Disclosure Manual: Chapter 27 - Dealing with Intercept Product
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 It may omit detail or fall out of date.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 addresses the handling, disclosure, and prosecution of intercept material obtained under legal warrants as outlined in the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. It provides procedures for prosecutors regarding material obtained through both targeted and bulk intercept warrants, highlighting the obligations set forth for destruction, storage, and sharing of this material. Key exceptions regarding the use of intercept evidence in legal proceedings are also discussed, ensuring fair trial considerations are maintained.
Key points
- Prosecutors must understand the Interception of Communications Code of Practice.
- Material under section 15 of IPA must be handled per specified regulations.
- Section 56 prohibits the disclosure of intercept content in legal proceedings.
- Exceptions to using intercept evidence exist for ensuring the fairness of the prosecution.
- Material must be retained if it may undermine a potential future prosecution or aid the defense.
- Each agency has specific internal handling arrangements for intercept material.
Public-interest factors
- Ensuring fairness in legal proceedings
- Preventing serious crime
- Protection of national security
- Compliance with statutory obligations
- Preserving the integrity of evidence
- Safeguarding the rights of defendants
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.