Book Description
Should telephone conversations covertly recorded be admissible evidence in court? Is an employer allowed to read their employees email in order to detect possible misconduct? Which government departments are authorised to use covert surveillance methods and informants?Covert investigation allows evidence to be gathered without the co-operation and awareness of those being investigated. Methods such as the interception of communications, including email, surveillance and the use of informants are commonplace but invariably throw up important issues concerning ethics, human rights, privacy and permissibility of evidence. The recent growth in legislation and codes of practice regulating this investigative technique have done little to quell the controversy surrounding its methodology. The government's 'war on terrorism' has introduced new and provocative arguments in favour of further legislation in the area.This timely work examines all aspects of the law as it relates to covert investigation and pays particular attention to surveillance law and the admissibility of evidence. It is an invaluable resource for police investigators, lawyers and researchers in the fields of criminal justice and police powers.
