Section 19: Use of investigatory powers by or on behalf of the Commission
154.This section enables the Secretary of State to make an order which would authorise the Commission to use specific surveillance powers and to conduct and use covert human intelligence sources for the purpose of carrying out any of its functions. Such an order will need the approval by resolution of each House. This power is required to ensure that the IPCC, when dealing with serious criminal offences alleged to have been committed by police officers, has similar powers to those given to the police under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.