This new book provides a practical, introductory guide for anyone working in the area of covert investigation. Covert Investigation: A Practical Guide for Investigators, contains all the relevant legislation, codes of practice and case-law relating to covert investigation methods and examines the issues that investigators need to consider when deploying such investigative tools, concentrating on the full implications of RIPA with regards to daily, routine policing activity. This book considers each different aspect of covert investigation in turn, discussing statutory provision and introducing case-law alongside investigation management issues. It successfully demystifies an area of investigation and enforcement that has hitherto been poorly understood. It is intended to assist those planning and supervising investigations and those with a statutory obligation to sanction applications for authorised covert investigation or withhold such authority. It will help officers improve the quality of RIPA applications, ensure that applications for cover investigation are made only in appropriate circumstances, and to help investigators apply the law and procedure correctly in order to minimise procedural challenges at court.