The Isle of Man's first Surveillance Commissioner has been appointed.
He is former prison governor Brendan O'Friel (pictured).
It is a high-profile and sensitive appointment. The Commissioner will have the power to authorise or quash requests by the authorities to mount surveillance operations.
Marian Kenny reports:
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Mr O'Friel has a 33 year career in the prison service behind him - most notably as governor of Strangeways and Risley.
As Surveillance Commissioner he will be responsible for overseeing the conduct of covert suveillance by the public authorities.
He will scrutinise authorisations for surveillance.. and approve them where required
He can quash or cancel an authorisation - and destroy records.
Significantly the commissioner will also review the performance of those who carry out bugging operations..
The appointment provides the Island with an independent figure who will consider both the public interest and the rights of individuals when surveillance is carried out.
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