Disclosure Manual: Chapter 32 - Co-ordination of Disclosure Issues involving Multiple Police Force and Multiple Agency Investigations Within the UK
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 It may omit detail or fall out of date.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 procedures for coordinating disclosure issues related to linked investigations conducted by multiple police forces or agencies. It emphasizes the importance of formal agreements between forces/agencies, the roles of prosecutors, and the handling of sensitive material. The document highlights the need for transparency in communication and the responsibilities of disclosure officers in managing linked investigations.
Key points
- Formal agreements are essential for coordinating disclosures between multiple agencies.
- Prosecutors must be engaged early in the disclosure process.
- Linkages between investigations must be assessed for relevance to disclosures.
- Each agency retains duties under the CPIA Code of Practice.
- Training and regular briefings for disclosure officers are recommended.
- Handling sensitive material requires clear communication and security protocols.
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.