Disclosure Manual: Chapter 33 - Access to and Handling Highly Sensitive Third-Party Material
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 It may omit detail or fall out of date.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 assists investigators and prosecutors in handling sensitive materials generated by security and intelligence agencies. It outlines procedures for communicating with these agencies when relevant material is suspected to exist, ensuring the investigators are properly informed and arrangements for security clearance are effectively managed. The guidance highlights the importance of thorough documentation and precise requests for information to aid in justice administration.
Key points
- Prosecutors should ensure proper communication with security agencies when sensitive material is involved.
- Requests for information must be detailed and specific to facilitate effective searches.
- Investigators need to establish security clearances before accessing agency-held materials.
- Proper documentation should be prepared before visiting agency premises.
- Consultation on evidential issues should involve the officer in charge of the investigation when possible.
- Strict protocols must be followed when producing classified materials for court.
Public-interest factors
- Support for the administration of justice
- Ensuring proper assistance in material searches
- Maintaining national security throughout the judicial process
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.