Disclosure Manual: Chapter 38 - Guidance on Dealing with Disclosure involving Protected Person 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 It may omit detail or fall out of date.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 outlines the legal framework for the protection of witnesses and other individuals under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (SOCPA). It describes the role and responsibilities of prosecutors and law enforcement in handling Protected Person material and emphasizes the importance of safeguarding witness credibility while providing support. The guidance also specifies the responsibilities of a Protected Persons Unit appointee in managing disclosure-related matters.
Key points
- Guidance is based on Chapter 4 of SOCPA 2005.
- Establishes conditions for Protected Person status.
- Aims to protect witnesses from potential risk.
- Encourages prosecutors to be familiar with disclosure laws.
- PPU appointees manage Protected Persons material.
- Disclosure support must avoid suggesting inducement.
Public-interest factors
- Protection of vulnerable witnesses
- Ensuring the integrity of criminal proceedings
- Supporting cooperation with law enforcement
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.