34A.2 Authorisation - Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009, Section 5

What this form is for

• • When you need a judge’s authorisation for covert surveillance under the 2009 Act.
• • For interception of communications (phone, email) in a criminal investigation.
• • When applying for a covert visual surveillance order.
• • If you are requesting a surveillance warrant that exceeds the standard 30‑day limit.
• • To document the safeguards and proportionality assessment required by law.

Use this form or another form?

Deadline or filing window

The form must be lodged and the authorisation received before any surveillance activity begins; there is no grace period.

Before you submit

• • All sections completed with no blanks.
• • Target name and addresses verified.
• • Duration and start date clearly stated.
• • Risk assessment annex attached.
• • Statutory justification cited correctly.
• • Signed by authorised senior officer.
• • Correct court registry selected.
• • Form printed on official letterhead (if paper filing).
• • Electronic file in PDF format (if e‑filing).
• • Copy retained for internal records.

How to file this form

1. 1Prepare a draft of the surveillance plan and risk assessment.
2. 2Fill in Form 34A.2 using the latest template.
3. 3Attach all supporting documents.
4. 4Submit the form to the appropriate court registry (in person or via e‑filing).
5. 5Obtain the court’s written authorisation.
6. 6Record the authorisation reference number in the investigation log.
7. 7Commence surveillance only after authorisation is received.

Known limitations

• • Form only applies to surveillance under the 2009 Act; other statutes require different forms.
• • Electronic filing may not be available for all courts.
• • The form does not cover emergency authorisations; a separate urgent procedure is needed.
• • Only senior officers may sign; junior staff cannot submit on their behalf.