surveillance and develop Covert Human Intelligence Sources which would ordinarily be required to be authorised under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.

To view a full list of the organisations who have studied with us visit the clients section of our website

Learning Outcomes

This qualification is a BTEC Level 3 , learning accredited at this level will reflect the ability to:

Apply knowledge and skills in a range of complex activities demonstrating comprehension of relevant theories; access and analyse information independently and make reasoned judgements, selecting from a considerable choice of procedures, in familiar and unfamiliar contexts; and direct own activities, with some responsibility for the output of others

This qualification is designed to meet the relevant RIPA National Occupational Standards set by Skills for Justice and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO)

It would be applicable for students who conduct Directed Surveillance and develop Covert Human Intelligence Sources which would ordinarily be required to be authorised under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.

This qualification will enable candidates to confidently recognise and understand relevant legislation, the UK Government's strategy and how to effectively operate as a regulated use of RIPA practice and legislation.

The qualification is also designed to ensure that those who work with communities, victims and offenders and have authority to use RIPA techniques undergo a familiarisation process to gain the required knowledge base to effectively use these approaches appropriately.

• Enable students in accordance with current legislation and policy understand the use of any Covert Human Intelligence Source
• Enable students in accordance with current legislation and policy to be able complete RIPA application forms in relation to Directed surveillance activity
• State the key pieces of legislation that relate to directed surveillance.
• Describe key terms such as necessary, proportionate and collateral intrusion.
  
• Assess the potential implications of the Human Rights Act 1998 on surveillance.
  
• Consider the operational impact of current legislation, policies and procedures.
  
• Discuss the importance of keeping accurate records.
  
• Explain decisions confidently and correctly in legal proceedings.
  
• State the key pieces of legislation that relate to CHIS activity.
  
• Explain key terms including Necessary, Proportionality and Collateral intrusion.
  
• Assess the potential implications of the Human Rights Act 1998 regarding CHIS.
  
• Consider the operational impact of current legislation, policies and procedures.
  
• The requirements of reviewing and cancelling authorisations in accordance with current policies.
  
• Discuss the importance of keeping accurate records.
• Understand the principles and definitions of the use of operational use of RIPA/CHIS
• Evidence knowledge of when, where, why and how operationally RIPA/CHIS should be used.
  
• Evidence knowledge of the legislative framework in order to engage in RIPA directed surveillance activities.
  
• Understand and evaluate different strategies and procedures available for RIPA directed surveillance techniques.
  

Cost

The cost to enrol a student to this qualification is £795 + VAT. This includes:

• 2 x mandatory taught tutorial dates
• All required course materials
• Lifetime membership to our online Student Zone (which includes any relevant updates to legislation, National Occupational Standards and best practice, enabling the student to maintain their learning and continuing professional development).
• All certification and qualification costs.

We can also deliver this qualification "in house" to your organisation, network or partnership to obtain the accurate cost for in house delivery please call 0845 299 7144 or email learning@cspacademy.ac.uk

Tutorial Dates and Venues

London

5th & 6th October 2011

Birmingham

12th & 13th October 2011

Newcastle

19th & 20th October 2011

Bristol

2nd & 3rd November 2011

This qualification can also be delivered "In-House" to your organisation, network or partnership. For further details please call 0845 299 7144 or email learning@cspacademy.ac.uk

Associated Qualifications and Training

People who are interested in or have studied this qualification may also be interested in the following qualifications or training (click for details, opens in new window):

BTEC Professional Award Authorising the operational use of Powers contained in the Regulation of Investigative Powers Act 2000

BTEC Professional Award in Acquiring and Investigating Communications Data under RIPA 2000

BTEC Advanced Award in Neighbourhood Nuisance and Anti Social Behaviour Case Working.

BTEC Intermediate Award for Community Safety Practitioners

BTEC Advanced Professional Diploma Neighourhood Justice

Conflict Management and Resolution Training

Crisis Media Training

Problem Solving Training

Negotiation Skills Training

Understanding and Responding to Stalking