Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25)

Part 2 U.K. Lawful interception of communications

CHAPTER 1 U.K. Interception and examination with a warrant

Power to issue warrants U.K.

18 Persons who may apply for issue of a warrant U.K.

(1) Each of the following is an “intercepting authority” for the purposes of this Part—

(a) a person who is the head of an intelligence service;

(b) the Director General of the National Crime Agency;

(c) the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis;

(d) the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland;

(e) the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland;

(f) the Commissioners for Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs;

(g) the Chief of Defence Intelligence;

(h) a person who is the competent authority of a country or territory outside the United Kingdom for the purposes of F1 ... an international mutual assistance agreement.

(2) For the meaning of “head of an intelligence service”, see section 263.

(3) An application for the issue of a warrant under this Chapter may only be made on behalf of an intercepting authority by a person holding office under the Crown.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 18(1)(h) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Law Enforcement and Security (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/742), regs. 1, 82(4) (with reg. 83); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Commencement Information

I1 S. 18(1)(a)(g)(2)(3) in force at 31.5.2018 by S.I. 2018/652, reg. 3(d)

I2 S. 18(1)(b)-(f)(h) in force at 30.8.2018 by S.I. 2018/940, reg. 2(1)(a) (with reg. 2(2))