Member

Although CHIS CCAs are intended to be specific, in practice it is very hard to ensure that that happens. We have seen that from the reports of the Investigatory Powers Commissioner to which the noble Baroness, Lady Chakrabarti, referred. I am particularly concerned that the reports of the IPCO come really rather late, and that opportunities to intervene and identify problems are limited. Like the noble Baronesses, Lady Chakrabarti and Lady Jones, I am also particularly concerned about the four children authorised as CHISs to help investigate class A drugs and firearms. I understand why it may have happened, but two of those authorisations were reported late. There should be a priority for police officers, or those who authorise them, to report back, so that the children can be subject to maximum protection. There is a much greater risk where you have children being authorised as CHISs.