Disclosure Manual: Annex D - The Use of Keyword Searches and Digital Evidence Recovery Officers
Plain-English digest of CPS prosecution guidance.
AI-generated summary — not verbatim. This is a plain-English digest, not the official CPS text. It may omit detail or fall out of date. Do not rely on it for a charging decision — read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk and check the current legislation.
This guidance outlines the principles and procedures for using keyword searches in digital evidence recovery within the criminal justice system. It emphasizes the importance of focused keywords, documentation of digital strategies, and collaboration between investigators and digital evidence recovery officers. Specific recommended actions for disclosure officers are provided to ensure compliance with disclosure duties under the CPIA.
Key points
- Keyword searches must be documented and strategic.
- Disclosure officers should inspect material retrieved from keyword searches.
- Reviewing keyword parameters is essential for completeness.
- Additional searches should be conducted when necessary and proportionate.
- Collaboration with Digital Evidence Recovery Officers is critical.
- Clear documentation of all actions taken during digital searches is required.
Public-interest factors
- Ensuring all reasonable lines of inquiry are followed
- Preserving the integrity of digital evidence
- Facilitating fair trials and justice
- Upholding transparency in evidence handling
This is a factual digest of guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service. Digested 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the CPS.