Jim Lynn opened the meeting and announced that it was good to see everybody in attendance. He expressed his gratitude to St Albans City and District Council for hosting the event and thanked Norman Smith and Bob Moon, the vice chair for all their support in making the day possible, particularly now that Jim was working at Hillingdon. Jim also informed the group that Epping Forest Council had agreed to host the next meeting on 21 July 2006.

Jim also enquired if any person present, or anyone who subsequently read the minutes could explain why the numbers of delegates attending today was much lower than recent numbers. The quality of speakers and presentations did not appear to be a factor, but it was puzzling how we had 'lost' some 50 delegates since December at Imber Court.

Alan Moorhouse welcomed everyone to the meeting and briefly went through the agenda for the day. He explained that St Albans City and District Council covered the commuter belt in North London and had a population of 160,000. He highlighted that the city was famous for the Abbey, the first British Pope, the HQ of CAMRA and the War of the Roses. He added that the people of St Albans showed an active interest in the environment as there were mounting development pressures in the area. There were approximately 3000 planning applications per year and several enforcement issues. Alan said that he had noticed that Enforcement Officers came from various backgrounds other than what was traditionally the Police force, which gave a wider range of skills and experience. Alan believes enforcement is more important now than it has ever been, and this mix of skills was beneficial because of the greater demand on officers.

Alan made an entertaining and poignant comparison between the referee of a football match and the work of the enforcement officer. The referee had powers to give penalties immediately for bad behaviour but the enforcement officer couldn't!
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Richard Buller gave a presentation on the company 'Aerial Close Up' He explained that the aerial photography was taken from the ground using a 4x4 vehicle, 20 metre telescopic mast and remote cameras and videos. The vehicle can be parked in a relatively small space, causing no disturbance to neighbours.

The group was shown a video and stills of the case study for Herts County Council, involving the unauthorised importation and depositing of inert waste in a quarry. The pictures were extremely clear and were taken from a long distance from the quarry. The lenses had powerful zooms and pictures were shown of close ups without jeopardising clarity.

Several case studies were shown illustrating that small details could be viewed which would otherwise be lost in photography from an aeroplane or could not be seen from ground level. Observing encroachment, vehicle movements and breaches of planning control were but a few ways the system could be applied. John also explained that a London bus company used the company's images to create a manual for drivers, highlighting accident black spots. Finally, John informed the group that the cost of a task would include travel expenses to the site from Northampton, an hourly rate plus materials. To make the most of this facility innovation is the key, if in doubt ask.
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Jim had received an enquiry from Waltham Forest Council, regarding the Freedom of Information Act and the disclosure of information to a person subject to investigation. He asked the group to let him know if they had any comments/advice. It was suggested, however, that when supplying information, not only should the name and address be omitted (under data protection) but the text should be examined in case there could be any other information which could identify the author. In addition, it was also suggested that letters should be typed as handwriting could also be recognised.

Eastbourne Council had a case where scaffolding had been left on a building for a long time and asked whether any other Local Authorities had had any experience with this and 215 notices. A member of the group advised that he had had two successful cases and details were given.

Peter Lowe from Three Rivers Council, had contacted Jim about the lack of a database for advertisement prosecutions and asked if the group knew of any which had been set up. Jim advised that he was not aware of any but a page could be set up on the SEOG web site to enter successful prosecutions, if this was thought useful.
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Nadine began her presentation by explaining that she and her colleagues had a wide remit including communications data and terrorist investigations, as well as the more mundane aspects of RIPA.

Nadine explained that Local Authorities should have a dedicated single point of contact (SPOC), a person who has the expertise and experience to advise on matters regarding surveillance and RIPA. In addition, a senior responsible officer (SRO), should also be appointed to check that everything is run correctly, i.e. storage of documents, make sure system is used for work only etc.

Nadine explained that the main points to be considered when carrying out investigations were, will it affect anyone's human rights and will the ultimate goal be to prosecute? If it is likely that any part of the investigation would intrude on 'private life' then a RIPA authorisation should be obtained.

Nadine appreciated that information regarding covert surveillance wasn't as clear as it could be and she agreed to take the request for definitive guidance back to the Home Office. Jim also asked Nadine to request a definition of prevention/detection of a crime e.g. when does this begin and where is the line drawn between private and public life.

=> Notes/presentations associated with this topic maybe available [>>]
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Jim thanked Nadine for attending.
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LUNCH

Andy and Don began their presentation by informing the group that JoSET was initially made up of the Inland Revenue (now HM Revenues and Customs), Customs and Excise (VAT) and Department of Work and Pensions. The aim was to identify fraud with regards to benefits and tax. For example businesses which hadn't paid tax but the turnover was high.

Andy and Don informed the group that JoSETS worked with various organisations including the police and local authorities, investigating fraud, licensing, environmental health and planning enforcement. They added that the project had resulted in good publicity and income.

Andy and Don discussed the importance of working together and thus pooling all statutory powers held by various organisations. It is likely that we all come into contact with the same individuals, so any shared intelligence is useful.

Contact numbers for JoSET offices, identified by postcodes, together with notes on the presentation are attached on the website. In addition the contact telephone numbers for Don is 01992 785514, and Andy is 01582 700491.

Jim thanked Andy and Don for attending. Jim discussed the possibility of a set up whereby Local Authorities could give JoSET a brief outline of a case and subsequently receive advice i.e. whether to pursue or not.
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Anthony began his presentation by looking at the key components of construction projects and compared the traditional procurement process with design and build. Using the design and build method, if there were any queries or complaints about the project, the owner would raise them with the contractor, who would then claim against the sub contractor. Anthony explained how the design and build method would be more profitable for the contractor.

Anthony informed the group about Joint Contracts Tribunals and the different representatives of the industry which were involved. He also discussed various types of contract including new engineering contracts and managing contracts.

Anthony also discussed professional roles and responsibilities within the industry e.g. architect, engineer and the relatively new role of project manager. He continued by talking about the Party Wall Act 1996 and the impact on third parties, and discussed issues relating to trespass.

Jim thanked Anthony for attending, especially as he had travelled from Birmingham that morning. Notes of Anthony's presentation are attached to the minutes.

=> Notes/presentations associated with this topic maybe available [>>]
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Jim Lynn thanked the speakers who had kindly given up their time and to everyone for supporting the meeting.

NEXT MEETING Friday 21 July 2006 - VENUE: Metropolitan Police Sports Club, Chigwell, Essex, sponsored by EPPING FOREST DISTRICT COUNCIL, when it is anticipated that we will have a presentation from His Honour Judge Fordham, a RIPA Commissioner, and a presentation on Temporary Stop Notices.

If anyone has suggestions for a subject or of a speaker for a future meeting please contact either Jim Lynn or Bob Moon.

Finally we are need of a sponsor for a meeting in November/December 2006, and authority willing to host a meeting please contact Jim or Bob urgently.

- "RIPA: A view point from the home office "