Other Oversight Bodies
The Investigatory Powers Tribunal
The Investigatory Powers Tribunal investigates complaints by individuals
about the Agencies' conduct towards them or about interception of their
communications. The Tribunal is made up of senior members of the legal
profession or judiciary. Lord Justice John Mummery is its current
President.
The Intelligence Services Commissioner
The Intelligence Services Commissioner, currently the Rt. Hon. Sir Peter
Gibson, keeps under review the issue of warrants by the Secretary of State
authorising intrusive surveillance (e.g. eavesdropping) and interference
with property in order to make sure that the Secretary of State was right
to issue them.
The Commissioner is also responsible for reviewing the internally
authorised use of directed surveillance (the covert monitoring of
targets's movements, conversations and other activities) and of covert
human intelligence sources (i.e. agents) to check that the agencies are
acting in accordance with the requirements of the law.
The Interception of Communications Commissioner
The Interception of Communications Commissioner, currently the Rt. Hon. Sir
Paul Kennedy, keeps under review the issue and operation of warrants
permitting the interception of mail and telecommunications and the
acquisition of communications data, and the adequacy of arrangements for
ensuring the product of interception is properly handled.
