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<p>Communications data is fundamental to investigating crime, safeguarding national
security and protecting the public. The use of these powers is subject to stringent
safeguards and is regulated by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).
The Interception of Communications Commissioner provides reports to the Prime Minister,
which are published and laid in Parliament. These reports include statistics on the
use of communications data powers by the police and other public authorities. The
Commissioner’s report for 2014, which was published on 12 March 2015 (HC1113), includes
a statistical breakdown, by police force, of the use of communications data powers
and a breakdown of applications for communications data by statutory purpose. Beyond
this, the Home Office does not collect statistics on public authority use of communications
data. The recently updated Acquisition and Disclosure of Communications Data Code
of Practice revised and enhanced the statistical obligations placed on public authorities.
This includes reporting the purpose and (where relevant) crime type of each item of
communications data included within every notice or authorisation.</p>
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