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Notice Of Publication Of Draft Codes Of Practice


Published: 2012-10-10

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I ASSENT Criminal Procedure and Evidence NOTICE OF PUBLICATION OF DRAFT CODES OF
PRACTICE

© Government of Gibraltar (www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi)
2011-24 Subsidiary 2012/137

Subsidiary Legislation made under s. 690(1)(a).


NOTICE OF PUBLICATION OF DRAFT CODES OF
PRACTICE

(LN. 2012/137)
Commencement 11.10.2012
Amending
enactments
Relevant current
provisions
Commencement
date




_______________________

In exercise of the powers conferred upon me by section 690(1)(a) of the
Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act 2011, the draft codes of practice
annexed to this notice are hereby published.


CONTENTS

Summary

Code A - Code of practice for the exercise by police officers of statutory
powers of stop and search

Code B - Code of practice for searches of premises by police officers and
the seizure of property found by police officers on persons or premises

Code C - Code of practice for the detention, treatment and questioning of
persons by police officers

Code D - Code of practice for the identification of persons by police officers

Code E - Code of practice on audio recording interviews with suspects

Code F - Code of practice on visual recording with sound of interviews with
suspects

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2011-24 Subsidiary 2012/137
Code G - Code of practice for the statutory power of arrest by police
officers

Code of practice on the recording, retention and disclosure of material
obtained in a criminal investigation

Code of practice for arranging and conducting interviews of witnesses
notified by the defendant
__________________________

Details

CODE A - CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE EXERCISE BY POLICE
OFFICERS OF STATUTORY POWERS TO STOP AND SEARCH

General

A1. Principles governing stop and search

A2. Explanation of powers to stop and search -
Searches requiring reasonable grounds for suspicion
Intelligence or information
Possession
Detention
Searches authorised under section 7
Power to require removal of face coverings

Powers to search in the exercise of a power to search premises

A3. Conduct of searches−
Steps to be taken prior to a search

A4. Recording requirements−
Recording of encounters not governed by statutory powers

A5. Monitoring and supervising the use of stop and search powers
Notes for Guidance−

Officers exercising stop and search powers
Authorising officers
Recording

Annex A – Summary of main stop and search powers

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CODE B - CODE OF PRACTICE FOR SEARCHES OF PREMISES
BY POLICE OFFICERS AND THE SEIZURE OF PROPERTY
FOUND BY POLICE OFFICERS ON PERSONS OR PREMISES

B1. Introduction

B2. General
Notes for Guidance

B3. Search warrants and production orders
Notes for Guidance

B4. Entry without warrant - particular powers

B5. Search with consent
Notes for Guidance

B6. Searching premises - general considerations
A. Time of searches
B. Entry without consent
C. Notice of powers and rights
D. Conduct of searches
E. Leaving premises
F. Searches under Schedule 1
Notes for Guidance

B7. Seizure and retention of property
A. Seizure
B. Sections 29 to 40: Specific procedures for seize and sift powers
C. Retention
D. Rights of owners, etc.
Notes for Guidance

B8. Action after searches

B9. Search registers
Note for Guidance

CODE C - CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE DETENTION,
TREATMENT AND QUESTIONING OF PERSONS BY POLICE
OFFICERS

C1. General
Notes for Guidance

C2. Custody records
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Note for Guidance

C3. Initial action
A. Detained persons - normal procedure
B. Detained persons - special groups
C. Persons attending a police station voluntarily
D. Documentation
E. Persons answering street bail
Notes for Guidance

C4. Detainee’s property
A. Action
B. Documentation
Notes for Guidance

C5. Right not to be held incommunicado
A. Action
B. Documentation
Notes for Guidance

C6. Right to legal advice
A. Action
B. Documentation
Notes for Guidance

C7. Citizens of independent Commonwealth countries or foreign
nationals
A. Action
B. Documentation
Note for Guidance

C8. Conditions of detention
A. Action
B. Documentation
Notes for Guidance

C9. Care and treatment of detained persons
A. General
B. Clinical treatment and attention
C. Documentation
Notes for Guidance

C10. Cautions
A. When a caution must be given
B. Terms of the cautions
C. Special warnings under sections 361 and 362
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D. Juveniles and persons who are mentally disordered or otherwise
mentally vulnerable
E. Documentation
Notes for Guidance

C11. Interviews - general
A. Action
B. Interview records
C. Juveniles and mentally disordered or otherwise mentally
vulnerable people
D. Vulnerable suspects - urgent interviews at police stations
Notes for Guidance

C12. Interviews in the police station
A. Action
B. Documentation
Notes for Guidance

C13. Interpreters
A. General
B. Foreign languages
C. Deaf people and people with speech difficulties
D. Additional rules for detained persons
E. Documentation

C14. Questioning - special restrictions
Note for Guidance

C15. Reviews and extensions of detention
A. Persons detained under this Ordinance
B. Telephone review of detention
C. Documentation
Notes for Guidance

C16. Charging detained persons
A. Action
B. Documentation
Notes for Guidance

C17. Testing persons for the presence of specified Class A drugs
A. Action
B. Documentation
C. General
D. Assessment of misuse of drugs
Notes for Guidance

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Annex A - Intimate and strip searches
I. Intimate search
A. Action
B. Documentation
II. Strip search
A. Action
B. Documentation
Notes for Guidance

Annex B - Delay in notifying arrest or allowing access to legal advice
A. Action
B. Documentation
C. Cautions and special warnings
Notes for Guidance

Annex C - Restriction on drawing adverse inferences from silence and terms
of the caution when the restriction applies
A. The restriction on drawing adverse inferences from silence
B. Terms of the caution when the restriction applies
Notes for Guidance

Annex D - Written statements under caution
A. Written by a person under caution
B. Written by a police officer

Annex E - Summary of provisions relating to mentally disordered and
otherwise mentally vulnerable people
Notes for Guidance

Annex F - [Omitted]

Annex G - Fitness to be interviewed

Annex H - Detained person- observation list

Annex K - X-rays and ultrasound scans
A. Action
B. Documentation
Notes for Guidance

CODE D - CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF
PERSONS BY POLICE OFFICERS

D1. Introduction

D2. General
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Notes for Guidance

D3. Identification by witnesses
A. Cases when the suspect’s identity is not known
B. Cases when the suspect is known and available
C. Cases when the suspect is known but not available
D. Documentation
E. Showing films and photographs of incidents and information
released to the media
F. Destruction and retention of photographs taken or used in
identification procedures
Notes for Guidance

D4. Identification by fingerprints and footwear impressions
I. Taking fingerprints in connection with a criminal
investigation
A. General
B. Taking the fingerprints
C. Documentation
II. Taking fingerprints in connection with immigration enquiries
III. Taking footwear impressions in connection with a criminal
investigation
A. Action
B. Documentation
Notes for Guidance

D5. Examinations to establish identity and the taking of photographs
I. Detainees at police stations
A. Searching or examination of detainees at police stations
B. Photographing detainees at police stations and other persons
elsewhere than at a police station
C. Information to be given
D. Documentation
II. Persons at police stations not detained
Notes for Guidance

D6. Identification by body samples and impressions
I. General
II. Action
A. Intimate samples
B. Non-intimate samples
C. Documentation
Notes for Guidance

Annex A - Video identification
A. General
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B. Conducting the video identification
C. Image security and destruction
D. Documentation

Annex B - Identification Parades
A. General
B. Identification parades involving prison inmates
C. Conduct of the identification parade
D. Documentation

Annex C - Group identification
A. General
B. Identification with the consent of the suspect
C. Identification without the suspect’s consent
D. Identifications in police stations
E. Identifications involving prison inmates
F. Documentation

Annex D - Confrontation by a witness

Annex E - Showing photographs
A. Action
B. Documentation

Annex F - Fingerprints, footwear impressions and samples; destruction and
speculative searches
A. Fingerprints, footwear impressions and samples taken in
connection with a criminal investigation
B. Fingerprints taken in connection with immigration enquiries
Notes for Guidance – Examples of consent

CODE E - CODE OF PRACTICE ON AUDIO RECORDING
INTERVIEWS WITH SUSPECTS

E1. General

E2. Recording and sealing master recordings
Notes for Guidance

E3. Interviews to be audio recorded
Notes for guidance

E4. The interview
A. General
B. Commencement of interviews
C. Interviews with deaf persons
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D. Objections and complaints by the suspect
E. Changing recording media
F. Taking a break during interview
G. Failure of recording equipment
H. Removing recording media from the recorder
I. Conclusion of interview
Notes for Guidance

E5. After the interview
Note for Guidance

E6. Media security
Notes for Guidance

CODE F - CODE OF PRACTICE ON VISUAL RECORDING WITH
SOUND OF INTERVIEWS WITH SUSPECTS

F1. General

F2. Recording and sealing of master tapes
Notes for Guidance

F3. Interviews to be visually recorded
Notes for Guidance

F4. The interview
A. General
B. Commencement of interviews
C. Interviews with the deaf
D. Objections and complaints by the suspect
E. Changing the recording media
F. Taking a break during the interview
G. Failure of recording equipment
H. Removing used recording media from recording equipment
I. Conclusion of interview
Notes for Guidance

F5. After the Interview
Note for Guidance

F6. Master Copy Security
A. General
B. Breaking master copy seal for criminal proceedings
C. Breaking master copy seal: other cases
D. Documentation
Notes for Guidance
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CODE G - CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE STATUTORY POWER
OF ARREST BY POLICE OFFICERS

G1. Introduction

G2. Elements of arrest under section 42
Involvement in an offence
Necessity criteria

G3. Information to be given on arrest
A. Need for a caution
B. Terms of the caution

G4. Records of Arrest
A. General
B. Interviews and arrests
Notes for Guidance
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CODE OF PRACTICE ON THE RECORDING, RETENTION AND DISCLOSURE OF
MATERIAL OBTAINED IN A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

1. Introduction

2. Definitions

3. General responsibilities

4. Recording of information

5. Retention of material
A. Duty to retain material
B. Length of time for which material is to be retained

6. Preparation of material for prosecutor
A. Introduction
B. Way in which material is to be listed on schedule
C. Treatment of sensitive material

7. Revelation of material to prosecutor

8. Subsequent action by disclosure officer

9. Certification by disclosure officer

10. Disclosure of material to the accused
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR ARRANGING AND CONDUCTING INTERVIEWS WITH
WITNESSES NOTIFIED BY THE DEFENDANT

1. Preamble

2. Introduction

3. Definitions

4. Arrangement of the interview

5. Conduct of the interview

6. Recording of the interview
CODE A

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE EXERCISE BY POLICE
OFFICERS OF STATUTORY POWERS TO STOP AND SEARCH

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General

This Code is issued by the Minister under Part 29 of the Criminal Procedure
and Evidence Act 2011 and comes into force on such date as the Minister by
Order prescribes.

This Code applies to any search by a police officer after its commencement
date, and governs requirements relating to the recording of stop and search
encounters that take place after that date.

This Code of Practice must be readily available at all police stations for
consultation by police officers, detained persons and members of the public.

The Notes for Guidance are not provisions of this Code, but are guidance to
police officers and others about its application and interpretation. Provisions
in the Annexes to the Code are provisions of this Code.

This Code governs the exercise by police officers of statutory powers to
search a person or a vehicle without first making an arrest. The main stop
and search powers to which this code applies are set out in Annex A, but
that list should not be regarded as definitive (see Note 1). In addition, it
covers requirements on police officers to record encounters not governed by
statutory powers.

This Code does not apply to the powers to stop and search under the UK
Aviation Security Act 1982, section 27(2) as applied to Gibraltar.

A1. Principles governing stop and search

A1.1. Powers to stop and search must be used fairly, responsibly, with
respect for people being searched and without unlawful discrimination. It is
contrary to the human rights provisions in the Constitution for police
officers to discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic origin,
nationality or national origins when using their powers.

A1.2. The intrusion on the liberty of the person stopped or searched must
be brief and detention for the purposes of a search must take place at or near
the location of the stop.

A1.3. If these fundamental principles are not observed the use of powers to
stop and search may be drawn into question. Failure to use the powers in the
proper manner reduces their effectiveness. Stop and search can play an
important role in the detection and prevention of crime, and using the
powers fairly makes them more effective.

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A1.4. The primary purpose of stop and search powers is to enable officers
to allay or confirm suspicions about individuals without exercising their
power of arrest. Officers may be required to justify the use or authorisation
of such powers, in relation both to individual searches and the overall
pattern of their activity in this regard, to their supervisory officers or in
court. Any misuse of the powers is likely to be harmful to policing and lead
to mistrust of the police. Officers must also be able to explain their actions
to the member of the public searched. The misuse of these powers may lead
to disciplinary action.

A1.5. An officer must not search a person, even with his or her consent, if
there is no relevant power to search. Even if a person is prepared to submit
to a search voluntarily, the person must not be searched unless the necessary
legal power exists, and the search must be in accordance with the relevant
power and the provisions of this Code.

A2. Explanation of powers to stop and search

A2.1. This code applies to powers to stop and search−

(a) that require, before they can be exercised, reasonable grounds
for suspicion that articles unlawfully obtained or possessed are
being carried;

(b) authorised under section 7 of the Act based upon a reasonable
belief that incidents involving serious violence may take place
or that people are carrying dangerous instruments or offensive
weapons within any locality in Gibraltar;

(c) in relation to a person who has not been arrested in the exercise
of a power to search premises (see Code B paragraph 2.4).

Searches requiring reasonable grounds for suspicion
A2.2. Reasonable grounds for suspicion depend on the circumstances in
each case. There must be an objective basis for that suspicion based on
facts, information, and/or intelligence which are relevant to the likelihood of
finding an article of a certain kind.

Reasonable suspicion can never be supported on the basis of personal
factors alone without reliable supporting intelligence or information or some
specific behaviour by the person concerned. For example, a person’s race,
age, appearance, or the fact that the person is known to have a previous
conviction, cannot be used alone or in combination with each other as the
reason for searching that person.

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Reasonable suspicion cannot be based on generalisations or stereotypical
images of certain groups or categories of people as more likely to be
involved in criminal activity. A person’s religion cannot be considered as
reasonable grounds for suspicion and should never be considered as a
reason to stop or stop and search an individual.

A2.3. Reasonable suspicion can sometimes exist without specific
information or intelligence and on the basis of some level of generalisation
stemming from the behaviour of a person. For example, if an officer
encounters someone on the street at night who is obviously trying to hide
something, the officer may (depending on the other surrounding
circumstances) base such suspicion on the fact that this kind of behaviour is
often linked to stolen or prohibited articles being carried.

Intelligence or information
A2.4. However, reasonable suspicion should normally be linked to accurate
and current intelligence or information, such as information describing an
article being carried, a suspected offender, or a person who has been seen
carrying a type of article known to have been stolen recently from premises
in the area. Searches based on accurate and current intelligence or
information are more likely to be effective.

Targeting searches in a particular area at specified crime problems increases
their effectiveness and minimises inconvenience to law-abiding members of
the public. It also helps in justifying the use of searches both to those who
are searched and to the public. This does not however prevent stop and
search powers being exercised in other locations where such powers may be
exercised and reasonable suspicion exists.

A2.5. Searches are more likely to be effective and legitimate and to secure
public confidence when reasonable suspicion is based on a range of factors.
The overall use of these powers is more likely to be effective when up to
date and accurate intelligence or information is communicated to officers
and they are well-informed about local crime patterns. For this purpose, all
intelligence briefings should be recorded.

A2.6. Where there is reliable information or intelligence that members of a
group or gang habitually carry knives unlawfully, or weapons or controlled
drugs, and wear a distinctive item of clothing or other means of
identification to indicate their membership of the group or gang, that
distinctive item of clothing or other means of identification may provide
reasonable grounds to stop and search a person (see Note 9).

Possession
A2.7. A police officer may have reasonable grounds to suspect that a
person is in innocent possession of a stolen or prohibited article or other
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item for which he or she is empowered to search. In that case the officer
may stop and search the person even though there would be no power of
arrest.

Detention
A2.8. An officer who has reasonable grounds for suspicion may detain the
person concerned in order to carry out a search. Before carrying out a search
the officer may ask questions about the person’s behaviour or presence in
circumstances which gave rise to the suspicion. As a result of questioning
the detained person, the reasonable grounds for suspicion necessary to
detain that person may be confirmed or, because of a satisfactory
explanation, be eliminated (see Notes 2 and 3). Questioning may also reveal
reasonable grounds to suspect the possession of a different kind of unlawful
article from that originally suspected. Reasonable grounds for suspicion,
however, cannot be provided retrospectively by such questioning during a
person’s detention or by refusal to answer any questions put.

A2.9. If, as a result of questioning before a search, or other circumstances
which come to the attention of the officer, there cease to be reasonable
grounds for suspecting that an article is being carried of a kind for which
there is a power to stop and search, no search may take place (see Note 3).
In the absence of any other lawful power to detain, the person is free to
leave at will and must be so informed.

A2.10. There is no power to stop or detain a person in order to find grounds
for a search. Police officers have many encounters with members of the
public which do not involve detaining people against their will. If
reasonable grounds for suspicion emerge during such an encounter, the
officer may search the person, even though no grounds existed when the
encounter began. If an officer is detaining someone for the purpose of a
search, he or she should inform the person as soon as detention begins.

Searches authorised under section 7 of the Act
A2.11. Authority for a police officer in uniform to stop and search under
section 7 may be given if the authorising officer reasonably believes–

(a) that incidents involving serious violence may take place in any
locality in Gibraltar, and it is expedient to use these powers to
prevent their occurrence, or

(b) that persons are carrying dangerous instruments or offensive
weapons without good reason in any locality in Gibraltar.

A2.12. An authorisation under section 7 may only be given by an officer of
the rank of inspector or above, in writing, specifying the grounds on which
it was given and the period of time for which the powers remain in force.
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The period authorised must be no longer than appears reasonably necessary
to prevent, or seek to prevent incidents of serious violence, or to deal with
the problem of carrying dangerous instruments or offensive weapons. It
must not exceed 24 hours (see Notes 10 to 13).

A2.13. If an inspector gives an authorisation, he or she must, as soon as
practicable, inform an officer of or above the rank of Chief Inspector. This
officer may direct that the authorisation is to be extended for a further 24
hours, if violence or the carrying of dangerous instruments or offensive
weapons has occurred, or is suspected to have occurred, and the continued
use of the powers is considered necessary to prevent or deal with further
such activity. That direction must also be given in writing at the time or as
soon as practicable afterwards (see Note 12).

Power to require removal of face coverings
A2.14. Section 7(6) also provides a power to demand the removal of
disguises. The officer exercising the power must reasonably believe that
someone is wearing an item wholly or mainly for the purpose of concealing
identity. There is also a power to seize such items if the officer believes that
a person intends to wear them for this purpose. There is no power to stop
and search for disguises. An officer may seize any such item which is
discovered when exercising a power of search for something else, or which
is being carried, and which the officer reasonably believes is intended to be
used for concealing anyone’s identity. This power can only be used if an
authorisation under section 7(1) is in force.

A2.15. Authority for a police officer in uniform to require the removal of
disguises and to seize them under section 7(6)(d) may be given if the
authorising officer reasonably believes that activities may take place in any
locality in Gibraltar that are likely to involve the commission of offences
and it is expedient to use these powers to prevent or control these activities.

A2.16. An authorisation under section 7(1) may only be given by an officer
of the rank of inspector or above, in writing, specifying the grounds on
which it was given, and the period of time for which the powers remain in
force. The period authorised must be no longer than appears reasonably
necessary to prevent, or seek to prevent the commission of offences. It must
not exceed 24 hours (see Notes 10 to 13).

A2.17. If an inspector gives an authorisation, he or she must, as soon as
practicable, inform an officer of or above the rank of Chief Inspector. This
officer may direct that the authorisation is to be extended for a further 24
hours, if crime has been committed, or is suspected to have been committed,
and the continued use of the powers is considered necessary to prevent or
deal with further such activity. This direction must also be given in writing
at the time or as soon as practicable afterwards (see Note 12).
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Powers to search in the exercise of a power to search premises
A2.18. The following powers to search premises also authorise the search
of a person, not under arrest, who is found on the premises during the course
of the search–

(a) section 130 of the Crimes Act 2011 under which a police
officer may enter school premises and search the premises and
any person on those premises for any bladed or pointed article
or offensive weapon; and

(b) under a warrant issued under section 523 of the Crimes Act
2011 to search premises for drugs or documents but only if the
warrant specifically authorises the search of persons found on
the premises.

A2.19. Before the power under section 130 of the Crimes Act 2011 may be
exercised, the officer must have reasonable grounds to believe that an
offence under section 129 of that Act (having a bladed or pointed article or
offensive weapon on school premises) has been or is being committed. A
warrant to search premises and persons found in them may be issued under
section 523 of the Crimes Act 2011 if there are reasonable grounds to
suspect that controlled drugs or certain documents are in the possession of a
person on the premises.

A2.20. The powers in paragraph A2.18(a) or (b) do not require prior
specific grounds to suspect that the person to be searched is in possession of
an item for which there is an existing power to search. However, it is still
necessary to ensure that the selection and treatment of those searched under
these powers is based upon objective factors connected with the search of
the premises, and not upon personal prejudice.

A3. Conduct of searches

A3.1. All stops and searches must be carried out with courtesy,
consideration and respect for the person concerned. This has a significant
impact on public confidence in the police. Every reasonable effort must be
made to minimise the embarrassment that a person being searched may
experience (see Note 4).

A3.2. The co-operation of the person to be searched must be sought in
every case, even if the person initially objects to the search. A forcible
search may be made only if it has been established that the person is
unwilling to co-operate or resists. Reasonable force may be used as a last
resort if necessary to conduct a search or to detain a person or vehicle for
the purposes of a search.
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A3.3. The length of time for which a person or vehicle may be detained
must be reasonable and kept to a minimum. In cases where the exercise of
the power requires reasonable suspicion, the thoroughness and extent of a
search must depend on what is suspected of being carried, and by whom. If
the suspicion relates to a particular article which is seen to be slipped into a
person’s pocket, then, in the absence of other grounds for suspicion or an
opportunity for the article to be moved elsewhere, the search must be
confined to that pocket. In the case of a small article which can readily be
concealed, such as a drug, and which might be concealed anywhere on the
person, a more extensive search may be necessary. In the case of searches
mentioned in paragraph A2.1(b), (c), and (d), which do not require
reasonable grounds for suspicion, officers may make any reasonable search
to look for items for which they are empowered to search (see Note 5).

A3.4. Searches which go beyond the removal of outer clothing will
normally be carried out at a police station. (See Note 6).

A3.5. There is no power to require a person to remove any clothing in
public other than an outer coat, jacket or gloves, except under section 7(6)
of this Act (which empowers a police officer to require a person to remove
any item worn to conceal identity). A search in public of a person’s clothing
which has not been removed must be restricted to superficial examination of
outer garments. This does not, however, prevent an officer from placing his
or her hand inside the pockets of the outer clothing, or feeling round the
inside of collars, socks and shoes if this is reasonably necessary in the
circumstances to look for the object of the search or to remove and examine
any item reasonably suspected to be the object of the search.

For the same reasons, subject to the restrictions on the removal of headgear,
a person’s hair may also be searched in public (see paragraphs A3.1 and
A3.3).

A3.6. If on reasonable grounds it is considered necessary to conduct a more
thorough search (e.g. by requiring a person to take off a T-shirt), this must
be done out of public view, for example, in a police van unless paragraph
A3.7 applies, or police station if there is one nearby (see Note 6). Any
search involving the removal of more than an outer coat, jacket, gloves,
headgear or footwear, or any other item concealing identity, may only be
made by an officer of the same sex as the person searched and may not be
made in the presence of anyone of the opposite sex unless the person being
searched specifically requests it (see Notes 4, 7 and 8).

A3.7. Searches involving exposure of intimate parts of the body must not
be conducted as a routine extension of a less thorough search, simply
because nothing is found in the course of the initial search. Searches
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involving exposure of intimate parts of the body may be carried out only at
a nearby police station or other nearby location which is out of public view
(but not a police vehicle). These searches must be conducted in accordance
with paragraph 11 of Annex A to Code C, except that an intimate search
mentioned in paragraph 11(f) of Annex A to Code C may not be authorised
or carried out under any stop and search powers. The other provisions of
Code C do not apply to the conduct and recording of searches of persons
detained at police stations in the exercise of stop and search powers (see
Note 7).

Steps to be taken prior to a search
A3.8. Before any search of a detained person or attended vehicle takes
place, the police officer must take reasonable steps to give the person to be
searched or in charge of the vehicle the following information–

(a) that he or she is being detained for the purposes of a search;

(b) the officer’s name (except in the case of enquiries linked to the
investigation of terrorism, or otherwise if the officer reasonably
believes that giving his or her name might put him or her in
danger, in which case a warrant or other identification number
must be given);

(c) the legal search power which is being exercised; and

(d) a clear explanation of–

(i) the purpose of the search in terms of the article or
articles for which there is a power to search; and

(ii) in the case of powers requiring reasonable suspicion (see
paragraph 2.1(a)), the grounds for that suspicion; or

(iii) in the case of powers which do not require reasonable
suspicion (see paragraph 2.1(b), and (c)), the nature of
the power and of any necessary authorisation and the fact
that it has been given.

A3.9. The powers in paragraphs 2.1(b), and (c) may only be exercised by a
police officer wearing full uniform or some form of identifying clothing.
Other powers may be exercised by an officer not in uniform (or wearing
such clothing) but the officer must show his or her warrant card.

A3.10. Before the search takes place the officer must inform the person (or
the owner or person in charge of the vehicle that is to be searched) of the
person’s entitlement to a copy of the record of the search, including his or
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her entitlement to a record of the search if an application is made within 12
months.

The person should also be given information about police powers to stop
and search and the individual’s rights in these circumstances.

A3.11. If the person to be searched, or in charge of a vehicle to be searched,
does not appear to understand what is being said, or there is any doubt about
the person’s ability to understand English, the officer must take reasonable
steps to bring information regarding the person’s rights and any relevant
provisions of this Code to his or her attention. If the person is deaf or cannot
understand English and is accompanied by someone, then the officer must
try to establish whether that person can interpret or otherwise help the
officer to give the required information.

A4. Recording requirements

A4.1. An officer who has carried out a search in the exercise of any power
to which this Code applies, must make a record of it at the time, unless there
are exceptional circumstances which would make this wholly impracticable
(e.g. in situations involving public disorder or when the officer’s presence is
urgently required elsewhere). If a record is not made at the time, the officer
must do so as soon as practicable afterwards. There may be situations in
which it is not practicable to obtain the information necessary to complete a
record, but the officer should make every reasonable effort to do so.

A4.2 The officer must ask for the name, address and date of birth of the
person searched, but there is no obligation on a person to provide these
details and no power of detention if the person is unwilling to do so.

A4.3. The following information must always be included in the record of a
search even if the person does not wish to provide any personal details–

(a) the name of the person searched, or (if it is withheld) a
description;

(b) if a vehicle is searched, its registration number (see Note 16);

(c) the date, time, and place that the person or vehicle was first
detained;

(d) the date, time and place the person or vehicle was searched (if
different from (d));

(e) the purpose of the search;

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(f) the grounds for making it, or in the case of those searches
mentioned in paragraph A2.1(b) and (c), the nature of the
power and of any necessary authorisation and the fact that it
has been given;

(g) its outcome (e.g. arrest or no further action);

(h) a note of any injury or damage to property resulting from it;

(i) subject to paragraph A3.8(b), the identity of the officer making
the search.

A4.4. Nothing in paragraph A4.3 or 4.11 requires the names of police
officers to be shown on the search record or any other record required to be
made under this code, in the case of enquiries linked to the investigation of
terrorism or otherwise, if an officer reasonably believes that recording
names might endanger the officers. In such cases the record must show the
officers’ warrant or other identification number and duty station.

A4.5. A record is required for each person and each vehicle searched.
However, if a person is in a vehicle and both are searched, and the object
and grounds of the search are the same, only one record need be completed.
If more than one person in a vehicle is searched, separate records for each
search of a person must be made. If only a vehicle is searched, the name of
the driver must be recorded, unless the vehicle is unattended.

A4.6. The record of the grounds for making a search must, briefly but
informatively, explain the reason for suspecting the person concerned, by
reference to the person’s behaviour and/or other circumstances.

A4.7. After searching an unattended vehicle, or anything in or on it, an
officer must leave a notice in it (or on it, if things on it have been searched
without opening it) recording the fact that it has been searched.

A4.8. The notice must state where a copy of the record of the search may
be obtained and where any application for compensation should be directed.

A4.9. The vehicle must if practicable be left secure.

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A5. Monitoring and supervising the use of stop and search powers

A5.1. Supervising officers must monitor the use of stop and search powers
and should consider in particular whether there is any evidence that they are
being exercised on the basis of stereotyped images or inappropriate
generalisations. Supervising officers should satisfy themselves that the
practice of officers under their supervision in stopping, searching and
recording is fully in accordance with this Code. Supervisors must also
examine whether the records reveal any trends or patterns which give cause
for concern, and if so take appropriate action to address this.

A5.2. Senior officers must also monitor the broader use of stop and search
powers and, where necessary, take action at the relevant level.

A5.3. Supervision and monitoring must be supported by the compilation of
comprehensive statistical records of stops and searches. Any apparently
disproportionate use of the powers by particular officers or groups of
officers or in relation to specific sections of the community should be
identified and investigated.

A5.4. In order to promote public confidence in the use of the powers, the
Commissioner of Police must arrange for the records to be scrutinised by
representatives of the community, and explain the use of the powers to the
community (see Note 16).

Notes for Guidance

Officers exercising stop and search powers
1. This code does not affect the ability of an officer to speak to or question
a person in the ordinary course of the officer’s duties without detaining the
person or exercising any element of compulsion. It is not the purpose of the
code to prohibit such encounters between the police and the community
with the co-operation of the person concerned and neither does it affect the
principle that all citizens have a duty to help police officers to prevent crime
and discover offenders. This is a civic rather than a legal duty; but when a
police officer is trying to discover whether, or by whom, an offence has
been committed he or she may question any person from whom useful
information might be obtained, subject to the restrictions imposed by Code
C. A person’s unwillingness to reply does not alter this entitlement, but in
the absence of a power to arrest, or to detain in order to search, the person is
free to leave at will and cannot be compelled to remain with the officer.

2. In some circumstances preparatory questioning may be unnecessary, but
in general a brief conversation or exchange will be desirable not only as a
means of avoiding unsuccessful searches, but to explain the grounds for the
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stop/search, to gain cooperation and reduce any tension there might be
surrounding the stop/search.

3. Where a person is lawfully detained for the purpose of a search, but no
search in the event takes place, the detention will not thereby have been
rendered unlawful.

4. Many people customarily cover their heads or faces for religious reasons
– for example, Muslim women, Sikh men, Sikh or Hindu women, or
Rastafarian men or women. A police officer cannot order the removal of a
head or face covering except where there is reason to believe that the item is
being worn by the individual wholly or mainly for the purpose of disguising
identity, not simply because it disguises identity. Where there may be
religious sensitivities about ordering the removal of such an item, the officer
should permit the item to be removed out of public view. Where practicable,
the item should be removed in the presence of an officer of the same sex as
the person and out of sight of anyone of the opposite sex.

5. A search of a person in public should be completed as soon as possible.

6. A person may be detained under a stop and search power at a place other
than where the person was first detained. This applies to all searches under
stop and search powers, whether or not they involve the removal of clothing
or exposure of intimate parts of the body (see paragraphs A3.6 and A3.7) or
take place in or out of public view. It means, for example, that a search
under the stop and search power in section 523 of the Crimes Act 2011
which involves the compulsory removal of more than a person’s outer coat,
jacket or gloves cannot be carried out unless a place which is both nearby
the place they were first detained and out of public view, is available. If a
search involves exposure of intimate parts of the body and a police station is
not nearby, particular care must be taken to ensure that the location is
suitable in that it enables the search to be conducted in accordance with the
requirements of paragraph 11 of Annex A to Code C. In practice most
searches will take place at a police station, but this paragraph should be
noted if that is not possible.

7. A search in the street itself should be regarded as being in public for the
purposes of paragraphs A3.6 and A3.7, even though it may be empty at the
time a search begins. Although there is no power to require a person to do
so, there is nothing to prevent an officer from asking a person voluntarily to
remove more than an outer coat, jacket or gloves in public.

8. If there may be religious sensitivities about asking someone to remove
headgear, the police officer should offer to carry out the search out of public
view (for example, in a police van or police station if there is one nearby).

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9. Other means of identification might include jewellery, insignias, tattoos
or other features which are known to identify members of the particular
gang or group.

Authorising officers
10. The powers under section 7 are separate from and additional to the
normal stop and search powers which require reasonable grounds to suspect
an individual of carrying an offensive weapon (or other article). Their
overall purpose is to prevent serious violence and the widespread carrying
of weapons which might lead to persons being seriously injured by
disarming potential offenders in circumstances where other powers would
not be sufficient. They should not therefore be used to replace or circumvent
the normal powers for dealing with routine crime problems. The purpose of
the powers under section 7(6) is to prevent those involved in intimidatory or
violent protests using face coverings to disguise identity.

11. Authorisations under section 7 require a reasonable belief on the part of
the authorising officer. This must have an objective basis, for example:
intelligence or relevant information such as a history of antagonism and
violence between particular groups; previous incidents of violence at, or
connected with, particular events or locations; a significant increase in
knife-point robberies; reports that individuals are regularly carrying
weapons; or in the case of section 7(6) previous incidents of crimes being
committed while wearing face coverings to conceal identity.

12. It is for the authorising officer to determine the period of time during
which the powers mentioned in paragraph A2.1(b) and (c) may be exercised.
The officer should set the minimum period he or she considers necessary to
deal with the risk of violence, the carrying of knives or offensive weapons,
or terrorism. A direction to extend the period authorised under the powers
mentioned in paragraph 2.1(b) may be given only once. Thereafter further
use of the powers requires a new authorisation. There is no provision to
extend an authorisation of the powers mentioned in paragraph A2.1(c);
further use of the powers requires a new authorisation.

13. It is for the authorising officer to determine the geographical area in
which the use of the powers is to be authorised. In doing so the officer may
wish to take into account factors such as the nature and venue of the
anticipated incident, the number of people who may be in the immediate
area of any possible incident, their access to surrounding areas and the
anticipated level of violence. The officer should not set a geographical area
which is wider than that he or she believes necessary for the purpose of
preventing anticipated violence, the carrying of knives or offensive
weapons, acts of terrorism, or, in the case of section 7(6), the prevention of
commission of offences. It is particularly important to ensure that police
officers exercising such powers are fully aware of where they may be used.
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Recording
14. If a stop and search is conducted by more than one officer, the identity
of all the officers engaged in the search must be recorded on the record.
Nothing prevents an officer who is present but not directly involved in
searching from completing the record during the course of the encounter.

15. If a vehicle has not been allocated a registration number, that part of the
requirement under paragraph A4.3(iii) does not apply.

16. Arrangements for public scrutiny of records should take account of the
right to confidentiality of those stopped and searched.

ANNEX A - SUMMARY OF MAIN STOP AND SEARCH POWERS

This table relates to stop and search powers only. Individual statutes may
contain other police powers of entry, search and seizure

Sections 71(1) and 90(12) of this Act
Rule 28 of the Elections Rules
Sections 5 and 59 of the Immigration, Asylum and Refugee Act
Sections 75, 76, 79 and 80 of the Mental Health Act
Section 29 of the Prison Act
Section 17A of the Tobacco Act 1997
Section 523 of the Crimes Act 2011
Part 8 of the Crimes Act 2011
Section 11 of the Imports and Exports Act

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CODE B

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR SEARCHES OF PREMISES BY
POLICE OFFICERS AND THE SEIZURE OF PROPERTY FOUND
BY POLICE OFFICERS ON PERSONS OR PREMISES

This Code is issued by the Minister under Part 29 of the Criminal Procedure
and Evidence Act 2011 and comes into force on such date as the Minister by
Order prescribes.

This Code applies to applications for warrants made on or after such date as
the Minister by Order prescribes and to searches and seizures taking place
on or after such date as the Minister by Order prescribes.
B1. Introduction

B1.1. This Code of Practice deals with police powers to–

(a) search premises;

(b) seize and retain property found on premises and persons.

These powers may be used to find–

(a) property and material relating to a crime;

(b) wanted persons;

(c) children who abscond from any place to which they have been
remanded or committed by a court.

B1.2. A magistrate may issue a search warrant granting powers of entry,
search and seizure, e.g. warrants to search for stolen property, drugs,
firearms and evidence of serious offences. Police also have powers without
a search warrant. The main ones provided by the Criminal Procedure and
Evidence Act 2011 include powers to search premises–

(a) to make an arrest;

(b) after an arrest.

B1.3. The right to privacy and respect for personal property are key
principles of the human rights provisions in the Constitution. Powers of
entry, search and seizure should be fully and clearly justified before use
because they may significantly interfere with the occupier’s privacy.
Officers should consider if the necessary objectives can be met by less
intrusive means.
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B1.4. In all cases, police officers should–

(a) exercise their powers courteously and with respect for persons
and property;

(b) only use reasonable force when this is considered necessary
and proportionate to the circumstances.

B1.5. If the provisions of this Act and this Code are not observed, evidence
obtained from a search may be open to question.

B2. General

B2.1. This Code must be readily available at all police stations for
consultation by police officers, detained persons and members of the public.

B2.2. The Notes for Guidance are not provisions of this Code.

B2.3 This Code applies to searches of premises–

(a) by police for the purposes of an investigation into an alleged
offence, with the occupier’s consent, other than–

(i) routine scene of crime searches;

(ii) calls to a fire or burglary made by or on behalf of an
occupier or searches following the activation of fire or
burglar alarms or discovery of insecure premises;

(iii) bomb threat calls;

(b) under powers conferred on police officers by this Act;

(c) undertaken in pursuance of search warrants issued to and
executed by police officers in accordance with this Act (see
Note 2A);

(d) subject to paragraph 2.6, under any other power given to police
to enter premises with or without a search warrant for any
purpose connected with the investigation into an alleged or
suspected offence (see Note 2B)

For the purposes of this Code, ‘premises’ as defined in this Act section 2,
includes any vehicle, vessel, aircraft or hovercraft any stall, tent or
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moveable structure (including an offshore installation) and any other place
whatever, whether or not occupied as land (see Note 2D).

B2.4. A person who has not been arrested but is searched during a search of
premises should be searched in accordance with Code A (see Note 2C).

B2.5. This Code does not apply to the exercise of a statutory power to enter
premises or to inspect goods, equipment or procedures if the exercise of that
power is not dependent on the existence of grounds for suspecting that an
offence may have been committed and the person exercising the power has
no reasonable grounds for such suspicion.

B2.6. This Code does not affect any directions of a search warrant or order,
lawfully executed in Gibraltar that any item or evidence seized under that
warrant or order be handed over to a police force, court, tribunal, or other
authority outside Gibraltar.

B2.7. When this Code requires the prior authority or agreement of an
officer of at least inspector or Chief Inspector rank, the authority may be
given by a sergeant or inspector authorised to perform the functions of the
higher rank under section 693 of this Act.

B2.8. Written records required under this Code not made in the search
record must, unless otherwise specified, be made in the recording officer’s
pocket book (’pocket book’ includes any official report book issued to
police officers).

B2.9. Nothing in this Code requires the identity of officers, or anyone
accompanying them during a search of premises, to be recorded or
disclosed–

(a) in the case of enquiries linked to the investigation of terrorism;
or

(b) if officers reasonably believe recording or disclosing their
names might put them in danger.

In these cases officers should use warrant or other identification numbers
(see Note 2E).

B2.10. The ‘officer in charge of the search’ means the officer assigned
specific duties and responsibilities under this Code. Whenever there is a
search of premises to which this Code applies one officer must act as the
officer in charge of the search (see Note 2F).

Notes for Guidance
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2A. Sections 21 and 22 of this Act apply to all search warrants issued to
and executed by police officers under any enactment, e.g. search warrants
issued by–

(a) a magistrate under–

(i) section 407 of the Crimes Act 2011 - stolen property;

(ii) section 523 of the Crimes Act 2011 - controlled drugs;

(iii) section 12 of this Act - evidence of an indictable offence;

(b) a judge under Schedule 1 to this Act.

2B. Examples of the other powers in paragraph B2.3(d) include–

(a) Section 64 of the Traffic Act 2005 giving police power to enter
premises to–

(i) require a person to provide a specimen of breath; or

(ii) arrest a person following a positive breath test or failure
to provide a specimen of breath;

(b) Section 130 of the Crimes Act 2011 giving police power to
enter and search school premises for offensive weapons, bladed
or pointed articles;

(c) Section 7 of the Explosives Act empowering the Minister to
give written authority for a person to enter premises, examine
and search them for explosives.

2C. Section 130 of the Crimes Act 2011 provides that a police officer who
has reasonable grounds to believe an offence under section 130 has been or
is being committed may enter school premises and search the premises and
any persons on the premises for any bladed or pointed article or offensive
weapon. Persons may be searched under a warrant issued under section 523
of the Crimes Act 2011 to search premises for drugs or documents only if
the warrant specifically authorises the search of persons on the premises.

2D. When exercising powers under Section 5 of the Immigration, Asylum
and Refugee Act, police officers must have regard to this Code’s relevant
provisions.

2E. The purpose of paragraph B2.9(b) is to protect those involved in
serious organised crime investigations or arrests of particularly violent
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suspects when there is reliable information that those arrested or their
associates may threaten or cause harm to the officers or anyone
accompanying them during a search of premises. In cases of doubt, an
officer of inspector rank or above should be consulted.

2F. For the purposes of paragraph B2.10, the officer in charge of the search
should normally be the most senior officer present. Some exceptions are–

(a) a supervising officer who attends or assists at the scene of a
premises search may appoint an officer of lower rank as officer
in charge of the search if that officer is–

(i) more conversant with the facts;

(ii) a more appropriate officer to be in charge of the search;

(b) when all officers in a premises search are the same rank, the
supervising officer if available must make sure one of them is
appointed officer in charge of the search, otherwise the officers
themselves must nominate one of their number as the officer in
charge;

(c) a senior officer assisting in a specialist role. This officer need
not be regarded as having a general supervisory role over the
conduct of the search or be appointed or expected to act as the
officer in charge of the search.

Except in (c), nothing in this note diminishes the role and responsibilities of
a supervisory officer who is present at the search or knows of a search
taking place.

B3. Search warrants and production orders

Before making an application
B3.1. When information appears to justify an application, the officer must
take reasonable steps to check the information is accurate, recent and not
provided maliciously or irresponsibly. An application may not be made on
the basis of information from an anonymous source if corroboration has not
been sought (see Note 3A).

B3.2. The officer must ascertain as specifically as possible the nature of the
articles concerned and their location.

B3.3. The officer must make reasonable enquiries to–

(a) establish if–
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(i) anything is known about the likely occupier of the
premises and the nature of the premises themselves;

(ii) the premises have been searched previously and how
recently; and

(b) obtain any other relevant information.

B3.4. An application to a magistrate for a search warrant or to a judge for a
search warrant or production order under paragraph 12(b) of Schedule 1 to
this Act must be supported by a signed written authority from an officer of
inspector rank or above.
(Note: If the case is an urgent application to a magistrate and an inspector
or above is not readily available, the next most senior officer on duty can
give the written authority.)

[B3.5. Omitted]

Making an application
B3.6. A search warrant application must be supported in writing,
specifying–

(a) the enactment under which the application is made (see Note
B2A);

(b) whether the warrant is to authorise entry and search of -

(i) one set of premises; or

(ii) if the application is under section 12 of or Schedule 1 to
this Act, for a single warrant to enter and search more
than one set of specified premises – each set of premises
which it is desired to enter and search;

(c) the premises to be searched (see Note 3B);

(d) the object of the search;

(e) the grounds for the application, including, if the purpose of the
proposed search is to find evidence of an alleged offence, an
indication of how the evidence relates to the investigation;

(f) if the application is under section 12 of or Schedule 1 to this
Act for a single warrant to enter and search more than one set
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of specified premises - each set of premises which it is desired
to enter and search.

(g) if an application under this Act is for a warrant authorising
entry and search on more than one occasion - the grounds for
this and whether the desired number of entries authorised is
unlimited or a specified maximum;

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B3.6A. The warrant must–

(a) state that there are no reasonable grounds to believe the
material to be sought, when making application to–

(i) a magistrate or judge - consists of or includes items
subject to legal privilege;

(ii) a magistrate - consists of or includes excluded material
or special procedure material;
(Note: This does not affect the additional powers of seizure in this
Act covered in paragraph 7.7; see Note B3B.)

(b) if applicable, include a request for the warrant to authorise a
person or persons to accompany the officer who executes the
warrant (see Note 3C).

B3.7. A search warrant application under Schedule 1, paragraph 12(a) of
this Act must if appropriate indicate why it is believed service of notice of
an application for a production order may seriously prejudice the
investigation.

B3.8. If a search warrant application is refused, a further application may
not be made for those premises unless supported by additional grounds.

Notes for Guidance
3A. The identity of an informant need not be disclosed when making an
application, but the officer should be prepared to answer any questions the
magistrate or judge may have about–

(a) the accuracy of previous information from that source;

(b) any other related matters.

3B. The information supporting a search warrant application should be as
specific as possible, particularly in relation to the articles or persons being
sought and where in the premises it is suspected they may be found. The
meaning of ‘items subject to legal privilege’, ‘excluded material’ and
‘special procedure material’ are defined by sections 14, 15 and 18
respectively of this Act.

3C. Under section 20(2) of this Act, a search warrant may authorise persons
other than police officers to accompany the officer who executes the
warrant. This includes, e.g. any suitably qualified or skilled person or an
expert in a particular field whose presence is needed to help accurately
identify the material sought or to advise where certain evidence is most
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likely to be found and how it should be dealt with. It does not give them any
right to force entry, but it gives them the right to be on the premises during
the search and to search for or seize property without the occupier’s
permission.
B4. Entry without warrant - particular powers

B4.1. The conditions under which an officer may enter and search premises
without a warrant are set out in section 21 of this Act. It should be noted
that this section does not create or confer any powers of arrest. (See other
powers in Note B2B.)

B4.2. When a person has been arrested for an indictable offence, a police
officer has power under section 54 of this Act to search the premises where
the person was arrested or where the person was immediately before being
arrested.

B4.3. The specific powers to search premises occupied or controlled by a
person arrested for an indictable offence are set out in section 20 of this Act.
They may not be exercised, except if section 22(5) applies, unless an officer
of inspector rank or above has given written authority. That authority should
only be given when the authorising officer is satisfied the necessary grounds
exist. The record of the grounds for the search and the nature of the
evidence sought as required by section 22(7) of the Act should be made in–

(a) the custody record if there is one; otherwise

(b) the officer’s pocket book, or

(c) the search record.

B5. Search with consent

B5.1. Subject to paragraph B5.3, if it is proposed to search premises with
the consent of a person entitled to grant entry, the consent must, if
practicable, be documented in the Search Register. The officer must make
any necessary enquiries to be satisfied the person is in a position to give
such consent (see Notes 5A and B).

B5.2. Before seeking consent the officer in charge of the search must state
the purpose of the proposed search and its extent. This information must be
as specific as possible, particularly regarding the articles or persons being
sought and the parts of the premises to be searched. The person concerned
must be clearly informed he or she is not obliged to consent and anything
seized may be produced in evidence. If at the time the person is not
suspected of an offence, the officer must say this when stating the purpose
of the search.
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B5.3. An officer cannot enter and search or continue to search premises
under paragraph B5.1 if consent is given under duress or withdrawn before
the search is completed.

Notes for Guidance
5A. In a lodging house or similar accommodation, every reasonable effort
should be made to obtain the consent of the tenant, lodger or occupier. A
search should not be made solely on the basis of the landlord’s consent
unless the tenant, lodger or occupier is unavailable and the matter is urgent.

5B. If the intention is to search premises under the authority of a warrant or
a power of entry and search without warrant, and the occupier of the
premises co-operates in accordance with paragraph B6.4, there is no need to
obtain written consent.

B6. Searching premises - general considerations

A. Time of searches
B6.1. Searches made under warrant must be made within 1 calendar month
of the date of issue of the warrant.

B6.2. Searches must be made at a reasonable hour unless this might
frustrate the purpose of the search.

6.3. When the extent or complexity of a search mean it is likely to take a
long time, the officer in charge of the search may consider using the seize
and sift powers referred to in section B7.

6.3A. A warrant under section 12 of this Act may authorise entry to and
search of premises on more than one occasion if, on the application, the
magistrate or Judge is satisfied that it is necessary to authorise multiple
entries in order to achieve the purpose for which the warrant is issued. No
premises may be entered or searched on any subsequent occasions without
the prior written authority of an officer of the rank of inspector who is not
involved in the investigation. All other warrants authorise entry on one
occasion only.

B. Entry without consent
B6.4. The officer in charge of the search must first try to communicate with
the occupier, or any other person entitled to grant access to the premises,
explain the authority under which entry is sought and ask the occupier to
allow entry, unless–

(a) the search premises are unoccupied;

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(b) the occupier and any other person entitled to grant access are
absent;

(c) there are reasonable grounds for believing that alerting the
occupier or any other person entitled to grant access would
frustrate the object of the search or endanger officers or other
people.

B6.5. Unless sub-paragraph B6.4(c) applies, if the premises are occupied
the officer, subject to paragraph B2.9, must, before the search begins–

(a) identify himself or herself, show his or her warrant card (if not
in uniform) and state the purpose of and grounds for the search;

(b) identify and introduce any person accompanying the officer on
the search (such persons should carry identification for
production on request) and briefly describe that person’s role in
the process.

B6.6. Reasonable and proportionate force may be used if necessary to enter
premises, if the officer in charge of the search is satisfied the premises are
those specified in any warrant, or in exercise of the powers described in
paragraphs B4.1 to B 4.3, and if–

(a) the occupier or any other person entitled to grant access has
refused entry;

(b) it is impossible to communicate with the occupier or any other
person entitled to grant access; or

(c) any of the provisions of paragraph B6.4 apply.

C. Notice of powers and rights
B6.7. If an officer conducts a search to which this Code applies the officer
must, unless it is impracticable to do so, provide the occupier with a copy of
a Notice in a standard format–

(a) [not used]

(b) summarising the extent of the powers of search and seizure
conferred by Parts 2 to 6 of this Act;

(c) explaining the rights of the occupier, and the owner of the
property seized;

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(d) stating that compensation may be payable from public funds in
appropriate cases for damages caused entering and searching
premises, and giving the address to send a compensation
application (see Note 6A);

(e) stating that this Code is available at any police station.

B6.8. If the occupier is–

(a) present - copies of the Notice and warrant must, if practicable,
be given to them before the search begins, unless the officer in
charge of the search reasonably believes this would frustrate
the object of the search or endanger officers or other people;

(b) not present - copies of the Notice and warrant must be left in a
prominent place on the premises or appropriate part of the
premises and endorsed, subject to paragraph B2.9 with the
name of the officer in charge of the search, the date and time of
the search.

The warrant must be endorsed to show this has been done.

D. Conduct of searches
B6.9. Premises may be searched only to the extent necessary to achieve the
object of the search, having regard to the size and nature of whatever is
sought.

B6.9A. A search may not continue under–

(a) a warrant’s authority once all the things specified in that
warrant have been found;

(b) any other power once the object of that search has been
achieved,

but a search may continue under other powers contained in this Act or other
legislation.

B6.9B. No search may continue once the officer in charge of the search is
satisfied whatever is being sought is not on the premises (see Note B6B).
This does not prevent a further search of the same premises if additional
grounds come to light supporting a further application for a search warrant
or exercise or further exercise of another power. For example, when, as a
result of new information, it is believed articles previously not found or
additional articles are on the premises.

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B6.10. Searches must be conducted with due consideration for the property
and privacy of the occupier and with no more disturbance than necessary.
Reasonable force may be used only when necessary and proportionate
because the co-operation of the occupier cannot be obtained or is
insufficient for the purpose (see Note B6C).

B6.11. A friend, neighbour or other person must be allowed to witness the
search if the occupier wishes unless the officer in charge of the search has
reasonable grounds for believing the presence of the person asked for would
seriously hinder the investigation or endanger officers or other people. A
search need not be unreasonably delayed for this purpose. A record of the
action taken should be made on the premises search record including the
grounds for refusing the occupier’s request.

B6.12. A person is not required to be cautioned prior to being asked
questions that are solely necessary for the purpose of furthering the proper
and effective conduct of a search, (see Code C, paragraph C10.1(c).) For
example, questions to discover the occupier of specified premises, to find a
key to open a locked drawer or cupboard or to otherwise seek co-operation
during the search or to determine if a particular item is liable to be seized.

B6.12A. If questioning goes beyond what is necessary for the purpose of
the exemption in Code C, the exchange is likely to constitute an interview as
defined by Code C, paragraph C11.1A and would require the associated
safeguards included in Code C, section C10.

E. Leaving premises
B6.13 If premises have been entered by force, before leaving the officer in
charge of the search must make sure they are secure by –

(a) arranging for the occupier or their agent to be present;

(b) any other appropriate means.

F. Searches under Schedule 1
B6.14. An officer must be appointed as the officer in charge of the search,
see paragraph B2.10, in respect of any search made under a warrant issued
under Schedule 1 of this Act. The officer is responsible for making sure the
search is conducted with discretion and in a manner that causes the least
possible disruption to any business or other activities carried out on the
premises.

B6.15. Once the officer in charge of the search is satisfied material cannot
be taken from the premises without his or her knowledge, the officer must
ask for the documents or other records concerned. The officer in charge of
the search may also ask to see the index to files held on the premises, and
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the officers conducting the search may inspect any files which, according to
the index, appear to contain the material sought. A more extensive search of
the premises may be made only if–

(a) the person responsible for them refuses to:

(i) produce the material sought or allow access to the index;

(ii) it appears the index is inaccurate or incomplete; or

(b) for any other reason the officer in charge of the search has
reasonable grounds for believing such a search is necessary in
order to find the material sought.

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Notes for Guidance
6A. Whether compensation is appropriate depends on the circumstances in
each case. Compensation for damage caused when effecting entry is
unlikely to be appropriate if the search was lawful, and the force used can be
shown to be reasonable, proportionate and necessary to effect entry. If the
wrong premises are searched by mistake, everything possible should be
done at the earliest opportunity to allay any sense of grievance and there
will normally be a strong presumption in favour of paying compensation.

6B. It is important that, when possible, all those involved in a search are
fully briefed about any powers to be exercised and the extent and limits
within which it should be conducted.

6C. In all cases the number of officers and other persons involved in
executing the warrant should be determined by what is reasonable and
necessary according to the particular circumstances.

B7. Seizure and retention of property

A. Seizure
B7.1. Subject to paragraph B7.2, an officer who is searching any person or
premises under any statutory power or with the consent of the occupier may
seize anything –

(a) covered by a warrant;

(b) the officer has reasonable grounds for believing is evidence of
an offence or has been obtained in consequence of the
commission of an offence but only if seizure is necessary to
prevent the items being concealed, lost, disposed of, altered,
damaged, destroyed or tampered with;

(c) covered by the powers in this Act allowing an officer to seize
property from persons or premises and retain it for sifting or
examination elsewhere.

(See Note 7B)

B7.2. No item may be seized which an officer has reasonable grounds for
believing to be subject to legal privilege, as defined in section 14 of this
Act, except under sections 29 to 40.

B7.3. Officers must be aware of the provisions in section 38 of this Act
allowing for applications to a judicial authority for the return of property
seized and the subsequent duty to secure in section 40 (see paragraph
B7.12(c)).
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B7.4. An officer may decide it is not appropriate to seize property because
of an explanation from the person holding it, but may nevertheless have
reasonable grounds for believing it was obtained in consequence of an
offence by some person.
In these circumstances, the officer should identify the property to the holder,
inform the holder of the officer’s suspicions and explain that the holder may
be liable to civil or criminal proceedings if they dispose of, alter or destroy
the property.

B7.5. An officer may arrange to photograph, image or copy, any document
or other article they have the power to seize in accordance with paragraph
B7.1. This is subject to specific restrictions on the examination, imaging or
copying of certain property seized under sections 29 to 40 of this Act. An
officer must have regard to the statutory obligation to retain an original
document or other article only when a photograph or copy is not sufficient.

B7.6. If an officer considers information stored in any electronic form and
accessible from the premises could be used in evidence, they may require
the information to be produced in a form–

(a) which can be taken away and in which it is visible and legible;
or

(b) from which it can readily be produced in a visible and legible
form.

B. Sections 29 to 40: Specific procedures for seize and sift powers
B7.7. Sections 29 to 37 of this Act give officers limited powers to seize
property from premises or persons so they can sift or examine it elsewhere.
Officers must be careful they only exercise these powers when it is essential
and they do not remove any more material than necessary. The removal of
large volumes of material, much of which may not ultimately be retainable,
may have serious implications for the owners, particularly when they are
involved in business or activities such as journalism or the provision of
medical services. Officers must carefully consider if removing copies or
images of relevant material or data would be a satisfactory alternative to
removing originals. When originals are taken, officers must be prepared to
facilitate the provision of copies or images for the owners when reasonably
practicable (see Note 7C).

B7.8. Property seized under section 29 or 30 must be kept securely and
separately from any material seized under other powers.

An examination under section 32 to determine which elements may be
retained must be carried out at the earliest practicable time, having due
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regard to the desirability of allowing the person from whom the property
was seized, or a person with an interest in the property, an opportunity of
being present or represented at the examination.

B7.8A. All reasonable steps should be taken to accommodate an interested
person’s request to be present, provided the request is reasonable and
subject to the need to prevent harm to, interference with, or unreasonable
delay to the investigatory process. If an examination proceeds in the absence
of an interested person who asked to attend or the person’s representative,
the officer who exercised the relevant seizure power must give that person a
written notice of why the examination was carried out in those
circumstances. If it is necessary for security reasons or to maintain
confidentiality, officers may exclude interested persons from decryption or
other processes which facilitate the examination but do not form part of it
(see Note 7D).

B7.9. It is the responsibility of the officer in charge of the investigation to
make sure property is returned in accordance with sections 32 to 34.
Material which there is no power to retain must be–

(a) separated from the rest of the seized property;

(b) returned as soon as reasonably practicable after examination of
all the seized property.

B7.9A. Delay is only warranted if very clear and compelling reasons exist,
such as–

(a) the unavailability of the person to whom the material is to be
returned;

(b) the need to agree a convenient time to return a large volume of
material.

B7.9B. Legally privileged, excluded or special procedure material which
cannot be retained must be returned–

(a) as soon as reasonably practicable;

(b) without waiting for the whole examination.

B7.9C. As set out in section 37, material must be returned to the person
from whom it was seized, except when it is clear some other person has a
better right to it (see Note 7D).

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B7.10. If an officer involved in the investigation has reasonable grounds to
believe a person with a relevant interest in property seized under section 29
or 30 intends to make an application under section 38 for the return of any
legally privileged, special procedure or excluded material, the officer in
charge of the investigation should be informed as soon as practicable and
the material seized should be kept secure in accordance with section 40 (see
Note 7C).

B7.11. The officer in charge of the investigation is responsible for making
sure property is properly secured. Securing involves making sure the
property is not examined, copied, imaged or put to any other use except at
the request, or with the consent, of the applicant or in accordance with the
directions of the appropriate judicial authority. Any request, consent or
directions must be recorded in writing and signed by both the initiator and
the officer in charge of the investigation (see Notes 7F and G).

B7.12. When an officer exercises a power of seizure conferred by section
29 or 30 they must provide the occupier of the premises or the person from
whom the property is being seized with a written notice –

(a) specifying what has been seized under the powers conferred by
that section;

(b) specifying the grounds for those powers;

(c) setting out the effect of sections 38 to 40 covering the grounds
for a person with a relevant interest in seized property to apply
to a judicial authority for its return and the duty of officers to
secure property in certain circumstances when an application is
made;

(d) specifying the name and address of the person to whom -

(i) notice of an application to the appropriate judicial
authority in respect of any of the seized property must be
given;

(ii) an application may be made to allow attendance at the
initial examination of the property.

B7.13. If the occupier is not present but there is someone in charge of the
premises, the notice must be given to the occupier. If no suitable person is
available, so that the notice will easily be found, it should either be–

(a) left in a prominent place on the premises;

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(b) attached to the exterior of the premises.

C. Retention
B7.14. Subject to paragraph B7.15, anything seized in accordance with the
above provisions may be retained only for as long as is necessary. It may be
retained, among other purposes–

(a) for use as evidence at a trial for an offence;

(b) to facilitate the use in any investigation or proceedings of
anything to which it is inextricably linked (see Note B7H);

(c) for forensic examination or other investigation in connection
with an offence;

(d) in order to establish its lawful owner when there are reasonable
grounds for believing it has been stolen or obtained by the
commission of an offence.

B7.15. Property must not be retained under paragraph B7.14(a), (b) or (c) if
a copy or image would be sufficient.

D. Rights of owners, etc.
B7.16. If property is retained, the person who had custody or control of it
immediately before seizure must, on request, be provided with a list or
description of the property within a reasonable time.

B7.17. That person or his or her representative must be allowed supervised
access to the property to examine it or have it photographed or copied, or
must be provided with a photograph or copy, in either case within a
reasonable time of any request and at the person’s own expense, unless the
officer in charge of an investigation has reasonable grounds for believing
this would–

(a) prejudice the investigation of any offence or criminal
proceedings; or

(b) lead to the commission of an offence by providing access to
unlawful material such as pornography.

A record of the grounds shall be made when access is denied.

Notes for Guidance
7A. Any person claiming property seized by the police may apply to the
Magistrates’ Court under section 600 of this Act for its possession and
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should, if appropriate, be advised of this procedure. The police should notify
the Magistrates’ Court of any property seized under powers in this Act.

7B. The powers of seizure conferred by section 21 and 22 of this Act
extend to the seizure of the whole premises when it is physically possible to
seize and retain the premises in their totality and practical considerations
make seizure desirable. For example, police may remove premises such as
tents, vehicles or caravans to a police station for the purpose of preserving
evidence.

7C. Officers should consider reaching agreement with owners and/or other
interested parties on the procedures for examining a specific set of property,
rather than awaiting the judicial authority’s determination. Agreement can
sometimes give a quicker and more satisfactory route for all concerned and
minimise costs and legal
complexities.

7D. What constitutes a relevant interest in specific material may depend on
the nature of that material and the circumstances in which it is seized.
Anyone with a reasonable claim to ownership of the material and anyone
entrusted with its safe keeping by the owner should be considered.

7E. Requirements to secure and return property apply equally to all copies,
images or other material created because of seizure of the original property.

7F. The mechanics of securing property vary according to the
circumstances; “bagging up”, i.e. placing material in sealed bags or
containers and strict subsequent control of access is the appropriate
procedure in many cases.

7G. When material is seized under the powers of seizure conferred by this
Act, the duty to retain it under the Code of Practice on the Recording,
Retention and Disclosure of Material is subject to the provisions on
retention of seized material in section 28 of this Act.

7H. Paragraph B7.14 (b) applies if inextricably linked material is seized
under section 29 or 30 of this Act. Inextricably linked material is material
that it is not reasonably practicable to separate from other linked material
without prejudicing the use of that other material in any investigation or
proceedings. For example, it might not be possible to separate items of data
held on computer disk without damaging their evidential integrity.
Inextricably linked material must not be examined, imaged, copied or used
for any purpose other than for proving the source and/or integrity of the
linked material.

B8. Action after searches
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B8.1. If premises are searched in circumstances where this Code applies,
unless the exceptions in paragraph B2.3(a) apply, on arrival at a police
station the officer in charge of the search must make or have made a record
of the search, to include–

(a) the address of the searched premises;

(b) the date, time and duration of the search;

(c) the authority used for the search, that is to say–

(i) if the search was made in exercise of a statutory power to
search premises without warrant - the power which was
used for the search;

(ii) if the search was made under a warrant or with written
consent - a copy of the warrant and the written authority
to apply for it, or the written consent, or a note of the
location of the copy warrant or consent;

(d) subject to paragraph B2.9, the names of–

(i) the officer or officers in charge of the search;

(ii) all other officers and any authorised persons who
conducted the search;

(e) the names of any people on the premises if they are known;

(f) any grounds for refusing the occupier’s request to have
someone present during the search;

(g) a list of any articles seized or the location of a list and, if not
covered by a warrant, the grounds for their seizure;

(h) whether force was used, and the reason;

(i) details of any damage caused during the search, and the
circumstances;

(j) if applicable, the reason it was not practicable–

(i) to give the occupier a copy of the Notice of Powers and
Rights as required by paragraph B6.7;

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(ii) to give the occupier before the search a copy of the
Notice, as required by paragraph B6.8;

(k) if the occupier was not present - the place where copies of
the Notice of Powers and Rights and search warrant were left
on the premises.

B8.2. On each occasion when premises are searched under a warrant, the
warrant authorising the search on that occasion must be endorsed to show–

(a) whether any articles specified in the warrant were found and
the address where they were found;

(b) whether any other articles were seized;

(c) the date and time the warrant was executed and if the
occupier was present, his or her name, or, if the occupier was
not present, the name of the person in charge of the premises;

(d) subject to paragraph B2.9, the names of the officers who
executed it and any authorised persons who accompanied
them;

(e) whether a copy of the warrant, together with a copy of the
Notice of Powers and Rights, was–

(i) handed to the occupier; or

(ii) endorsed as required by paragraph B6.8 and left on the
premises (and if so, where.)

B8.3. Any warrant must if reasonably practicable be returned within 1
calendar month of its issue, or sooner on completion of the search or
searches authorised by it, and must be returned–

(a) if the warrant was issued by a magistrate - to the clerk of the
court; or

(b) if the warrant was issued by a judge - to the Registrar.

B9. Search registers

9.1. A search register of all searches undertaken by the Royal Gibraltar
Police must be maintained at New Mole House police station. All search
records required under paragraph B8.1 must be made, copied, or referred to
in the register. (See note 9A.)
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Note for Guidance

9A. Searches carried out by other law enforcement agencies in Gibraltar
shall be carried out in accordance with this Code and each agency shall
maintain its own search register.
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CODE C

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE DETENTION, TREATMENT AND
QUESTIONING OF PERSONS BY POLICE OFFICERS

This Code is issued by the Minister under Part 29 of the Criminal Procedure
and Evidence Act 2011 and comes into force on such date as the Minister by
Order prescribes.

This Code applies to people who are in detention on or after such date as the
Minister by Order prescribes.

C1. General

C1.1. All persons in custody must be dealt with expeditiously, and released
as soon as the need for detention no longer applies.

C1.1A. A custody officer must perform the functions in this Code as soon
as practicable. A custody officer will not be in breach of this Code if delay
is justifiable and if reasonable steps are taken to prevent unnecessary delay.
The custody record must show when a delay has occurred and the reason
(see Note 1H).

C1.2. This Code of Practice must be readily available at all police stations
for consultation by police officers, detained persons and members of the
public.

C1.3. The provisions of this Code include the Annexes but do not include
the Notes for Guidance.

C1.4. If an officer has any suspicion, or is told in good faith, that a person
of any age may be mentally disordered or otherwise mentally vulnerable, in
the absence of clear evidence to dispel that suspicion, the person must be
treated as such for the purposes of this Code (see Note 1G).

C1.5. If any person appears to be under 18, the person must be treated as a
juvenile for the purposes of this Code in the absence of clear evidence that
he or she is older.

C1.6. If a person appears to be blind, seriously visually impaired, deaf,
unable to read or speak or has difficulty orally because of a speech
impediment, he or she must be treated as such for the purposes of this Code
in the absence of clear evidence to the contrary.

[C1.7. Omitted]

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C1.8. If this Code requires a person be given certain information, the
person does not have to be given it if at the time he or she is incapable of
understanding what is said, is violent or may become violent or in urgent
need of medical attention, but must be given it as soon as practicable.

[C1.9 Omitted.]

C1.9A. If this Code requires the prior agreement or authority of an officer
of a specified rank, it may be given by an officer authorised to perform the
functions of that rank under section 693 of this Act.

C1.10. Subject to paragraph C1.12, this Code applies to people in custody
at a police station, whether or not the person has been arrested, and to those
removed to a police station as a place of safety under sections 75 and 76 of
the Mental Health Act. Section C15 applies solely to people in police
detention, e.g. those brought to a police station under arrest or arrested at a
police station for an offence after going there voluntarily.

[C1.11 Omitted]

C1.12. The provisions of this Code also apply to people in custody –

(a) arrested under section 5 of the Immigration, Asylum and
Refugee Act;

(b) whose detention is authorised by a police officer under the
Immigration, Asylum and Refugee Act;

(c) detained for searches under stop and search powers except as
required by Code A.

The provisions on conditions of detention and treatment in sections C8 and
C9 must be considered as the minimum standards of treatment for such
detainees.

[C1.13 to C1.16 omitted]

C1.17. References to pocket books include any official report book issued
to police officers.

Notes for Guidance

1A. Although certain sections of this Code apply specifically to people in
custody at police stations, those there voluntarily to assist with an
investigation should be treated with no less consideration, e.g. offered
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refreshments at appropriate times, and enjoy an absolute right to obtain legal
advice or communicate with anyone outside the police station.

1B. A person, including a parent or guardian, should not be an appropriate
adult if he or she is–

(a) suspected of involvement in the offence;

(b) the victim;

(c) a witness;

(d) involved in the investigation; or

(e) received admissions prior to attending to act as the appropriate
adult.

(Note- If a juvenile’s parent is estranged from the juvenile, he or she should
not be asked to act as the appropriate adult if the juvenile expressly and
specifically objects to his or her presence.)

1C. If a juvenile admits an offence to, or in the presence of, a probation
officer other than during the time that the officer is acting as the juvenile’s
appropriate adult, another appropriate adult should be appointed in the
interest of fairness.

1D. In the case of people who are mentally disordered or otherwise
mentally vulnerable, it may be more satisfactory if the appropriate adult is
someone experienced or trained in his or her care rather than a relative
lacking such qualifications. But if the detainee prefers a relative to a better
qualified stranger or objects to a particular person the detainee’s wishes
should, if practicable, be respected.

1E. A detainee should always be given an opportunity, when an appropriate
adult is called to the police station, to consult privately with a legal
representative in the appropriate adult’s absence if the detainee wishes. An
appropriate adult does not enjoy legal privilege.

1F. A legal representative present at the police station in that capacity
cannot be the appropriate adult.

1G. “Mentally vulnerable” applies to any detainee who, because of his or
her mental state or capacity, may not understand the significance of what is
said, of questions or of his or her replies. ‘Mental disorder’ is defined in
section 3(1) of the Mental Health Act as ‘mental illness, arrested or
incomplete development of mind, psychopathic disorder and any other
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disorder or disability of mind’. When the custody officer has any doubt
about the mental state or capacity of a detainee, the detainee should be
treated as mentally vulnerable and an appropriate adult should be called.

1H. Paragraph C1.1A is intended to cover delays which may occur in
processing detainees e.g. if–

(a) a large number of suspects are brought into the police station
simultaneously to be placed in custody;

(b) interview rooms are all being used;

(c) there are difficulties contacting an appropriate adult, legal
representative or interpreter.

1I. The custody officer must remind the appropriate adult and detainee
about the right to legal advice and record any reasons for waiving the right it
in accordance with section 6.

[1J omitted.]

1K. This Code does not affect the principle that all citizens have a duty to
help police officers to prevent crime and discover offenders. This is a civic
rather than a legal duty; but when a police officer is trying to discover
whether, or by whom, an offence has been committed the officer entitled to
question any person from whom he or she thinks useful information can be
obtained, subject to the restrictions imposed by this Code. A person’s
declaration that he or she is unwilling to reply does not alter this
entitlement.

C2. Custody records

C2.1A. When a person–

(a) is brought to a police station under arrest;

(b) is arrested at the police station having attended there
voluntarily; or

(c) attends a police station to answer bail,

the person must be brought before the custody officer as soon as practicable
after the person’s arrival at the station or, if appropriate, following arrest
after attending the police station voluntarily. This applies to designated and
non-designated police stations. A person is deemed to be “at a police
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station” for these purposes if he or she is within the boundary of any
building or enclosed yard which forms part of that police station.

C2.1. A separate custody record must be opened as soon as practicable for
each person brought to a police station under arrest, arrested at the station
having gone there voluntarily, or attending a police station in answer to
street bail. All information recorded under this Code must be recorded as
soon as practicable in the custody record unless otherwise specified. Any
audio or video recording made in the custody area is not part of the custody
record.

C2.2. If any action requires the authority of an officer of a specified rank,
subject to paragraph C2.6A, the officer’s name and rank must be noted in
the custody record.

C2.3. The custody officer is responsible for the custody record’s accuracy
and completeness and for making sure the record or copy of the record
accompanies a detainee if he or she is transferred to another police station.
The record must show the–

(a) time and reason for transfer;

(b) time a person is released from detention.

C2.4. A legal representative or appropriate adult must be permitted to
consult a detainee’s custody record as soon as practicable after the
detainee’s arrival at the police station and at any other time while the person
is detained. Arrangements for this access must be agreed with the custody
officer and should not unreasonably interfere with the custody officer’s
duties.

C2.4A. When a detainee leaves police detention or is taken before a court,
the detainee or his or her legal representative or appropriate adult must be
given, if requested, a copy of the custody record as soon as practicable. This
entitlement lasts for 12 months after release.

C2.5. The detainee, appropriate adult or legal representative must be
permitted to inspect the original custody record after the detainee has left
police detention, if the person gives reasonable notice of the request. Any
such inspection must be noted in the custody record.

C2.6. Subject to paragraph C2.6A, all entries in custody records must be
timed and signed by the maker. Records entered on computer must be timed
and contain the operator’s identification.

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C2.6A. Nothing in this Code requires the identity of officers to be recorded
or disclosed if the officer reasonably believes recording or disclosing his or
her name might put him or her in danger. In these cases, the officer must use
his or her warrant or other identification numbers (see Note 2A).

C2.7. The fact and time of any detainee’s refusal to sign the custody record,
when asked in accordance with this Code, must be recorded.

Note for Guidance

2A. The purpose of paragraph C2.6 is to protect those involved in serious
organised crime investigations or arrests of particularly violent suspects
when there is reliable information that those arrested or their associates may
threaten or cause harm to those involved. In cases of doubt, an officer of
inspector rank or above should be consulted.

C3. Initial action
A. Detained persons – normal procedure
C3.1. When a person is brought to a police station under arrest or arrested
at the station having gone there voluntarily, the custody officer must make
sure the person is told clearly about the following continuing rights which
may be exercised at any stage during the period in custody–

(a) the right to have someone informed of his or her arrest as in
section C5;

(b) the right to consult privately with a legal representative and to
have legal advice;

(c) the right to consult these Codes of Practice (see Note 3D).

C3.2. The detainee must also be given–

(a) a written notice setting out–

(i) the above three rights;

(ii) the arrangements for obtaining legal advice;

(iii) the right to a copy of the custody record as in paragraph
C2.4A;

(iv) the caution in the terms prescribed in section C10;

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(v) an additional written notice briefly setting out his or her
entitlements while in custody (see Notes 3A and 3B).

The detainee must be asked to sign the custody record to acknowledge
receipt of these notices. Any refusal must be recorded on the custody record.

C3.3. Every detainee who is not a British national must be informed as
soon as practicable about his or her rights of communication with his or her
High Commission, Embassy or Consulate (see section C7).

C3.4. The custody officer must–

(a) record on the custody record the offence or offences that the
detainee has been arrested for and the reason or reasons for the
arrest (see paragraph C10.3 and Code G paragraphs G2.2 and
G4.3);.

(b) note on the custody record any comment the detainee makes in
relation to the arresting officer’s account, but must not invite
comment. If the arresting officer is not physically present when
the detainee is brought to a police station, the arresting
officer’s account must be made available to the custody officer
remotely or by a third party on the arresting officer’s behalf. If
the custody officer authorises a person’s detention the detainee
must be informed of the grounds as soon as practicable and
before he or she is questioned about any offence;

(c) note any comment the detainee makes in respect of the
decision to detain him or her, but must not invite comment;

(d) not put specific questions to the detainee regarding his or her
involvement in any offence, nor in respect of any comments he
or she may make in response to the arresting officer’s account
or the decision to place him or her in detention. Such an
exchange is likely to constitute an interview as in paragraph
C11.1A and require the associated safeguards in section C11.

(See paragraph C11.13 in respect of unsolicited comments.)

C3.5. The custody officer must–

(a) ask the detainee, whether at this time, he or she–

(i) would like legal advice (see paragraph C6.5);

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(ii) wishes to have someone informed of his or her detention
(see section C5);

(b) ask the detainee to sign the custody record to confirm his or her
decisions in respect of (a);

(c) determine whether the detainee is, or might be, in need of
medical treatment or attention (see section C9);

(ca) ascertain whether the detainee requires–

(i) an appropriate adult;

(ii) help to check documentation;

(iii) an interpreter;

(d) record the decision in respect of (c) and (ca).

C3.6. When determining these needs the custody officer is responsible for
initiating an assessment to consider whether the detainee is likely to present
specific risks to custody staff or himself or herself or other persons or
property. Such assessments should always include a check on the Crime
Management Unit system or other relevant database, to be carried out as
soon as practicable, to identify any risks highlighted in relation to the
detainee. Although such assessments are primarily the custody officer’s
responsibility, it may be necessary for the officer to consult and involve
others, e.g. the arresting officer or an appropriate health care professional
(see paragraph C9.13). Reasons for delaying the initiation or completion of
the assessment must be recorded.

C3.7. The Commissioner of Police should ensure that arrangements for
proper and effective risk assessments required by paragraph C3.6 are
implemented in respect of all detainees at New Mole House police station.

C3.8. Risk assessments must follow a structured process which clearly
defines the categories of risk to be considered, and the results must be
incorporated in the detainee’s custody record. The custody officer is
responsible for making sure those responsible for the detainee’s custody are
appropriately briefed about the risks. If no specific risks are identified by
the assessment, that should be noted in the custody record (see paragraph
C9.14).

C3.9. The custody officer is responsible for implementing the response to
any specific risk assessment, such as–

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(a) reducing opportunities for self harm;

(b) calling a health care professional;

(c) increasing levels of monitoring or observation.

C3.10. Risk assessment is an ongoing process and assessments must always
be subject to review if circumstances change.

C3.11. If video cameras are installed in the custody area, notices must be
prominently displayed showing cameras are in use. Any request to have
video cameras switched off must be refused.

B. Detained persons – special groups
C3.12. If the detainee appears deaf or there is doubt about his or her
hearing or speaking ability, and the custody officer cannot establish
effective communication, the custody officer must, as soon as practicable,
call an interpreter for assistance in the action under paragraphs C3.1 to C3.5
(see section C13).

C3.13. If the detainee is a juvenile, the custody officer must, if it is
practicable, ascertain the identity of a person responsible for the juvenile’s
welfare. That person may be–

(a) the parent or guardian;

(b) if the juvenile is in the care of the Care Agency or is otherwise
being looked after under the Children Act 2009, a person with
responsibility for the child’s welfare;

(c) any other person who has, for the time being, assumed
responsibility for the juvenile’s welfare.

C3.13A. The person identified must be informed as soon as practicable that
the juvenile has been arrested, why he or she has been arrested and where he
or she is detained. This right is in addition to the juvenile’s right in section
C5 not to be held incommunicado (see Note 3C).

C3.14. If a juvenile is known to be subject to a court order under which a
person is given any degree of statutory responsibility to supervise or
otherwise monitor the juvenile, reasonable steps must also be taken to notify
that person.

C3.15. If the detainee is a juvenile, mentally disordered or otherwise
mentally vulnerable, the custody officer must, as soon as practicable–

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(a) inform the appropriate adult, who in the case of a juvenile may
or may not be a person responsible for his or her welfare, as in
paragraph C3.13, of−

(i) the grounds for the juvenile’s detention; and

(ii) his or her whereabouts;

(b) ask the adult to come to the police station to see the detainee.

C3.16. It is imperative that a mentally disordered or otherwise mentally
vulnerable person, detained under section 76 of the Mental Health Act, be
assessed as soon as possible. If that assessment is to take place at the police
station, an approved social worker and a registered medical practitioner
must be called to the station as soon as possible in order to interview and
examine the detainee. Once the detainee has been interviewed and examined
and suitable arrangements have been made for his or her treatment or care,
he or she can no longer be detained under section76. A detainee must be
immediately discharged from detention under section 76 if a registered
medical practitioner, having examined him or her, concludes that he or she
is not mentally disordered within the meaning of the Act.

C3.17. If the appropriate adult is–

(a) already at the police station - the provisions of paragraphs C3.1
to C3.5 must be complied with in the appropriate adult’s
presence;

(b) not at the station when these provisions are complied with -
they must be complied with again in the presence of the
appropriate adult when he or she arrives.

C3.18. The detainee must be advised that–

(a) the duties of the appropriate adult include giving advice and
assistance;

(b) he or she can consult privately with the appropriate adult at any
time.

C3.19. If the detainee, or appropriate adult on the detainee’s behalf, asks for
a legal representative to be called to give legal advice, the provisions of
section C6 apply.

C3.20. If the detainee is blind, seriously visually impaired or unable to
read, the custody officer must make sure his or her legal representative,
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relative, appropriate adult or some other person likely to take an interest in
him or her and not involved in the investigation is available to help check
any documentation. When this Code requires written consent or signing, the
person assisting may be asked to sign instead, if the detainee prefers. This
paragraph does not require an appropriate adult to be called solely to assist
in checking and signing documentation for a person who is not a juvenile, or
mentally disordered or otherwise mentally vulnerable (see paragraph
C3.15).

C. Persons attending a police station voluntarily
C3.21. A person attending a police station voluntarily to assist with an
investigation may leave at will unless arrested (see Note 1K). If it is decided
that the person must not be allowed to leave, the person must be informed at
once that he or she is under arrest and brought before the custody officer,
who must ensure that the person is notified of his or her rights in the same
way as other detainees. If the person is not arrested but is cautioned as in
section C10, the person who gives the caution must, at the same time,
inform the person that he or she is not under arrest, that he or she is not
obliged to remain at the station but that if he or she remains at the station he
or she may obtain legal advice at his or her own expense if he or she wishes.
The person must be told that the right to legal advice includes the right to
speak with a legal representative on the telephone and must be asked if he or
she wishes to do so.

C3.22. If a person attending the police station voluntarily asks about his or
her entitlement to legal advice, he or she must be given a copy of the notice
explaining the arrangements for obtaining legal advice (see paragraph C3.2).

D. Documentation
C3.23. The grounds for a person’s detention must be recorded, in the
person’s presence if practicable.

C3.24. Action taken under paragraphs C3.12 to C3.20 must be recorded.

E. Persons answering street bail
C3.25. When a person is answering street bail, as provided for by sections
49 to 52 of this Act, the custody officer should link any documentation held
in relation to arrest with the custody record. Any further action must be
recorded on the custody record in accordance with paragraphs C3.23 and
C3.24 above.

Notes for Guidance 3A The notice of entitlements should–

(a) list the entitlements in this Code, including–

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(i) visits and contact with outside parties;

(ii) reasonable standards of physical comfort;

(iii) adequate food and drink;

(iv) access to toilets and washing facilities, clothing, medical
attention, and

(iv) exercise when practicable;

(b) mention the–

(i) provisions relating to the conduct of interviews;

(ii) circumstances in which an appropriate adult should be
available to assist the detainee, and the detainee’s
statutory rights to make representation whenever the
period of his or her detention is reviewed.

3B. In addition to notices in English, translations should be available in
Spanish and Arabic.

3C. If the juvenile is in care of the Care Agency but living with his or her
parents or other adults responsible for his or her welfare, although there is
no legal obligation to inform the juvenile, the parents or adults should
normally be contacted, as well as the Care Agency, unless suspected of
involvement in the offence concerned. Even if the juvenile is not living with
his or her parents, consideration should be given to informing them.

3D. The right to consult the Codes of Practice does not entitle the person
concerned to delay unreasonably any necessary investigative or
administrative action whilst he or she does so. Examples of action which
need not be delayed unreasonably include–

(a) procedures requiring the provision of breath, blood or urine
specimens under the Traffic Act 2005;

(b) searching detainees at the police station;

(c) taking fingerprints, footwear impressions or non-intimate
samples without consent for evidential purposes.

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C4. Detainee’s property

A. Action
C4.1. The custody officer is responsible for ascertaining what property a
detainee has with him or her when he or she comes to the police station on –

(a) arrest or re-detention on answering to bail;

(b) commitment to prison custody on the order or sentence of a
court;

(c) lodgement at the police station with a view to his or her
production in court from prison custody;

(d) transfer from detention at a hospital;

(e) detention under section 75 or 76 of the Mental Health Act ;

(f) remand into police custody on the authority of a court;

C4.1A. The custody officer is also responsible for–

(a) ascertaining what property a detainee might have acquired for
an unlawful or harmful purpose while in custody;

(b) the safekeeping of any property taken from a detainee which
remains at the police station.

C4.1B. The custody officer may search the detainee or authorise his or her
being searched to the extent the officer consider necessary, provided a
search of intimate parts of the body or involving the removal of more than
outer clothing is only made as in Annex A. A search may only be carried
out by an officer of the same sex as the detainee (see Note 4A).

C4.2. A detainee may retain clothing and personal effects at the detainee’s
own risk unless–

(a) the custody officer considers that the detainee may use them or
any of them to cause harm to himself or herself or others,
interfere with evidence, damage property or effect an escape;
or

(b) any of them are needed as evidence,

in either of which cases the custody officer may withhold relevant articles
and must tell the detainee why.
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C4.3. Personal effects are those items a detainee may lawfully need, use or
refer to while in detention but do not include cash and other items of value.

B. Documentation
C4.4. A record should be made of all property that a detained person has
with him or her that was taken from him or her on arrest. The record must
be kept as part of the custody record. The detainee must be allowed to check
and sign the record of property as correct. Any refusal to sign must be
recorded.

C4.5. If a detainee is not allowed to keep any article of clothing or personal
effects, the reason must be recorded.

Notes for Guidance 4A. Section 79 of this Act and paragraph C4.1 require a detainee to be
searched when it is clear that the custody officer will have continuing duties
in relation to the detainee or when the detainee’s behaviour or offence
makes an inventory appropriate. They do not require every detainee to be
searched, e.g. if it is clear that a person will only be detained for a short
period and is not to be placed in a cell, the custody officer may decide not to
search him or her. In such a case the custody record must be endorsed ‘not
searched’, paragraph C4.4 does not apply, and the detainee must be invited
to sign the entry. If the detainee refuses, the custody officer must ascertain
what property the detainee has in accordance with paragraph C4.1.

4B. Paragraph C4.4 does not require the custody officer to record on the
custody record property in the detainee’s possession on arrest if, by virtue of
its nature, quantity or size, it is not practicable to remove it to the police
station.

4C. Paragraph C 4.4 does not require items of clothing worn by the person
to be recorded unless withheld by the custody officer as in paragraph C4.2.

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C5. Right not to be held incommunicado

A. Action
C5.1. Any person arrested and held in custody at a police station or other
premises may, on request, have one person known to him or her, or likely to
take an interest in his or her welfare, informed at public expense of his or
her whereabouts as soon as practicable.

If the person cannot be contacted the detainee may choose up to two
alternatives. If neither of them can be contacted, the person in charge of
detention or the investigation may allow further attempts until the
information has been conveyed (see Notes 5C and 5D).

C5.2. The exercise of this right in respect of each person nominated may be
delayed only in accordance with Annex B.

C5.3. This right may be exercised each time a detainee is taken to another
police station.

C5.4. The detainee may receive visits at the custody officer’s discretion
(see Note C5B).

C5.5. If a friend, relative or person with an interest in the detainee’s welfare
enquires about his or her whereabouts, this information must be given if the
detainee agrees and if Annex B does not apply (see Note 5D).

C5.6. The detainee must be given writing materials, on request, and
allowed to telephone one person for a reasonable time (see Notes 5A and
5E). Either or both these privileges may be denied or delayed if an officer of
inspector rank or above considers that sending a letter or making a
telephone call might result in any of the consequences in Annex B
paragraphs 1 and 2 and the person is detained in connection with an
indictable offence.
Nothing in this paragraph permits the restriction or denial of the rights in
paragraphs C5.1 and C6.1.

C5.7. Before any letter or message is sent, or telephone call made, the
detainee must be informed that what he or she says in any letter, call or
message (other than in a communication to a legal representative) may be
read or listened to and may be given in evidence. A telephone call may be
terminated if it is being abused. The costs can be at public expense at the
custody officer’s discretion.
Provision should also be made for foreign language conversations, subject
to the requirements of security.

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C5.7A. Any delay or denial of the rights in this section should be
proportionate and should last no longer than necessary.

B. Documentation
C5.8. A record must be kept of any–

(a) request made under this section and the action taken;

(b) letters, messages or telephone calls made or received or visit
received;

(c) refusal by the detainee to have information about him or her
given to an outside enquirer.

The detainee must be asked to countersign the record accordingly and any
refusal must be recorded.

Notes for Guidance
5A. A person may request an interpreter to interpret a telephone call or
translate a letter.

5B. At the custody officer’s discretion, visits should be allowed when
possible, if there are sufficient personnel to supervise a visit and there
would be no hindrance to the investigation.

5C. If the detainee does not know anyone to contact for advice or support
or cannot contact a friend or relative, the custody officer should mention
any local voluntary bodies or other organisations which might be able to
help. Paragraph C6.1 applies if legal advice is required.

5D. In some circumstances it may not be appropriate to use the telephone to
disclose information under paragraphs C5.1 and C5.5.

5E. The telephone call at paragraph 5.6 is in addition to any communication
under paragraphs C5.1 and C6.1.

C6. Right to legal advice

A. Action
C6.1. All detainees must be informed that they may at any time consult and
communicate privately with a legal representative, either in person, in
writing or by telephone (see paragraph C3.1, Note 6B and Note 6J).

[C6.2. Not used]

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C6.3. A poster advertising the right to legal advice must be prominently
displayed in the charging area of every police station (see Note 6H).

C6.4. No police officer should, at any time, do or say anything with the
intention of dissuading a detainee from obtaining legal advice.

C6.5. Whenever legal advice is requested, the custody officer must act
without delay to secure the provision of such advice. If, on being informed
or reminded of this right, the detainee declines to speak to a legal
representative in person, the officer should point out that the right includes
the right to speak with a legal representative on the telephone. If the
detainee continues to waive this right the officer should ask him or her why
and any reasons should be recorded on the custody record or the interview
record as appropriate. Reminders of the right to legal advice must be given
as in paragraphs C3.5, C11.2, C15.4, C16.4, 2B of Annex A, 3 of Annex K
and 16.5 and Code D, paragraphs D3.17(b) and D6.3. Once it is clear a
detainee does not want to speak to a legal representative in person or by
telephone he or she should cease to be asked the reasons (see Note 6K).

C6.5A. In the case of a detained person who is a juvenile, an appropriate
adult should consider whether legal advice from a legal representative is
required. If the juvenile indicates that he or she does not want legal advice,
the appropriate adult has the right to ask for a legal representative to attend
if this would be in the best interests of the juvenile. However, the juvenile
cannot be forced to see the legal representative if he or she is adamant that
he or she does not wish to do so.

C6.6. A detainee who wants legal advice may not be interviewed or
continue to be interviewed until he or she has received such advice unless–

(c) the legal representative the detainee has nominated or selected
from a list–

(i) cannot be contacted;

(ii) has previously indicated he or she do not wish to be
contacted; or

(iii) having been contacted, has declined to attend.

In these circumstances the interview may be started or
continued without further delay provided an officer of
inspector rank or above has agreed to the interview proceeding.

(d) the detainee changes his or her mind about wanting legal
advice.
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C6.6A. In the circumstances described in paragraph 6.6(d)–

(a) the interview may be started or continued without delay only
if−

(i) the detainee agrees to proceed, in writing or on the
interview record made in accordance with Code E or F;
and

(ii) an officer of inspector rank or above has inquired about
the detainee’s reasons for his or her change of mind and
gives authority for the interview to proceed;

(b) confirmation of the detainee’s agreement, his or her change of
mind, the reasons for it if given and, subject to paragraph 2.6A,
the name of the authorising officer must be recorded in the
written interview record or the interview record made in
accordance with Code E or F (see Note 6I).

(Note: In these circumstances the restriction on drawing
adverse inferences from silence in Annex C will not apply
because the detainee is allowed an opportunity to consult a
legal representative if he or she wishes.)

C6.8. A detainee who has been permitted to consult a legal representative is
entitled on request to have the legal representative present when he or she is
interviewed unless one of the exceptions in paragraph C6.6 applies.

C6.9. The legal representative may only be required to leave the interview
if his or her conduct is such that the interviewer is unable properly to put
questions to the suspect (see Notes C6D and C6E).

C6.10. If the interviewer considers a legal representative is acting in such a
way, he or she must stop the interview and consult an officer not below
Chief Inspector rank, if one is readily available, and otherwise an officer not
below inspector rank not connected with the investigation. After speaking to
the legal representative, the officer consulted must decide whether the
interview should continue in the presence of that legal representative. If the
officer decides it should not, the suspect must be given the opportunity to
consult another legal representative before the interview continues and that
legal representative must be given an opportunity to be present at the
interview (see Note 6E).

C6.11. The removal of a legal representative from an interview is a serious
step and, if it occurs, the officer of Chief Inspector rank or above who took
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the decision must consider if the incident should be reported to the Chief
Justice. If the decision to remove the legal representative has been taken by
an officer below Chief Inspector rank, the facts must be reported to an
officer of Chief Inspector rank or above who will similarly consider whether
a report to the Chief Justice would be appropriate.

[C6.12. Omitted - defines ‘legal representative’]

C6.12A. A legal representative sent to provide advice to a detainee must be
admitted to the police station for this purpose unless an officer of inspector
rank or above considers such a visit will hinder the investigation and directs
otherwise. Hindering the investigation does not include giving proper legal
advice to a detainee (see Note C6D). Once the representative is admitted to
the police station, paragraphs C6.6 to C6.10 apply.

C6.13. In exercising his or her discretion under paragraph C6.12A, the
officer should take into account in particular whether the identity and status
of a legal representative have been satisfactorily established.

C6.14. If the inspector refuses access to an accredited representative or a
decision is taken that such a person should not be permitted to remain at an
interview, the inspector must notify the detainee and give him or her an
opportunity to make alternative arrangements. The custody record must be
duly noted.

C6.15. If a legal representative arrives at the station to see a particular
person, that person must be so informed, even if he or she is being
interviewed, and asked if he or she would like to see the legal
representative. This applies even if the detainee has declined legal advice or,
having requested it, subsequently agreed to be interviewed without
receiving advice. The legal representative’s attendance and the detainee’s
decision must be noted in the custody record.

B. Documentation
C6.16. Any request for legal advice and the action taken must be recorded.

C6.17. A record must be made in the interview record if a detainee asks for
legal advice and an interview is begun either in the absence of a legal
representative, or the representative has been required to leave an interview.

Notes for Guidance
6A. Not used.

6B. A detainee who asks for legal advice to be paid for by himself or
herself should be given an opportunity to consult a specific legal
representative (or another legal representative from that legal
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representative’s firm). If this legal representative is not available, the
detainee may choose up to two alternatives. If these attempts are
unsuccessful, the custody officer has discretion to allow further attempts
until a legal representative has been contacted who agrees to provide legal
advice. Otherwise, publicly funded legal advice must be made available.
Apart from carrying out these duties, an officer must not advise the detainee
about any particular firm of legal representatives.

[6C. Not used]

6D. A detainee has a right to legal advice and to be represented at
interview by a legal representative.
The legal representative’s only role in the police station is to protect and
advance the legal rights of his or her client. On occasions this may require
the legal representative to give advice which has the effect of the client
avoiding giving evidence which strengthens a prosecution case. The legal
representative may intervene in order to seek clarification, challenge an
improper question to his or her client or the manner in which it is put, advise
his or her client not to reply to particular questions, or to give his or her
client further legal advice. Paragraph C6.9 only applies if the legal
representative’s approach or conduct prevents or unreasonably obstructs
proper questions being put to the suspect or the suspect’s response being
recorded. Examples of unacceptable conduct include answering questions
on a suspect’s behalf or providing written replies for the suspect to quote.

6E. An officer who takes the decision to exclude a legal representative must
be in a position to satisfy the court the decision was properly made. In order
to do this he or she may need to witness what is happening.

[6F. Omitted]

6G. A legal representative may advise more than one client in an
investigation. Any question of a conflict of interest is for the legal
representative under his or her professional code of conduct.

6H. In addition to a poster in English, a poster or posters containing
translations into Spanish and Arabic should be displayed wherever they are
likely to be helpful and it is practicable to do so.

6I. Paragraph C6.6(d) requires the authorisation of an officer of inspector
rank or above to the continuation of an interview when a detainee who
asked for legal advice changes his or her mind. It is permissible for such
authorisation to be given over the telephone, if the authorising officer is
satisfied as to the reason for the detainee’s change of mind and that it is
proper to continue the interview in those circumstances.

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6J. Whenever a detainee exercises his or her right to legal advice by
consulting or communicating with a legal representative, the detainee must
be allowed to do so in private. This right to consult or communicate in
private is fundamental. If the requirement for privacy is compromised
because what is said or written by the detainee or legal representative for the
purpose of giving and receiving legal advice is overheard, listened to, or
read by others without the informed consent of the detainee, the right will
effectively have been denied. When a detainee chooses to speak to a legal
representative on the telephone, he or she should be allowed to do so in
private unless this is impractical because of the design and layout of the
custody area or the location of telephones. However, the normal expectation
should be that facilities will be available, unless they are being used, at all
police stations to enable detainees to speak in private to a legal
representative either face to face or over the telephone.

6K. A detainee is not obliged to give reasons for declining legal advice and
should not be pressed to do so.

C7. Citizens of independent Commonwealth countries or foreign
nationals

A. Action
C7.1. Any detainee other than a British national may communicate at any
time with his or her High Commission, Embassy or Consulate. The detainee
must be informed as soon as practicable of this right and of the right, upon
request, to have his or her High Commission, Embassy or Consulate told of
his or her whereabouts and the grounds for his or her detention. Such a
request should be acted upon as soon as practicable.

C7.2. If a detainee is not a British national, the appropriate High
Commission, Embassy or Consulate must be informed (subject to paragraph
C7.4) as soon as practicable and in accordance with any relevant Bilateral
Agreements on Consular Relations or the Vienna Convention on Consular
Relations 1963 (if applicable).

C7.3. Consular officers may visit one of their nationals in police detention
to talk to them and, if required, to arrange for legal advice. Such visits must
take place out of the hearing of a police officer.

C7.4. If the detainee is a political refugee for reasons of race, nationality,
political opinion or religion, or is seeking political asylum, consular officers
must not be informed of the arrest of one of their nationals or given access
or information about them except at the detainee’s express request.

B. Documentation
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C7.5. A record must be made when a detainee is informed of his or her
rights under this section and of any communications with a High
Commission, Embassy or Consulate.

Note for Guidance
7A. The exercise of the rights in this section may not be interfered with
even though Annex B applies.

C8. Conditions of detention

A. Action
C8.1. So far as it is practicable, not more than one detainee should be
detained in each cell.

C8.2. Cells in use must be adequately heated, cleaned and ventilated. They
must be adequately lit, but subject to dimming, compatible with safety and
security, to allow people detained overnight to sleep. No additional
restraints may be used within a locked cell unless absolutely necessary and
then only restraint equipment, approved for use by the Commissioner of
Police, which is reasonable and necessary in the circumstances, having
regard to the detainee’s demeanour and with a view to ensuring his or her
safety and the safety of others. If a detainee is deaf, mentally disordered or
otherwise mentally vulnerable, particular care must be taken when deciding
whether to use any form of approved restraints.

C8.3. Blankets, mattresses, pillows and other bedding supplied must be of a
reasonable standard and in a clean and sanitary condition (see Note 8A).

C8.4. Access to toilet and washing facilities must be provided.

C8.5. If it is necessary to remove a detainee’s clothes for the purposes of
investigation, for hygiene, health reasons or cleaning, replacement clothing
of a reasonable standard of comfort and cleanliness must be provided. A
detainee may not be interviewed unless adequate clothing has been offered.

C8.6. At least two light meals and one main meal should be offered in any
24 hour period (see Note 8B). Drinks should be provided at meal times and
upon reasonable request between meals. Whenever necessary, advice must
be sought from the appropriate health care professional (see Note 9A) on
medical and dietary matters. As far as practicable, meals provided must
offer a varied diet and meet any specific dietary needs or religious beliefs
the detainee has. The detainee may, at the custody officer’s discretion, have
meals supplied by his or her family or friends at his or her expense (see
Note 8A).

C8.7. Brief outdoor exercise must be offered daily if practicable.
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C8.8. A juvenile must not be placed in a police cell unless no other secure
accommodation is available and the custody officer considers it is not
practicable to supervise the juvenile if he or she is not placed in a cell, or
that a cell provides more comfortable accommodation than other secure
accommodation in the station. A juvenile may not be placed in a cell with a
detained adult.

B. Documentation
C8.9. A record must be kept of replacement clothing and meals offered.

C8.10. If a juvenile is placed in a cell, the reason must be recorded.

C8.11. The use of any restraints on a detainee while in a cell, the reasons
for it and, if appropriate, the arrangements for enhanced supervision of the
detainee while so restrained, must be recorded (see paragraph C3.9).

Notes for Guidance
C8A. The provisions in paragraph C8.3 and C8.6 respectively are of
particular importance in the case of a person likely to be detained for an
extended period. In deciding whether to allow meals to be supplied by
family or friends, the custody officer may take account of the risk of items
being concealed in any food or package and of the officer’s duties and
responsibilities under food handling legislation.

C8B. Meals should, so far as practicable, be offered at recognised meal
times, or at other times that take account of when the detainee last had a
meal.

C9. Care and treatment of detained persons

A. General
C9.1. Nothing in this section prevents the police from calling the police
surgeon or, if appropriate, some other health care professional, to examine a
detainee for the purposes of obtaining evidence relating to any offence in
which the detainee is suspected of being involved (see Note 9A).

C9.2. If a detainee wishes to complain about his or her treatment since
arrest, the complaint should be made directly to the Police Complaints
Board. If it comes to the notice of a custody officer that a detainee may have
been treated improperly, a report must be made as soon as practicable to an
officer of inspector rank or above who is not connected with the
investigation. If the matter concerns a possible assault or the possibility of
the unnecessary or unreasonable use of force, an appropriate health care
professional must also be called as soon as practicable.

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C9.3. Detainees should be visited at least every hour. If no reasonably
foreseeable risk was identified in a risk assessment (see paragraphs C3.6 to
C3.10), there is no need to wake a sleeping detainee. Those suspected of
being intoxicated through drink or drugs or having swallowed drugs (see
Note 9CA), or whose level of consciousness causes concern must, subject to
any clinical directions given by the appropriate health care professional (see
paragraph C9.13)–

(a) be visited and roused at least every half hour;

(b) have their condition assessed as in Annex H;

(c) have clinical treatment arranged if appropriate (see Notes 9B,
9C and 9H).

C9.4. When arrangements are made to secure clinical attention for a
detainee, the custody officer must make sure all relevant information which
might assist in the treatment of the detainee’s condition is made available to
the responsible health care professional. This applies whether or not the
health care professional asks for such information. Any officer with relevant
information must inform the custody officer as soon as practicable.

B. Clinical treatment and attention
C9.5. The custody officer must make sure a detainee receives appropriate
clinical attention as soon as reasonably practicable if the person–

(a) appears to be suffering from physical illness;

(b) is injured;

(c) appears to be suffering from a mental disorder; or

(d) appears to need clinical attention.

C9.5A. This applies even if the detainee makes no request for clinical
attention and whether or not he or she has already received clinical attention
elsewhere. If the need for attention appears urgent, e.g. when indicated as in
Annex H, the nearest available health care professional or an ambulance
must be called immediately.

C9.5B. The custody officer must also consider the need for clinical
attention as set out in Note for Guidance 9C in relation to those suffering the
effects of alcohol or drugs.

C9.6. Paragraph C9.5 is not meant to prevent or delay the transfer to a
hospital if necessary of a person detained under section 76 of the Mental
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Health Act (see Note 9D). When an assessment under that Act takes place at
a police station (see paragraph C3.16), the custody officer must consider
whether an appropriate health care professional should be called to conduct
an initial clinical check on the detainee. This applies particularly when there
is likely to be any significant delay in the arrival of a suitably qualified
medical practitioner.

C9.7. If it appears to the custody officer, or he or she is told, that a person
brought to a police station under arrest may be suffering from an infectious
disease or condition, the custody officer must take reasonable steps to
safeguard the health of the detainee and others at the station. In deciding
what action to take, advice must be sought from an appropriate health care
professional (see Note C9E). The custody officer may isolate the person and
his or her property until clinical directions have been obtained.

C9.8. If a detainee requests a clinical examination, the matter must be
referred to the Forensic Medical Examiner or other appropriate health care
professional to assess the detainee’s clinical needs and to devise a safe and
appropriate care plan. The detainee may also be examined by a medical
practitioner of his or her choice at his or her expense.

C9.9. If a detainee is required to take or apply any medication in
compliance with clinical directions prescribed before his or her detention,
the custody officer must consult the Forensic Medical Examiner or other
appropriate health care professional before the use of the medication.
Subject to the restrictions in paragraph C9.10, the custody officer is
responsible for the safekeeping of any medication and for making sure the
detainee is given the opportunity to take or apply prescribed or approved
medication. Any such consultation and its outcome must be noted in the
custody record.

C9.10. No police officer may administer or supervise the self-
administration of medically prescribed controlled drugs of the types and
forms listed in Schedule [5] of the Crimes Act 2011. A detainee may only
self-administer such drugs under the personal supervision of the registered
medical practitioner authorising their use. Drugs listed in Schedule 5 to the
Crimes Act 2011 may be distributed by the custody officer for self-
administration if the officer has consulted the registered medical practitioner
authorising their use (which may be done by telephone) and both parties are
satisfied self-administration will not expose the detainee, police officers or
anyone else to the risk of harm or injury.

C9.11. When appropriate health care professionals administer drugs or
other medications, or supervise their self-administration, it must be within
current medicines legislation and the scope of practice as determined by the
relevant professional body.
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C9.12. If a detainee has in his or her possession, or claims to need,
medication relating to a heart condition, diabetes, epilepsy or a condition of
comparable potential seriousness then, even though paragraph C9.5 may not
apply, the advice of the appropriate health care professional must be
obtained.

C9.13. Whenever the appropriate health care professional is called in
accordance with this section to examine or treat a detainee, the custody
officer must ask for his or her opinion about –

(a) any risks or problems which police need to take into account
when making decisions about the detainee’s continued
detention;

(b) when to carry out an interview if applicable; and

(c) the need for safeguards.

C9.14. When clinical directions are given by the appropriate health care
professional, either orally or in writing, and the custody officer has any
doubts or is in any way uncertain about any aspect of the directions, the
officer must ask for clarification. It is particularly important that directions
concerning the frequency of visits are clear, precise and capable of being
implemented (see Note 9F).

C. Documentation
C9.15. A record must be made in the custody record of–

(a) the arrangements made for an examination by an appropriate
health care professional under paragraph C9.2 and of any
complaint reported under that paragraph, together with any
relevant remarks by the custody officer;

(b) any arrangements made in accordance with paragraph C9.5;

(c) any request for a clinical examination under paragraph C9.8
and any arrangements made in response;

(d) the injury, ailment, condition or other reason which made it
necessary to make the arrangements in (a) to (c) (see Note 9G);

(e) any clinical directions and advice, including any further
clarifications, given to the police by a health care professional
concerning the care and treatment of the detainee in connection
with any of the arrangements made in (a) to (c) (see Note 9F);
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(f) if applicable, the responses received when attempting to rouse
a person using the procedure in Annex H (see Note 9H).

C9.16. If a health care professional does not record his or her clinical
findings in the custody record, the record must show where they are
recorded (see Note 9G). However, information which is necessary to
custody staff to ensure the effective ongoing care and well being of the
detainee must be recorded openly in the custody record (see paragraph C3.8
and Annex G, paragraph 7).

C9.17. Subject to the requirements of Section C4, the custody record must
include–

(a) a record of all medication a detainee has in his or her
possession on arrival at the police station;

(b) a note of any such medication he or she claims to need but do
not have with him or her.

Notes for Guidance
9A. A ‘health care professional’ means a clinically qualified person
working within the scope of practice as determined by his or her relevant
professional body. Whether a health care professional is ‘appropriate’
depends on the circumstances of the duties he or she carry out at the time.

9B. Whenever possible, juveniles and mentally vulnerable detainees should
be visited more frequently.

9C. A detainee who appears drunk or behaves abnormally may be suffering
from illness or the effects of drugs or may have sustained injury,
particularly a head injury which is not apparent. A detainee needing or
dependent on certain drugs, including alcohol, may experience harmful
effects within a short time of being deprived of a supply. In these
circumstances, when there is any doubt, police officers should always act
urgently to call an appropriate health care professional or an ambulance.
Paragraph C9.5 does not apply to minor ailments or injuries which do not
need attention. However, all such ailments or injuries must be recorded in
the custody record and any doubt must be resolved in favour of calling the
appropriate health care professional.

9CA. Paragraph C9.3 would apply to a person remanded in police custody
by order of the Magistrates’ Court to facilitate the recovery of evidence if
the person has been charged with drug possession or drug trafficking and is
suspected of having swallowed drugs. For healthcare needs of a person who
has swallowed drugs, the custody officer, subject to any clinical directions,
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should consider the necessity for rousing the person every half hour. This
does not negate the need for regular visiting of the suspect in the cell.

9D. Whenever practicable, arrangements should be made for persons
detained for assessment under section 76 of the Mental Health Act to be
taken to a hospital or such other place as a Mental Health Professional may
direct.

9E. It is important to respect a detainee’s right to privacy, and information
about a detainee’s health must be kept confidential and only disclosed with
his or her consent or in accordance with clinical advice when it is necessary
to protect the detainee’s health or that of others who come into contact with
him or her.

9F. The custody officer should always seek to clarify directions that the
detainee requires constant observation or supervision and should ask the
appropriate health care professional to explain precisely what action needs
to be taken to implement such
directions.

9G. Paragraphs C9.15 and C9.16 do not require any information about the
cause of any injury, ailment or condition to be recorded on the custody
record if the information appears capable of providing evidence of an
offence.

9H. The purpose of recording a person’s responses when attempting to
rouse him or her using the procedure in Annex H is to enable any change in
the individual’s consciousness level to be noted and clinical treatment
arranged if appropriate.

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C10. Cautions

A. When a caution must be given
C10.1 A person whom there are grounds to suspect of an offence (see Note
10A) must be cautioned before any questions about an offence, or further
questions if the answers provide the grounds for suspicion, are put to the
person, if either the suspect’s answers or silence, (i.e. failure or refusal to
answer or answer satisfactorily) may be given in evidence to a court in a
prosecution. A person need not be cautioned if questions are for other
necessary purposes, e.g.–

(a) solely to establish his or her identity or ownership of any
vehicle;

(b) to obtain information in accordance with any relevant statutory
requirement (see paragraph C10.9);

(c) in furtherance of the proper and effective conduct of a search,
e.g. to determine the need to search in the exercise of powers to
stop and search or to seek cooperation while carrying out a
search;

(d) to seek verification of a written record as in paragraph C11.13.

C10.2. Whenever a person not under arrest is initially cautioned, or
reminded that he or she is under caution, the person must at the same time
be told that he or she is not under arrest and is free to leave if he or she
wants to (see Note 10C).

C10.3. A person who is arrested, or further arrested, must be informed at
the time, or as soon as practicable, that he or she is under arrest and the
grounds for his or her arrest (see paragraph C3.4, Note 10B and Code G,
paragraphs G2.2 and 4.3).

C10.4. As in Code G, section G3, a person who is arrested, or further
arrested, must also be cautioned unless–

(a) it is impracticable to caution by reason of his or her condition
or behaviour at the time;

(b) he or she has already been cautioned immediately prior to
arrest as in paragraph C10.1.

B. Terms of the cautions
C10.5. The caution which must be given on–

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(a) arrest;

(b) all other occasions before a person is charged or informed that
he or she may be prosecuted (see section C16),

should, be in the following terms–

“You are not obliged to say anything unless you wish to do so,
but what you say may be put into writing and given in
evidence.” (See Note 10G)

C10.7. Minor deviations from the words of any caution given in accordance
with this Code do not constitute a breach of this Code, provided the sense of
the relevant caution is preserved (see Note 10D).

C10.8. After any break in questioning under caution, the person being
questioned must be made aware that he or she remains under caution. If
there is any doubt, the caution should be given again in full when the
interview resumes (see Note 10E).

C10.9. When, despite being cautioned, a person fails to co-operate or to
answer particular questions which may affect his or her immediate
treatment, the person should be informed of any relevant consequences and
that those consequences are not affected by the caution. Examples are when
a person’s refusal to provide–

(a) his or her name and address when charged may make him or
her liable to detention;

(b) particulars and information in accordance with a statutory
requirement, e.g. under the Traffic Act 2005, may amount to an
offence or may make the person liable to a further arrest.

D. Juveniles and persons who are mentally disordered or otherwise
mentally
vulnerable
C10.12. If a juvenile or a person who is mentally disordered or otherwise
mentally vulnerable is cautioned in the absence of the appropriate adult, the
caution must be repeated in the adult’s presence.

E. Documentation
C10.13. A record must be made when a caution is given under this section,
either in the interviewer’s pocket book or in the interview record.

Notes for Guidance
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10A. There must be some reasonable, objective grounds for the suspicion,
based on facts or information relevant to the likelihood that the offence has
been committed and that the person to be questioned committed it.

10B. An arrested person must be given sufficient information to enable the
person to understand that he or she has been deprived of his or her liberty
and the reason why he or she has been arrested. For example, when a person
is arrested on suspicion of committing an offence, he or she must be
informed of the nature of the suspected offence and when and where it was
committed. The suspect must also be informed of the reason or reasons why
the arrest is considered necessary. Vague or technical language should be
avoided.

10D. If it appears that a person does not understand the caution, the person
giving it should explain it in his or her own words.

10E. It may be necessary to show to the court that nothing occurred during
an interview break or between interviews which influenced the suspect’s
recorded evidence. After a break in an interview or at the beginning of a
subsequent interview, the interviewing officer should summarise the reason
for the break and confirm this with the suspect.

10G. Nothing in this Code requires a caution to be given or repeated when
informing a person not under arrest that he or she may be prosecuted for an
offence.

C11. Interviews - general

A. Action
C11.1A. An interview is the questioning of a person regarding his or her
involvement or suspected involvement in a criminal offence or offences
which, under paragraph C10.1, must be carried out under caution. Whenever
a person is interviewed he or she must be informed of the nature of the
offence, or further offence.

C11.1. Following a decision to arrest a suspect, he or she must not be
interviewed about the relevant offence except at a police station or other
authorised place of detention, unless the consequent delay would be likely
to–

(a) lead to–

(i) interference with, or harm to, evidence connected with
an offence;

(ii) interference with, or physical harm to, other people; or
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(iii) serious loss of, or damage to, property;

(b) lead to alerting other people suspected of committing an
offence but not yet arrested for it; or

(c) hinder the recovery of property obtained in consequence of the
commission of an offence.

Interviewing in any of these circumstances must cease once the relevant risk
has been averted or the necessary questions have been put in order to
attempt to avert that risk.

C11.2. Immediately prior to the commencement or re-commencement of
any interview at a police station or other authorised place of detention, the
interviewer must remind the suspect of his or her entitlement to legal advice
and that the interview can be delayed for legal advice to be obtained, unless
one of the exceptions in paragraph 6.6 applies.

The interviewer must ensure that all reminders are recorded in the interview
record.

[C11.3. Not used]

C11.4. At the beginning of an interview the interviewer, after cautioning
the suspect (see section C10), must put to him or her any significant
statement which occurred in the presence and hearing of a police officer
before the start of the interview and which have not been put to the suspect
in the course of a previous interview (see Note 11A). The interviewer must
ask the suspect whether he or she confirms or denies that earlier statement
and if he or she wishes to add anything.

C11.4A. A significant statement is one which appears capable of being
used in evidence against the suspect, in particular a direct admission of
guilt.

C11.5. An interviewer must not try to obtain answers or elicit a statement
by the use of oppression. Except as in paragraph C10.9, an interviewer must
not indicate, except to answer a direct question, what action will be taken by
the police if the person being questioned answers questions, makes a
statement or refuses to do either. If the person asks directly what action will
be taken if he or she answer questions, make a statement or refuse to do
either, the interviewer may inform the person what action the police propose
to take, provided that action is itself proper and warranted.

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C11.6. The interview or further interview of a person about an offence with
which the person has not been charged, or for which he or she has not been
informed that he or she may be prosecuted, must cease when–

(a) the officer in charge of the investigation is satisfied all the
questions he or she considers relevant to obtaining accurate and
reliable information about the offence have been put to the
suspect (which includes allowing the suspect an opportunity to
give an innocent explanation and asking questions to test if the
explanation is accurate and reliable, e.g. to clear up ambiguities
or clarify what the suspect said);

(b) the officer in charge of the investigation has taken account of
any other available evidence; and

(c) the officer in charge of the investigation, or in the case of a
detained suspect, the custody officer (see paragraph C16.1)
reasonably believes there is sufficient evidence to provide a
realistic prospect of conviction for that offence (see Note 11B).

This paragraph does not prevent officers acting in accordance with specific
provisions of this or any other Act from inviting suspects to complete a
formal question and answer record after the interview is concluded.

B. Interview records
C11.7. An accurate record, either written or taped, must be made of each
interview, whether or not the interview takes place at a police station. The
record must state the place of interview, the time it begins and ends, any
interview breaks and, subject to paragraph C2.6A, the names of all those
present. If not recorded on tape, the record must be made on the forms
provided for this purpose or in the interviewer’s pocket book or in
accordance with the Codes of Practice E or F. Any record must be made
and completed during the interview, unless this would not be practicable or
would interfere with the conduct of the interview, and a written record must
constitute either a verbatim record of what has been said or, failing this, an
account of the interview which adequately and accurately summarises it.

C11.8. If there is no taped record and a written record is not made during
the interview, a written record must be made as soon as practicable after its
completion.

C11.9. Written interview records must be timed and signed by the maker.

C11.10. If a written record is not completed during the interview, the
reason must be recorded in the interview record.

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C11.11. Unless it is impracticable, the person interviewed must be given
the opportunity to read the interview record and to sign it as correct, or to
indicate how he or she considers it inaccurate. If the person interviewed
cannot read or refuses to read the record or sign it, the senior interviewer
present must read it to the person and ask whether he or she would like to
sign it as correct or make his or her mark or to indicate how he or she
consider it inaccurate. The interviewer must certify on the interview record
itself what has occurred (see Note 11E).

C11.12. If the appropriate adult or the person’s legal representative is
present during the interview, that person should also be given an
opportunity to read and sign the interview record or any written statement
taken down during the interview.

C11.13. A written record must be made of any comments made by a
suspect, including unsolicited comments, which are outside the context of
an interview but which might be relevant to the offence. Any such record
must be timed and signed by the maker. When practicable, the suspect must
be given the opportunity to read the record and to sign it as correct or to
indicate how he or she considers it inaccurate (see Note 11E).

C11.14. Any refusal by a person to sign an interview record when asked in
accordance with this Code must itself be recorded.

C. Juveniles and mentally disordered or otherwise mentally vulnerable
people
C11.15. A juvenile or person who is mentally disordered or otherwise
mentally vulnerable must not be interviewed regarding his or her
involvement or suspected involvement in a criminal offence or offences, or
asked to provide or sign a written statement under caution or record of
interview, in the absence of the appropriate adult unless paragraphs C11.1
and C11.18 to C11.20 apply (see Note 11C).

C11.16. A juvenile may only be interviewed at his or her place of education
in exceptional circumstances and only when the principal or his or her
nominee agrees. Every effort should be made to notify the parent or other
person responsible for the juvenile’s welfare and the appropriate adult, if
this is a different person, that the police want to interview the juvenile.
Reasonable time should be allowed to enable the appropriate adult to be
present at the interview. If awaiting the appropriate adult would cause
unreasonable delay, and unless the juvenile is suspected of an offence
against the educational establishment, the principal or his or her nominee
can act as the appropriate adult for the purposes of the interview.

C11.17. If an appropriate adult is present at an interview, he or she must be
informed that–
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(a) he or she is not expected to act simply as an observer; and

(b) the purpose of his or her presence is to–

(i) advise the person being interviewed;

(ii) observe whether the interview is being conducted
properly and fairly;

(iii) facilitate communication with the person being
interviewed.

D. Vulnerable suspects – urgent interviews at police stations
C11.18. The following persons may not be interviewed unless an officer of
Chief Inspector rank or above considers delay will lead to the consequences
in paragraph C11.1(a) to (c), and is satisfied the interview would not
significantly harm the person’s physical or mental state (see Annex G)–

(a) a juvenile or person who is mentally disordered or otherwise
mentally vulnerable if at the time of the interview the
appropriate adult is not present;

(b) anyone other than in (a) who at the time of the interview
appears unable to–

(i) appreciate the significance of questions and his or her
answers; or

(ii) understand what is happening because of the effects of
drink, drugs or any illness, ailment or condition;

(c) a person who has difficulty understanding English or has a
hearing disability, if at the time of the interview an interpreter
is not present.

C11.19. These interviews may not continue once sufficient information has
been obtained to avert the consequences in paragraph C11.1(a) to (c).

C11.20. A record must be made of the grounds for any decision to
interview a person under paragraph C11.18.

Notes for Guidance
11A. Paragraph C11.4 does not prevent the interviewer from putting
significant statements to a suspect again at a later stage or a further
interview.
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11B. The Code of Practice on the Recording, Retention and Disclosure of
Material paragraph 3.5 states “In conducting an investigation, the
investigator should pursue all reasonable lines of enquiry, whether these
point towards or away from the suspect. What is reasonable will depend on
the particular circumstances.” Interviewers should keep this in mind when
deciding what questions to ask in an interview.

11C. Although juveniles or people who are mentally disordered or
otherwise mentally vulnerable are often capable of providing reliable
evidence, they may, without knowing or wishing to do so, be particularly
prone in certain circumstances to provide information that may be
unreliable, misleading or self-incriminating. Special care should always be
taken when questioning such a person, and the appropriate adult should be
involved if there is any doubt about a person’s age, mental state or capacity.
Because of the risk of unreliable evidence it is also important to obtain
corroboration of any facts admitted whenever possible.

11D. Juveniles should not be arrested at their place of education unless this
is unavoidable. When a juvenile is arrested at his or her place of education,
the principal or his or her nominee must be informed.

11E. Significant statements described in paragraph C11.4 will always be
relevant to the offence and must be recorded. When a suspect agrees to read
records of interviews and other comments and sign them as correct, he or
she should be asked to endorse the record with, e.g. “I agree that this is a
correct record of what was said” and add his or her signature. If the suspect
does not agree with the record, the interviewer should record the details of
any disagreement and ask the suspect to read these details and sign them to
the effect that they accurately reflect his or her disagreement. Any refusal to
sign should be recorded.

C12. Interviews in police stations

A. Action
C12.1. If a police officer wishes to interview or conduct enquiries which
require the presence of a detainee, the custody officer is responsible for
deciding whether to deliver the detainee into the officer’s custody.

C12.2. Except as below, in any period of 24 hours a detainee must be
allowed a continuous period of at least 8 hours for rest, free from
questioning, travel or any interruption in connection with the investigation
concerned. This period should normally be at night or other appropriate time
which takes account of when the detainee last slept or rested. If a detainee is
arrested at a police station after going there voluntarily, the period of 24
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hours runs from the time of his or her arrest and not the time of arrival at the
police station. The period may not be interrupted or delayed, except–

(a) when there are reasonable grounds for believing not delaying
or interrupting the period would–

(i) involve a risk of harm to people or serious loss of, or
damage to, property;

(ii) delay unnecessarily the person’s release from custody;

(iii) otherwise prejudice the outcome of the investigation;

(b) at the request of the detainee or his or her appropriate adult or
legal representative;

(c) when a delay or interruption is necessary in order to–

(i) comply with the legal obligations and duties arising
under section C15;

(ii) to take action required under section 9 or in accordance
with medical advice.

If the period is interrupted in accordance with (a), a fresh period must be
allowed.
Interruptions under (b) and (c) do not require a fresh period to be allowed.

C12.3. Before a detainee is interviewed the custody officer, in consultation
with the officer in charge of the investigation and appropriate health care
professionals as necessary, must assess whether the detainee is fit enough to
be interviewed. This means determining and considering the risks to the
detainee’s physical and mental state if the interview took place, and
determining what safeguards are needed to allow the interview to take place
(see Annex G). The custody officer must not allow a detainee to be
interviewed if the custody officer considers it would cause significant harm
to the detainee’s physical or mental state. Vulnerable suspects listed at
paragraph C11.18 must be treated as always being at some risk during an
interview and these persons may not be interviewed except in accordance
with paragraphs C11.18 to C11.20.

C12.4. As far as practicable interviews must take place in interview rooms
which are adequately heated, lit and ventilated.

C12.5. A suspect whose detention without charge has been authorised
under this Act, because the detention is necessary for an interview to obtain
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evidence of the offence for which he or she has been arrested, may choose
not to answer questions, but police do not require the suspect’s consent or
agreement to interview him or her for this purpose. If a suspect takes steps
to prevent himself or herself being questioned or further questioned, e.g. by
refusing to leave his or her cell to go to a suitable interview room or by
trying to leave the interview room, the suspect must be advised that his or
her consent or agreement to interview is not required.
The suspect must be cautioned as in section C10, and informed that if he or
she fails or refuses to co-operate, the interview may take place in the cell
and that his or her failure or refusal to cooperate may be given in evidence.
The suspect must then be invited to co-operate and go into the interview
room.

C12.6. People being questioned or making statements must not be required
to stand.

C12.7. Before the interview commences, each interviewer must, subject to
paragraph C2.6A, identify himself or herself and any other persons present
to the interviewee.

C12.8. Breaks from interviewing should be made at recognised meal times
or at other times that take account of when an interviewee last had a meal.
Short refreshment breaks must be provided at approximately 2-hour
intervals, but the interviewer may delay a break if there are reasonable
grounds for believing it would–

(a) involve a–

(i) risk of harm to people;

(ii) serious loss of, or damage to, property;

(b) unnecessarily delay the detainee’s release;

(c) otherwise prejudice the outcome of the investigation.
(See Note 12B)

C12.9. If during the interview a complaint is made by or on behalf of the
interviewee concerning the provisions of this Code, the interviewer should–

(a) record it in the interview record;

(b) inform the custody officer, who must then deal with it as in
section C9.2.

B. Documentation
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C12.10. A record must be made of the–

(a) time for which a detainee is not in the custody of the custody
officer;

(b) reason for any refusal to deliver the detainee out of that
custody.

C12.11. A record must be made of–

(a) the reasons why it was not practicable to use an interview
room; and

(b) any action taken as in paragraph C12.5.

The record must be made on the custody record or in the interview record
for action taken while an interview record is being kept, with a brief
reference to this effect in the custody record.

C12.12. Any decision to delay a break in an interview must be recorded,
with reasons, in the interview record.

C12.13. All written statements made at police stations under caution must
be written on forms provided for the purpose.

C12.14. All written statements made under caution must be taken in
accordance with Annex D. Before a person makes a written statement under
caution at a police station he or she must be reminded about the right to
legal advice (see Note 12A).

Notes for Guidance
12A. It is not normally necessary to ask for a written statement if the
interview was recorded in writing and the record signed in accordance with
paragraph C11.11, or audibly or visually recorded in accordance with Code
E or F. Statements under caution should normally be taken in these
circumstances only at the person’s express wish. A person may however be
asked if he or she wishes to make such a statement.

12B. Meal breaks should normally last at least 45 minutes and shorter
breaks after 2 hours should last at least 15 minutes. If the interviewer delays
a break in accordance with paragraph C12.8 and prolongs the interview, a
longer break should be provided. If there is a short interview, and another
short interview is contemplated, the length of the break may be reduced if
there are reasonable grounds to believe this is necessary to avoid any of the
consequences in paragraph C12.8(a) to (c).

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C13. Interpreters

A. General
C13.1. The Commissioner of Police must ensure that appropriate
arrangements are in place for provision of suitably qualified interpreters for
people who–

(a) are deaf;

(b) do not understand English.

B. Foreign languages
C13.2. Unless paragraphs C11.1 and C11.18 to C11.20 apply, a person
must not be interviewed in the absence of a person capable of interpreting if


(a) the person has difficulty understanding English;

(b) the interviewer cannot speak the person’s own language;

(c) the person wishes to have an interpreter present.

C13.3. The interviewer must make sure the interpreter makes a note of the
interview at the time in the person’s language for use in the event of the
interpreter being called to give evidence, and certifies its accuracy. The
interviewer should allow sufficient time for the interpreter to note each
question and answer after each is put, given and interpreted. The person
should be allowed to read the record or have it read to him or her and sign it
as correct or indicate the respects in which he or she consider it inaccurate.
If the interview is audibly recorded or visually recorded, the arrangements
in Code E or F apply.

C13.4. In the case of a person making a statement to a police officer other
than in English or Spanish–

(a) the interpreter must record the statement in the language it is
made;

(b) the person must be invited to sign it;

(c) an official English translation must be made in due course.

C. Deaf people and people with speech difficulties
C13.5. If a person appears to be deaf or there is doubt about his or her
hearing or speaking ability, the person must not be interviewed in the
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absence of an interpreter unless he or she agree in writing to being
interviewed without one or paragraphs C11.1 and C11.18 to C11.20 apply.

C13.6. An interpreter should also be called if a juvenile is interviewed and
the parent or guardian present as the appropriate adult appears to be deaf or
there is doubt about his or her hearing or speaking ability, unless the parent
or guardian agrees in writing to the interview proceeding without an
interpreter or paragraphs C11.1 and C11.18 to C11.20 apply.

C13.7. The interviewer must make sure the interpreter is allowed to read
the interview record and to certify its accuracy in the event of the interpreter
being called to give evidence. If the interview is audibly recorded or
visually recorded, the arrangements in Code E or F apply.

D. Additional rules for detained persons
C13.8. All reasonable attempts should be made to make the detainee
understand that interpreters will be provided at public expense.

C13.9. If paragraph C6.1 applies and the detainee cannot communicate with
the legal representative because of language, hearing or speech difficulties,
an interpreter must be called. The interpreter may not be a police officer
when interpretation is needed for the purposes of obtaining legal advice. In
all other cases a police officer may only interpret if the detainee and the
appropriate adult, if applicable, agree in writing or if the interview is
audibly recorded or visually recorded as in Code E or F.

C13.10. When the custody officer cannot establish effective
communication with a person charged with an offence who appears deaf or
there is doubt about his or her ability to hear, speak or understand English,
arrangements must be made as soon as practicable for an interpreter to
explain the offence and any other information given by the custody officer.

E. Documentation
C13.11. Action taken to call an interpreter under this section and any
agreement to be interviewed in the absence of an interpreter must be
recorded.

C14. Questioning – special restrictions

[C14.1. Omitted (transit between forces)].

C14.2. If a person is in police detention at a hospital he or she may not be
questioned without the agreement of a responsible doctor (see Note 14A)

Note for Guidance
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14A. If questioning takes place at a hospital under paragraph C14.2, or on
the way to or from a hospital, the period of questioning counts towards the
total period of detention permitted.

C15. Reviews and extensions of detention

A. Persons detained under this Act
C15.1 The review officer is responsible under section 63 of this Act for
periodically determining if a person’s detention, before or after charge,
continues to be necessary. This requirement continues throughout the
detention period and except as in paragraph C15.10, the review officer must
be present at the police station holding the detainee (see Notes 15A and
C15B).

C15.2. Under section 66 of this Act an officer of Chief Inspector rank or
above may give authority at any time after the second review to extend the
maximum period for which the person may be detained without charge by
up to 12 hours. Further detention without charge may be authorised only by
the Magistrates’ Court in accordance with this Act sections [67 and 68] (see
Notes 15C, 15D and 15E).

C15.2A. Section 66(1) of this Act extends the maximum period of
detention for indictable offences from 24 hours to 36 hours. Detaining a
juvenile or mentally vulnerable person for longer than 24 hours will be
dependent on the circumstances of the case and with regard to the person’s–

(a) special vulnerability;

(b) the legal obligation to provide an opportunity for
representations to be made prior to a decision about extending
detention;

(c) the need to consult and consider the views of any appropriate
adult; and

(d) any alternatives to police custody.

C15.3. Before deciding whether to authorise continued detention the officer
responsible under paragraphs C15.1 or C15.2 must give an opportunity to
make representations about the detention to–

(a) the detainee, unless in the case of a review as in paragraph
C15.1, the detainee is asleep;

(b) the detainee’s legal representative if available at the time; and

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(c) the appropriate adult if available at the time.

C15.3A. Other people having an interest in the detainee’s welfare may also
make representations at the authorising officer’s discretion.

C15.3B. Subject to paragraph C15.10, the representations may be made
orally in person or by telephone or in writing. The authorising officer may,
however, refuse to hear oral representations from the detainee if the officer
considers the detainee unfit to make representations because of his or her
condition or behaviour (see Note 15C).

C15.3C. The decision on whether the review takes place in person or by
telephone or by video conferencing is a matter for the review officer. In
determining the form the review may take, the review officer must always
take full account of the needs of the person in custody. The benefits of
carrying out a review in person should always be considered, based on the
individual circumstances of each case with specific additional consideration
if the person is–

(a) a juvenile (and the age of the juvenile);

(b) mentally vulnerable;

(c) has been subject to medical attention for other than routine
minor ailments; or

(d) there are presentational or community issues around the
person’s detention.

C15.4. Before conducting a review or determining whether to extend the
maximum period of detention without charge, the officer responsible must
make sure the detainee is reminded of his or her entitlement to legal advice,
see paragraph C6.5, unless in the case of a review the person is asleep.

C15.5. If, after considering any representations, the officer decides to keep
the detainee in detention or extend the maximum period he or she might be
detained without charge, any comment made by the detainee must be
recorded. If applicable, the officer responsible under paragraph C15.1 or
C15.2 must be informed of the comment as soon as practicable (see also
paragraphs C11.4 and C11.13).

C15.6. An officer must not put specific questions to the detainee–

(a) regarding his or her involvement in any offence; or

(b) in respect of any comments he or she may make–
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(i) when given the opportunity to make representations; or

(ii) in response to a decision to keep him or her in detention
or extend the maximum period of detention.

Such an exchange could constitute an interview as in paragraph C11.1A and
would be subject to the associated safeguards in section C11 and, in respect
of a person who has been charged, paragraph C16.5 (see also paragraph
C11.13).

C15.7. A detainee who is asleep at a review (see paragraph C15.1) and
whose continued detention is authorised must be informed about the
decision and reason as soon as practicable after waking.

[C15.8. Not used]

B. Telephone review of detention
C15.9. Section 64 of this Act provides that the officer responsible under
section 63 for reviewing the detention of a person who has not been charged
does not need to attend the police station holding the detainee and may carry
out the review by telephone.

[C15.9A. Omitted.]

[C15.9B. Omitted.]

C15.9C. The review officer can decide at any stage that a telephone review
or review by video conferencing should be terminated and that the review
will be conducted in person. The reasons for doing so should be noted in the
custody record (see Note 15F).

C15.10. When a telephone review is carried out, an officer at the station
holding the detainee must be required by the review officer to fulfil that
officer’s obligations under section 63 of this Act or this Code by –

(a) making any record connected with the review in the detainee’s
custody record;

(b) if applicable, making a record in (a) in the presence of the
detainee; and

(c) giving the detainee information about the review.

C15.11. When a telephone review is carried out, the requirement in
paragraph C15.3 will be satisfied–
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(a) if facilities exist for the immediate transmission of written
representations to the review officer, e.g. fax or e-mail
message, by giving the detainee an opportunity to make
representations –

(i) orally by telephone; or

(ii) in writing using those facilities; and

(b) in all other cases, by giving the detainee an opportunity to
make his or her representations orally by telephone.

C. Documentation
C15.12. The custody officer must make sure that all reminders given under
paragraph C15.4 are noted in the custody record.

C15.13. The grounds for, and extent of, any delay in conducting a review
must be recorded.

C15.14. When a telephone review is carried out, a record must be made of


(a) the reason the review officer did not attend the station holding
the detainee;

(b) the place the review officer was;

(c) the method representations, oral or written, were made to the
review officer (see paragraph C15.11).

C15.15. Any written representations must be retained.

C15.16. A record must be made as soon as practicable about the outcome of
each review or determination whether to extend the maximum detention
period without charge, or an application for a warrant of further detention or
its extension. If paragraph C15.7 applies, a record must also be made of
when the person was informed and by whom. If an authorisation is given
under section 66 of this Act, the record must state the number of hours and
minutes by which the detention period is extended or further extended. If a
warrant for further detention, or extension, is granted under section 67 or
68, the record must state the detention period authorised by the warrant and
the date and time when it was granted.

Notes for Guidance
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15A. ‘Review officer’ for the purposes of section 63 and 64 of this Act,
means, in the case of a person arrested but not charged, an officer of at least
inspector rank not directly involved in the investigation and, if a person has
been arrested and charged, the custody officer.

15B. The detention of persons in police custody not subject to the statutory
review requirement in paragraph C15.1 should still be reviewed periodically
as a matter of good practice. Such reviews can be carried out by an officer
of the rank of sergeant or above. The purpose of such reviews is to check
the particular power under which a detainee is held continues to apply, any
associated conditions are complied with and to make sure appropriate action
is taken to deal with any changes. This includes the detainee’s prompt
release when the power no longer applies, or his or her transfer if the power
requires the detainee to be taken elsewhere as soon as the necessary
arrangements are made. Examples include a person–

(a) arrested on warrant because he or she failed to answer bail to
appear at court;

(b) arrested under section 126(3) of this Act for breaching a
condition of bail granted after charge;

(c) detained to prevent him or her causing a breach of the peace;

(d) detained at a police station on behalf of the Principal
Immigration Officer.

The detention of persons remanded into police detention by order of a court
under section 109 of this Act is subject to a statutory requirement to review
that detention. This is to make sure the detainee is taken back to court no
later than the end of the period authorised by the court or when the need for
his or her detention by police ceases, whichever is the sooner.

15C. In the case of a review of detention, but not an extension, the detainee
need not be woken for the review. However, if the detainee is likely to be
asleep, e.g. during a period of rest allowed as in paragraph C12.2, at the
latest time a review or authorisation to extend detention may take place, the
officer should, if the legal obligations and time constraints permit, bring
forward the procedure to allow the detainee to make representations.
A detainee not asleep during the review must be present when the grounds
for his or her continued detention are recorded and must at the same time be
informed of those grounds unless the review officer considers the person is
incapable of understanding what is said, violent or likely to become violent
or in urgent need of medical attention.

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15D. An application to the Magistrates’ Court under section 67 or 68 of this
Act for a warrant of further detention or its extension should be made
between 10am and 9pm, and if possible during normal court hours. It will
not usually be practicable to arrange for a court to sit specially outside the
hours of 10am to 9pm. If it appears a special sitting may be needed outside
normal court hours but between 10am and 9pm, the clerk to the court should
be given notice and informed of this possibility, while the court is sitting if
possible.

[15E. Omitted. (Relates to acting posts.)]

15F. The provisions of section 64 of this Act allowing telephone reviews do
not apply to reviews of detention after charge by the custody officer. If
video conferencing is not available, the officer must allow the use of a
telephone to carry out a review of detention before charge. The procedure
under section 66 must be done in person.

C16. Charging detained persons

A. Action
C16.1. When the officer in charge of the investigation reasonably believes
there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for
the offence (see paragraph C11.6), he or she must without delay, and subject
to the following qualification, inform the custody officer who will be
responsible for considering whether the detainee should be charged (see
Notes 11B and 16A). When a person is detained in respect of more than one
offence it is permissible to delay informing the custody officer until the
above conditions are satisfied in respect of all the offences (but see
paragraph C11.6). If the detainee is a juvenile, mentally disordered or
otherwise mentally vulnerable, any resulting action must be taken in the
presence of the appropriate adult if he or she is present at the time (see
Notes 16B and 16C).

C16.2. When a detainee is charged with or informed that he or she may be
prosecuted for an offence (see Note 16B), the detainee must, be cautioned as
follows–

“You are not obliged to say anything unless you wish to do so, but
what you say may be put into writing and given in evidence.”

C16.3. When a detainee is charged, he or she must be given a written notice
showing particulars of the offence and, subject to paragraph C2.6A, the
officer’s name and the case reference number. As far as possible the
particulars of the charge must be stated in simple terms, but they must also
show the precise offence in law with which the detainee is charged.
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The notice must begin – “You are charged with the offence(s) shown
below,” followed by the caution. If the detainee is a juvenile, mentally
disordered or otherwise mentally vulnerable, the notice should be given to
the appropriate adult.

C16.4. If, after a detainee has been charged with or informed that he or she
may be prosecuted for an offence, an officer wishes to tell him or her about
any written statement or interview with another person relating to such an
offence, either the detainee must be given a true copy of the written
statement or the content of the interview record must be brought to his or
her attention. Nothing must be done to invite any reply or comment except
to–

(a) caution the detainee, “You do not have to say anything, but
anything you do say may be given in evidence.”; and

(b) remind the detainee about his or her right to legal advice.

C16.4A. If the detainee–

(a) cannot read - the document may be read to him or her;

(b) is a juvenile, mentally disordered or otherwise mentally
vulnerable - the appropriate adult must also be given a copy, or
the interview record must be brought to his or her attention.

C16.5. A detainee may not be interviewed about an offence after he or she
has been charged with, or informed that he or she may be prosecuted for it,
unless the interview is necessary–

(a) to prevent or minimise harm or loss to some other person, or
the public;

(b) to clear up an ambiguity in a previous answer or statement;

(c) in the interests of justice for the detainee to have put to him or
her, and have an opportunity to comment on, information
concerning the offence which has come to light since he or she
was charged or informed that he or she may be prosecuted.

Before any such interview, the interviewer must–

(a) caution the detainee, “You do not have to say anything, but
anything you do say may be given in evidence.”;

(b) remind the detainee about his or her right to legal advice.
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(See Note 16B)

C16.6. The provisions of paragraphs C16.2 to C16.5 must be complied with
in the appropriate adult’s presence if he or she is already at the police
station. If he or she is not at the police station, these provisions must be
complied with again in his or her presence when he or she arrives unless the
detainee has been released (see Note 16C).

C16.7. When a juvenile is charged with an offence and the custody officer
authorises his or her continued detention after charge, the custody officer
must try to make arrangements for the juvenile to be taken into the care of
the Care Agency to be detained pending appearance in court, unless the
custody officer certifies that it is impracticable to do so or, in the case of a
juvenile of at least 12 years old, no secure accommodation is available and
there is a risk to the public of serious harm from that juvenile, in accordance
with section 58 of this Act (see Note 16D).

B. Documentation
C16.8. A record must be made of anything a detainee says when charged.

C16.9. Any questions put in an interview after charge and answers given
relating to the offence must be recorded in full during the interview on
forms for that purpose and the record signed by the detainee or, if he or she
refuse, by the interviewer and any third parties present. If the questions are
audibly recorded or visually recorded the arrangements in Code E or F
apply.

C16.10. If it is not practicable to make arrangements for a juvenile’s
transfer into the care of the Care Agency as in paragraph C16.7, the custody
officer must record the reasons and complete a certificate to be produced
before the court with the juvenile (see Note 16D).

Notes for Guidance
16A. The custody officer must take into account–

(a) [Omitted];

(b) reprimands and warnings applicable to persons under 18; and

(c) guidance on the cautioning of offenders, for persons aged 18
and over.

16AA. When a person is arrested under the provisions of Part 15 of this Act
(which allow a person to be re-tried after being acquitted of a serious
offence which is a qualifying offence specified in Schedule 7 to the Act and
not precluded from further prosecution by virtue of section 312(3)) the
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detention provisions of this Act are modified and make an officer of the
rank of Chief Inspector or above who has not been directly involved in the
investigation responsible for determining whether the evidence is sufficient
to charge.

[16AB. Omitted. (Relates to guidance under s.37B of PACE]

[16B. Omitted. (Relates to notices of intended prosecution]

16C. There is no power under this Act to detain a person and delay action
under paragraphs C16.2 to C16.5 solely to await the arrival of the
appropriate adult. After charge, bail cannot be refused, or release on bail
delayed, simply because an appropriate adult is not available, unless the
absence of that adult provides the custody officer with the necessary
grounds to authorise detention after charge under [section 55] of this Act.

16D. Except as in paragraph C16.7, neither a juvenile’s behaviour nor the
nature of the offence provides grounds for the custody officer to decide it is
impracticable to arrange the juvenile’s transfer to care of the Care Agency.
Similarly, the lack of Care Agency accommodation does not make it
impracticable to transfer the juvenile. The availability of secure
accommodation is only a factor in relation to a juvenile aged 12 or over
when the Care Agency accommodation would not be adequate to protect the
public from serious harm from the juvenile. The obligation to transfer a
juvenile to Care Agency accommodation applies as much to a juvenile
charged during the daytime as to a juvenile to be held overnight, subject to a
requirement to bring the juvenile before a court under section 70 of this Act.

C17. Testing persons for the presence of specified drugs

A. Action
[C17.1. Omitted]

C17.2. A sample of urine or a non-intimate sample may be taken from a
person in police detention for the purpose of ascertaining whether he or she
has any specified Class A or Class B drug in his or her body only if the
person has been brought before the custody officer and–

(a) either the arrest condition (see paragraph C17.3) or the charge
condition (see paragraph C17.4) is met;

(b) the age condition (see paragraph C17.5) is met;

(c) the notification condition is met in relation to the arrest
condition, the charge condition, or the age condition, as the
case may be; and
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(Notes: Testing on charge and/or arrest must be specifically
provided for in the notification for the power to apply).

(d) a police officer has requested the person concerned to give the
sample (the request condition).

C17.3. The arrest condition is met if the detainee–

(a) has been arrested for a trigger offence (see Note 17E) but not
charged with that offence; or

(b) has been arrested for any other offence but not charged with
that offence and a police officer of inspector rank or above,
who has reasonable grounds for suspecting that his or her
misuse of any specified Class A or Class B drug caused or
contributed to the offence, has authorised the sample to be
taken.

C17.4. The charge condition is met if the detainee–

(a) has been charged with a trigger offence; or

(b) has been charged with any other offence and a police officer of
inspector rank or above, who has reasonable grounds for
suspecting that the detainee’s misuse of any specified Class A
or Class B drug caused or contributed to the offence, has
authorised the sample to be taken.

C17.5. The age condition is met if–

(a) in the case of a detainee who has been arrested but not charged
as in paragraph C17.3, he or she is aged 18 or over;

(b) in the case of a detainee who has been charged as in paragraph
C17.4, he or she is aged 14 or over.

C17.6. Before requesting a sample from the person concerned, an officer
must–
(a) inform him or her that the purpose of taking the sample is for
drug testing under this Act;

(Note: This is to ascertain whether he or she has a specified
Class A or Class B drug present in his or her body.)

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(b) warn him or her that if, when so requested, he or she fail
without good cause to provide a sample he or she might be
liable to prosecution;

(c) where the taking of the sample has been authorised by an
inspector or above in accordance with paragraph C17.3(b) or
C17.4(b) above, inform him or her that the authorisation has
been given and the grounds for giving it;

(d) remind him or her of the following rights, which may be
exercised at any stage during the period in custody–

(i) the right to have someone informed of his or her arrest
(see section C5);

(ii) the right to consult privately with a legal representative
(see section C6); and

(iii) the right to consult these Codes of Practice (see section
C3).

C17.7. In the case of a person who has not attained the age of 18–

(a) the making of the request for a sample under paragraph
C17.2(d);

(b) the giving of the warning and the information under paragraph
C17.6; and

(c) the taking of the sample,

may not take place except in the presence of an appropriate adult (see Note
17G).

C17.8. Authorisation by an officer of the rank of inspector or above within
paragraph C17.3(b) or C17.4(b) may be given orally or in writing but, if it is
given orally, it must be confirmed in writing as soon as practicable.


C17.9. If a sample is taken from a detainee who has been arrested for an
offence but not charged with that offence as in paragraph C17.3, no further
sample may be taken during the same continuous period of detention. If
during that same period the charge condition is also met in respect of that
detainee, the sample which has been taken must be treated as being taken by
virtue of the charge condition (see paragraph C17.4) being met.

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C17.10. A detainee from whom a sample may be taken may be detained for
up to 6 hours from the time of charge if the custody officer reasonably
believes the detention is necessary to enable a sample to be taken. Where
the arrest condition is met, a detainee whom the custody officer has decided
to release on bail without charge may continue to be detained, but not
beyond 24 hours from the relevant time (as defined in section 65(2) of this
Act), to enable a sample to be taken.

C17.11. A detainee in respect of whom the arrest condition is met, but not
the charge condition (see paragraphs C17.3 and C17.4), and whose release
would be required before a sample can be taken had he or she not continued
to be detained as a result of being arrested for a further offence which does
not satisfy the arrest condition, may have a sample taken at any time within
24 hours after the arrest for the offence that satisfies the arrest condition.

B. Documentation
C17.12. The following must be recorded in the custody record –

(a) if a sample is taken following authorisation by an officer of the
rank of inspector or above, the authorisation and the grounds
for suspicion;

(b) the giving of a warning of the consequences of failure to
provide a sample;

(c) the time at which the sample was given; and

(d) the time of charge or, where the arrest condition is being relied
upon, the time of arrest and, where applicable, the fact that a
sample taken after arrest but before charge is to be treated as
being taken by virtue of the charge condition, where that is met
in the same period of continuous detention (see paragraph
C17.9).

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C. General
C17.13. A sample other than a urine sample may only be taken by a
registered medical practitioner or a registered nurse - see section 88(14) of
this Act.

C17.14. Force may not be used to take any sample for the purpose of drug
testing.

C17.15. The terms “Class A drug”, “Class B drug” and “misuse” have the
same meanings as in Part 21 of the Crimes Act 2011. The term “trigger
offence” means an offence listed in Schedule 5 to this Act.

C17.16 Any sample taken–

(a) may not be used for any purpose other than to ascertain
whether the person concerned has a specified Class A or Class
B drug present in his or her body; and

(b) must be retained until the person has made his or her first
appearance before the court.

D. Assessment of misuse of drugs
[C17.17 to 17.22 omitted.]

Notes for Guidance
17A. When warning a person who is asked to provide a urine or non-
intimate sample in accordance with paragraph C17.6(b), the following form
of words may be used–

“You do not have to provide a sample, but I must warn you that if
you fail or refuse without good cause to do so, you will commit
an offence for which you may be imprisoned, or fined, or
both”.

17B. A sample has to be sufficient and suitable. A sufficient sample is
sufficient in quantity and quality to enable drug-testing analysis to take
place. A suitable sample is one which by its nature, is suitable for a
particular form of drug analysis.

[17C. Omitted.]

17D. The retention of the sample in paragraph C17.16(b) allows for the
sample to be sent for confirmatory testing and analysis if the detainee
disputes the test. But such samples, and the information derived from him or
her, may not be subsequently used in the investigation of any offence or in
evidence against the persons from whom he or she were taken.
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17E. Trigger offences are listed in Schedule [5] of this Act.

[17F. Omitted.]

17G. “Appropriate adult” in paragraph C17.7 means the person’s–

(a) parent or guardian or, if he or she is in the care of the Care
Agency, a representative of that agency;

(b) if no person falling within (a) above is available, any
responsible person aged 18 or over who is not a police officer
or a person employed by the police.

ANNEX A - INTIMATE AND STRIP SEARCHES

I. Intimate search
1. An intimate search consists of the physical examination of a person’s
body orifices other than the mouth. The intrusive nature of such searches
means the actual and potential risks associated with intimate searches must
never be underestimated.

A. Action
2. Body orifices other than the mouth may be searched only–

(a) if authorised by an officer of inspector rank or above who has
reasonable grounds for believing that the person may have
concealed on himself or herself–

(i) anything which he or she could and might use to cause
physical injury to himself or herself or others at the
police station; or

(ii) a Class A or Class B drug,

and the officer has reasonable grounds for believing that an
intimate search is the only means of removing those items; and

(b) if the search is under paragraph 2(a)(ii) (a drug offence search),
the detainee’s appropriate consent has been given in writing.

2A. Before the search begins, a police officer must tell the detainee –

(a) that the authority to carry out the search has been given;

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(b) the grounds for giving the authorisation and for believing that
the article cannot be removed without an intimate search.

2B. Before a detainee is asked to give appropriate consent to a search under
paragraph 2(a)(ii) (a drug offence search), the detainee must be warned that
if he or she refuse without good cause the refusal may harm his or her case
if it comes to trial (see Note A6). A detainee who is not legally represented
must be reminded of his or her entitlement to have legal advice (see Code C,
paragraph C6.5) and the reminder noted in the custody record.

3. An intimate search may only be carried out by a registered medical
practitioner or registered nurse, unless an officer of at least inspector rank
considers this is not practicable and the search is to take place under
paragraph 2(a)(i), in which case a police officer may carry out the search
(see Notes A1 to A5).

3A. Any proposal for a search under paragraph 2(a)(i) to be carried out by
someone other than a registered medical practitioner or registered nurse
must only be considered as a last resort and when the authorising officer is
satisfied the risks associated with allowing the item to remain with the
detainee outweigh the risks associated with removing it (see Notes A1 to
A5).

4. An intimate search under–

(a) paragraph 2(a)(i) may take place only at a hospital, surgery,
other medical premises or police station;

(b) paragraph 2(a)(ii) may take place only at a hospital, surgery or
other medical premises and must be carried out by a registered
medical practitioner or a registered nurse.

5. An intimate search at a police station of a juvenile or mentally disordered
or otherwise mentally vulnerable person may take place only in the presence
of an appropriate adult of the same sex, unless the detainee specifically
requests a particular adult of the opposite sex who is readily available. In the
case of a juvenile the search may take place in the absence of the
appropriate adult only if the juvenile signifies in the presence of the
appropriate adult he or she do not want the adult present during the search
and the adult agrees. A record must be made of the juvenile’s decision and
signed by the appropriate adult.

6. When an intimate search under paragraph 2(a)(i) is carried out by a
police officer, the officer must be of the same sex as the detainee. A
minimum of two people, other than the detainee, must be present during the
search. Subject to paragraph 5, no person of the opposite sex who is not a
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medical practitioner or nurse must be present, nor must anyone whose
presence is unnecessary. The search must be conducted with proper regard
to the sensitivity and vulnerability of the detainee.

B. Documentation
7. In the case of an intimate search, the following must as soon as
practicable be recorded in the detainee’s custody record–

(a) for searches under paragraphs 2(a)(i) and (ii)–

(i) the authorisation to carry out the search;

(ii) the grounds for giving the authorisation;

(iii) the grounds for believing the article could not be
removed without an intimate search;

(iv) which parts of the detainee’s body were searched;

(v) who carried out the search;

(vi) who was present; and

(vii) the result.

(b) for searches under paragraph 2(a)(ii)–

(i) the giving of the warning required by paragraph 2B;

(ii) the fact that the appropriate consent was given or (as the
case may be) refused, and if refused, the reason given for
the refusal (if any).

8. If an intimate search is carried out by a police officer, the reason why it
was impracticable for a registered medical practitioner or registered nurse to
conduct it must be recorded.

II. Strip search

9. A strip search is a search involving the removal of more than outer
clothing. In this Code, outer clothing includes shoes and socks.

A. Action
10. A strip search may take place only if it is considered necessary to
remove an article which a detainee would not be allowed to keep, and the
officer reasonably considers the detainee might have concealed such an
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article. Strip searches must not be routinely carried out if there is no reason
to consider that articles are concealed.

11. When strip searches are conducted–

(a) a police officer carrying out a strip search must be the same sex
as the detainee;

(b) the search must take place in an area where the detainee cannot
be seen by anyone who does not need to be present, nor by a
member of the opposite sex except an appropriate adult who
has been specifically requested by the detainee;

(c) except in cases of urgency, where there is risk of serious harm
to the detainee or to others, whenever a strip search involves
exposure of intimate body parts, there must be at least two
people present other than the detainee, and if the search is of a
juvenile or mentally disordered or otherwise mentally
vulnerable person, one of the people must be the appropriate
adult. Except in urgent cases as above, a search of a juvenile
may take place in the absence of the appropriate adult only if
the juvenile signifies in the presence of the appropriate adult
that he or she does not want the adult to be present during the
search and the adult agrees. A record must be made of the
juvenile’s decision and signed by the appropriate adult. The
presence of more than two people, other than an appropriate
adult, must be permitted only in the most exceptional
circumstances;

(d) the search must be conducted with proper regard to the
sensitivity and vulnerability of the detainee in these
circumstances and every reasonable effort must be made to
secure the detainee’s co-operation and minimise
embarrassment. Detainees who are searched must not normally
be required to remove all his or her clothes at the same time,
e.g. a person should be allowed to remove clothing above the
waist and redress before removing further clothing;

(e) if necessary to assist the search, the detainee may be required
to hold his or her arms in the air or to stand with his or her legs
apart and bend forward so that a visual examination may be
made of the genital and anal areas provided no physical contact
is made with any body orifice;

(f) if articles are found, the detainee must be asked to hand them
over. If articles are found within any body orifice other than
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the mouth, and the detainee refuses to hand them over, their
removal would constitute an intimate search, which must be
carried out as in Part A;

(g) a strip search must be conducted as quickly as possible, and the
detainee allowed to dress as soon as the procedure is complete.

B. Documentation
12. A record must be made on the custody record of a strip search including
the reason it was considered necessary, those present and any result.

Notes for Guidance
A1. Before authorising any intimate search, the authorising officer must
make every reasonable effort to persuade the detainee to hand the article
over without a search.

If the detainee agrees, a registered medical practitioner or registered nurse
should whenever possible be asked to assess the risks involved and, if
necessary, attend to assist the detainee.

A2. If the detainee does not agree to hand the article over without a search,
the authorising officer must carefully review all the relevant factors before
authorising an intimate search. In particular, the officer must consider
whether the grounds for believing an article may be concealed are
reasonable.

A3. If authority is given for a search under paragraph 2(a)(i), a registered
medical practitioner or registered nurse must be consulted whenever
possible. The presumption should be that the search will be conducted by
the registered medical practitioner or registered nurse and the authorising
officer must make every reasonable effort to persuade the detainee to allow
the medical practitioner or nurse to conduct the search.

A4. A police officer should only be authorised to carry out a search as a last
resort and when all other approaches have failed. In these circumstances, the
authorising officer must be satisfied that the detainee might use the article
for one or more of the purposes in paragraph 2(a)(i) and that the physical
injury likely to be caused is sufficiently severe to justify authorising a police
officer to carry out the search.

A5. If an officer has any doubts whether to authorise an intimate search by
a police officer, the officer should seek advice from an officer of Chief
Inspector rank or above.

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A6. In warning a detainee who is asked to consent to an intimate drug
offence search, as in paragraph 2B, the following form of words may be
used–
“You do not have to allow yourself to be searched, but I must warn
you that if you refuse without good cause, your refusal may
harm your case if it comes to trial.”

ANNEX B - DELAY IN NOTIFYING ARREST

A. Action
1. The exercise of the rights in section C5 may be delayed if the person is in
police detention in connection with an indictable offence, has not yet been
charged with an offence and an officer of Inspector rank or above, has
reasonable grounds for believing their exercise will–

(a) lead to–

(i) interference with, or harm to, evidence connected with
an indictable offence; or

(ii) interference with, or physical harm to, other people; or

(b) lead to alerting other people suspected of having committed an
indictable offence but not yet arrested for it; or

(c) hinder the recovery of property obtained in consequence of the
commission of such an offence.

2. These rights may also be delayed if the officer has reasonable grounds to
believe that–

(a) the person detained for an indictable offence has benefited
from his or her criminal conduct;

(b) the recovery of the value of the property constituting that
benefit will be hindered by the exercise of either right.

4. If the detainee wishes to see a legal representative, access to that legal
representative may not be delayed on the grounds that he or she might
advise the detainee not to answer questions or that the legal representative
was initially asked to attend the police station by someone else. In the latter
case the detainee must be told that the legal representative has come to the
police station at another person’s request, and must be asked to sign the
custody record to signify whether he or she wants to see the legal
representative.

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6. These rights may be delayed only for as long as grounds exist and in no
case beyond 36 hours after the relevant time as in section 66 of this Act. If
the grounds cease to apply within this time, the detainee must, as soon as
practicable, be asked if he or she wants to exercise either right, the custody
record must be noted accordingly, and action taken in accordance with the
relevant section of the Code.

7. A detained person must be permitted to consult a legal representative for
a reasonable time before any court hearing.

B. Documentation
13. The grounds for action under this Annex must be recorded and the
detainee informed of them as soon as practicable.

14. Any reply given by a detainee under paragraph 6 or 11 must be
recorded and the detainee asked to endorse the record in relation to whether
he or she wants to receive legal advice at this point.

Notes for Guidance
B1. Even if this Annex applies in the case of a juvenile, or a person who is
mentally disordered or otherwise mentally vulnerable, action to inform the
appropriate adult and the person responsible for a juvenile’s welfare if that
is a different person, must nevertheless be taken as in paragraph C3.13 and
C3.15.

B2. In the case of Commonwealth citizens and foreign nationals, see Note
7A.

B3. A decision to delay access to a specific legal representative is likely to
be a rare occurrence and only made when it can be shown that the suspect is
capable of misleading that particular legal representative and there is more
than a substantial risk that the suspect will succeed in causing information to
be conveyed which will lead to one or more of the specified consequences.

ANNEX D - WRITTEN STATEMENTS UNDER CAUTION

A. Written by a person under caution
1. A person must always be invited to write down what he or she wants to
say.

2. A person who has not been charged with, or informed that he or she may
be prosecuted for, any offence to which the statement he or she wants to
write relates, must be asked to write out and sign the following before
writing what he or she wants to say–

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“I make this statement of my own free will. I understand that I
do not have to say anything. This statement may be given in
evidence.”.

3. If a person, when charged with or informed that he or she may be
prosecuted for any offence, asks to make a statement which relates to the
offence and wants to write it, the person must be asked to write out and sign
the following before writing what he or she wants to say–

“I make this statement of my own free will. I understand that I
do not have to say anything. This statement may be given in
evidence.”.

4. When a person, who has already been charged with or informed that he
or she may be prosecuted for any offence, asks to make a statement which
relates to the offence and wants to write it, the person must be asked to write
out and sign the following before writing what he or she wants to say–

“I make this statement of my own free will. I understand that I
do not have to say anything. This statement may be given in
evidence.”.

5. Any person writing his or her own statement must be allowed to do so
without any prompting except that a police officer may indicate to him or
her which matters are material or question any ambiguity in the statement.

B. Written by a police officer
6. If a person says he or she would like someone to write the statement for
him or her, a police officer must write the statement.

7. If the person has not been charged with, or informed that he or she may
be prosecuted for, any offence to which the statement he or she wants to
make relates, the person must, before starting, be asked to sign, or make his
or her mark, to the following

“I, ............................, wish to make a statement. I want
someone to write down what I say. I understand that I do not
have to say anything. This statement may be given in
evidence”.

8. If, when charged with or informed that he or she may be prosecuted for
any offence, the person asks to make a statement which relates to the
offence, the person must before starting be asked to sign, or make his or her
mark to, the following–

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“I, ............................, wish to make a statement. I want
someone to write down what I say. I understand that I do not
have to say anything. This statement may be given in
evidence.”.

9. If, having already been charged with or informed that he or she may be
prosecuted for any offence, a person asks to make a statement which relates
to any such offence, the person must before starting, be asked to sign, or
make his or her mark to–

“I, ............................, wish to make a statement. I want
someone to write down what I say. I understand that I do not
have to say anything. This statement may be given in
evidence.”.

10. The person writing the statement must take down the exact words
spoken by the person making it and must not edit or paraphrase it. Any
questions that are necessary, e.g. to make it more intelligible, and the
answers given, must be recorded at the same time on the statement form.

11. When the writing of a statement is finished the person making it must
be asked to read it and to make any corrections, alterations or additions he
or she wants. When he or she has finished reading he or she must be asked
to write and sign or make his or her mark on the following certificate at the
end of the statement–

“I have read the above statement, and I have been able to
correct, alter or add anything I wish. This statement is true. I
have made it of my own free will.”.

12. If the person making the statement cannot read, or refuses to read it, or
to write the Certificate as in paragraph 11 at the end of it or to sign it, the
person taking the statement must read it to him or her and ask him or her if
he or she would like to correct, alter or add anything and to put his or her
signature or make his or her mark at the end. The person taking the
statement must certify on the statement itself what has occurred.

ANNEX E - SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS RELATING TO
MENTALLY DISORDERED AND OTHERWISE MENTALLY
VULNERABLE PEOPLE

1. If a police officer has any suspicion, or is told in good faith, that a person
of any age may be mentally disordered or otherwise mentally vulnerable, or
mentally incapable of understanding the significance of questions or his or
her replies, the person must be treated as mentally disordered or otherwise
mentally vulnerable for the purposes of this Code (see paragraph C1.4).
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2. In the case of a person who is mentally disordered or otherwise mentally
vulnerable, ‘the appropriate adult’ means–

(a) a relative, guardian or other person responsible for his or her
care or custody;

(b) someone experienced in dealing with mentally disordered or
mentally vulnerable people but who is not a police officer or
person employed by the police;

(c) failing these, some other responsible adult aged 18 or over who
is not a police officer or person employed by the police.
(See paragraph C1.7(b) and Note 1D).

3. If the custody officer authorises the detention of a person who is
mentally vulnerable or appears to be suffering from a mental disorder, the
custody officer must as soon as practicable inform the appropriate adult of
the grounds for detention and the person’s whereabouts, and must ask the
adult to come to the police station to see the person. If the appropriate
adult–

(a) is already at the station when information is given as in
paragraphs C3.1 to 3.5 - the information must be given in his
or her presence;

(b) is not at the station when the provisions of paragraph C3.1 to
C3.5 are complied with - these provisions must be complied
with again in his or her presence once he or she arrives.
(See paragraphs C3.15 to 3.17)

4. If the appropriate adult, having been informed of the right to legal
advice, considers legal advice should be taken, the provisions of section 6
apply as if the mentally disordered or otherwise mentally vulnerable person
had requested access to legal advice (see paragraph C3.19 and Note E1).

5. The custody officer must ensure that a person receives appropriate
clinical attention as soon as reasonably practicable if the person appears to
be suffering from a mental disorder, or in urgent cases immediately call the
nearest health care professional (such as a Mental Welfare Officer, a
registered medical professional of the Forensic Medical Examiner) or an
ambulance. It is not intended that these provisions should delay the transfer
of a detainee to a place of safety under section 76 of the Mental Health Act
if that is applicable. If an assessment under that Act is to take place at a
police station, the custody officer must consider whether an appropriate
health care professional should be called to conduct an initial clinical check
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on the detainee (see paragraphs C9.5 and C9.6). (Under section 75, a “place
of safety” means a hospital, police station or any other suitable place the
occupier of which is willing temporarily to receive the patient.)

6. It is imperative that a mentally disordered or otherwise mentally
vulnerable person detained under section 76 of the Mental Health Act be
assessed as soon as possible. If the assessment is to take place at the police
station, the probation officer (or a Mental Welfare Officer) and a registered
medical practitioner must be called to the police station as soon as possible
in order to interview and examine the detainee. Once the detainee has been
interviewed and examined and suitable arrangements have been made for
his or her treatment or care, the detainee can no longer be detained under
section 76. A detainee should be immediately discharged from detention if a
registered medical practitioner, having examined him or her, concludes that
he or she is not mentally disordered within the meaning of the Act (see
paragraph C3.16).

7. If a mentally disordered or otherwise mentally vulnerable person is
cautioned in the absence of the appropriate adult, the caution must be
repeated in the appropriate adult’s presence (see paragraph C10.12).

8. A mentally disordered or otherwise mentally vulnerable person must not
be interviewed or asked to provide or sign a written statement in the absence
of the appropriate adult unless the provisions of paragraphs C11.1 or C11.18
to 11.20 apply. Questioning in these circumstances may not continue in the
absence of the appropriate adult once sufficient information to avert the risk
has been obtained. A record must be made of the grounds for any decision
to begin an interview in these circumstances. (See paragraphs C11.1,
C11.15 and C11.18 to 11.20)

9. If the appropriate adult is present at an interview, he or she must be
informed that he or she is not expected to act simply as an observer and the
purposes of his or her presence are to–

(a) advise the interviewee;

(b) observe whether or not the interview is being conducted
properly and fairly;

(c) facilitate communication with the interviewee.
(See paragraph C11.17)

10. If the detention of a mentally disordered or otherwise mentally
vulnerable person is reviewed by a review officer or a Chief Inspector, the
appropriate adult must, if available at the time, be given an opportunity to
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make representations to the officer about the need for continuing detention
(see paragraph C15.3).

11. If the custody officer charges a mentally disordered or otherwise
mentally vulnerable person with an offence or takes other appropriate action
when there is sufficient evidence for a prosecution, this must be done in the
presence of the appropriate adult.
The written notice embodying any charge must be given to the appropriate
adult (see paragraphs C16.1 to 16.4A).

12. An intimate or strip search of a mentally disordered or otherwise
mentally vulnerable person may take place only in the presence of the
appropriate adult of the same sex, unless the detainee specifically requests
the presence of a particular adult of the opposite sex. A strip search may
take place in the absence of an appropriate adult only in cases of urgency
when there is a risk of serious harm to the detainee or others (see Annex A,
paragraphs 5 and 11(c)).

13. Particular care must be taken when deciding whether to use any form of
approved restraints on a mentally disordered or otherwise mentally
vulnerable person in a locked cell (see paragraph C8.2).

Notes for Guidance
E1. The purpose of the provision at paragraph C3.19 is to protect the rights
of a mentally disordered or otherwise mentally vulnerable detained person
who does not understand the significance of what is said to him or her. If the
detained person wants to exercise the right to legal advice, the appropriate
action should be taken and not delayed until the appropriate adult arrives. A
mentally disordered or otherwise mentally vulnerable detained person
should always be given an opportunity, when an appropriate adult is called
to the police station, to consult privately with a legal representative in the
absence of the appropriate adult if he or she wants.

E2. Although people who are mentally disordered or otherwise mentally
vulnerable are often capable of providing reliable evidence, he or she may,
without knowing or wanting to do so, be particularly prone in certain
circumstances to provide information that may be unreliable, misleading or
self-incriminating. Special care should always be taken when questioning
such a person, and the appropriate adult should be involved if there is any
doubt about a person’s mental state or capacity. Because of the risk of
unreliable evidence, it is important to obtain corroboration of any facts
admitted whenever possible.

E3. Because of the risks referred to in Note E2, which the presence of the
appropriate adult is intended to minimise, officers of Chief Inspector rank or
above should exercise their discretion to authorise the commencement of an
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interview in the appropriate adult’s absence only in exceptional cases, if it is
necessary to avert an immediate risk of serious harm (see paragraphs C11.1
and 11.18 to 11.20).

ANNEX F – Omitted

ANNEX G - FITNESS TO BE INTERVIEWED

1. This Annex contains general guidance to help police officers and health
care professionals assess whether a detainee might be at risk in an interview.

2. A detainee may be at risk in an interview if it is considered that–

(a) conducting the interview could significantly harm the
detainee’s physical or mental state;

(b) anything the detainee says in the interview about his or her
involvement or suspected involvement in the offence about
which he or she is being interviewed might be considered
unreliable in subsequent court proceedings because of his or
her physical or mental state.

3. In assessing whether the detainee should be interviewed, the following
must be considered–

(a) how the detainee’s physical or mental state might affect his or
her ability to understand the nature and purpose of the
interview, to comprehend what is being asked, to appreciate the
significance of any answers given and to make rational
decisions about whether he or she wants to say anything;

(b) the extent to which the detainee’s replies may be affected by
his or her physical or mental condition rather than representing
a rational and accurate explanation of his or her involvement in
the offence;

(c) how the nature of the interview, which could include
particularly probing questions, might affect the detainee.

4. It is essential that health care professionals who are consulted consider
the functional ability of the detainee rather than simply relying on a medical
diagnosis, e.g. it is possible for a person with severe mental illness to be fit
for interview.

5. Health care professionals should advise on the need for an appropriate
adult to be present, whether reassessment of the person’s fitness for
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interview may be necessary if the interview lasts beyond a specified time,
and whether a further specialist opinion may be required.

6. When health care professionals identify risks, he or she should be asked
to quantify the risks. He or she should inform the custody officer–

(a) whether the person’s condition–

(i) is likely to improve;

(ii) will require or be amenable to treatment; and

(b) indicate how long it might take for such improvement to take
effect.

7. The role of the health care professional is to consider the risks and advise
the custody officer of the outcome of that consideration. The health care
professional’s determination and any advice or recommendations should be
made in writing and form part of the custody record.

8. Once the health care professional has provided that information, it is a
matter for the custody officer to decide whether or not to allow the
interview to go ahead, and if the interview is to proceed, to determine what
safeguards are needed. Nothing prevents safeguards being provided in
addition to those required under the Code. An example might be to have an
appropriate health care professional present during the interview, in addition
to an appropriate adult, in order constantly to monitor the person’s condition
and how it is being affected by the interview.

ANNEX H - DETAINED PERSON OBSERVATION LIST

1. If any detainee fails to meet any of the following criteria, an appropriate
health care professional or an ambulance must be called.

2. When assessing the level of rousability, consider–

Rousability – can he or she be woken?
• go into the cell
• call his or her name
• shake gently

Response to questions – can he or she give appropriate answers to questions
such as–
• What’s your name?
• Where do you live?
• Where do you think you are?
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Response to commands – can he or she respond appropriately to commands
such as–
• Open your eyes!
• Lift one arm, now the other arm!

3. Remember to take into account the possibility or presence of other
illnesses, injury, or mental condition, a person who is drowsy and smells of
alcohol may also have the following–
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• Head injury
• Drug intoxication or overdose
• Stroke

[ANNEX I & J Not Used]

ANNEX K - X-RAYS AND ULTRASOUND SCANS

A. Action
1. Section 82 of this Act allows a person who has been arrested and is in
police detention to have an X-ray taken of him or her or an ultrasound scan
to be carried out on him or her (or both) if–

(a) authorised by an officer of inspector rank or above who has
reasonable grounds for believing that the detainee–

(i) may have swallowed a Class A or Class B drug; and

(ii) was in possession of that Class A or Class B drug with
the intention of supplying it to another or to export; and

(b) the detainee’s appropriate consent has been given in writing.

2. Before an X-ray is taken or an ultrasound scan carried out, the custody
team must tell the detainee–

(a) that the authority has been given; and

(b) the grounds for giving the authorisation.

3. Before a detainee is asked to give appropriate consent to an X-ray or an
ultrasound scan, he or she must be warned that if he or she refuses without
good cause, his or her refusal may harm his or her case if it comes to trial
(see Notes K1 and K2). This warning may be given by a police officer. A
detainee who is not legally represented must be reminded of his or her
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entitlement to have legal advice (see Code C, paragraph 6.5) and the
reminder noted in the custody record.

4. An X-ray may be taken, or an ultrasound scan may be carried out, only
by a registered medical practitioner or registered nurse, and only at a
hospital, surgery or other medical premises.

B. Documentation
5. The following must be recorded as soon as practicable in the detainee’s
custody record–

(a) the authorisation to take the x-ray or carry out the ultrasound
scan (or both);

(b) the grounds for giving the authorisation;

(c) the giving of the warning required by paragraph 3; and

(d) the fact that the appropriate consent was given or (as the case
may be) refused, and if refused, the reason given for the refusal
(if any); and

(e) if an X-ray is taken or an ultrasound scan carried out−

(i) where it was taken or carried out;

(ii) who took it or carried it out;

(iii) who was present;

(iv) the result.

6. Paragraphs C1.4 to C1.7 of this Code apply and an appropriate adult
should be present when consent is sought to any procedure under this
Annex.

Notes for Guidance
K1. If authority is given for an x-ray to be taken or an ultrasound scan to be
carried out (or both), consideration should be given to asking a registered
medical practitioner or registered nurse to explain to the detainee what is
involved and to allay any concerns the detainee might have about the effect
which taking an x-ray or carrying out an ultrasound scan might have on him
or her. If appropriate consent is not given, evidence of the explanation may,
if the case comes to trial, be relevant to determining whether the detainee
had a good cause for refusing.

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K2. In warning a detainee who is asked to consent to an X-ray being taken
or an ultrasound scan being carried out (or both), as in paragraph 3, the
following form of words may be used–
“You do not have to allow an x-ray of you to be taken or an
ultrasound scan to be carried out on you, but I must warn you
that if you refuse without good cause, your refusal may harm
your case if it comes to trial.”
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CODE D

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE IDENTIFICATION
OF PERSONS BY POLICE OFFICERS

This Code is issued by the Minister under Part 29 of the Criminal Procedure
and Evidence Act 2011 and comes into force on the such date as the
Minister by Order prescribes.

This Code has effect in relation to any identification procedure carried out
on or after such date as the Minister by Order prescribes.

D1. Introduction

D1.1. This Code of Practice concerns the principal methods used by police
to identify people in connection with the investigation of offences and the
keeping of accurate and reliable criminal records.

D1.2. Identification by witnesses arises, e.g., if the offender is seen
committing the crime and a witness is given an opportunity to identify the
suspect in a video identification, identification parade or similar procedure.
The procedures are designed to–

(a) test the witness’ ability to identify the person they saw on a
previous occasion;

(b) provide safeguards against mistaken identification.

While this Code concentrates on visual identification procedures, it does not
preclude the police making use of aural identification procedures such as a
“voice identification parade”, where they judge that appropriate.

D1.3. Identification by fingerprints applies when a person’s fingerprints are
taken to–

(a) compare with fingerprints found at the scene of a crime;

(b) check and prove convictions;

(c) help to ascertain a person’s identity.

D1.3A. Identification using footwear impressions applies when a person’s
footwear impressions are taken to compare with impressions found at the
scene of a crime.

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D1.4. Identification by body samples and impressions includes taking
samples such as blood or hair to generate a DNA profile for comparison
with material obtained from the scene of a crime, or a victim.

D1.5. Taking photographs of arrested people applies to recording and
checking identity and locating and tracing persons who–

(a) are wanted for offences;

(b) fail to answer their bail.

D1.6. Another method of identification involves searching and examining
detained suspects to find, e.g., marks such as tattoos or scars which may
help establish their identity or whether they have been involved in
committing an offence.

D1.7. The provisions of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act 2011 and
this Code are designed to make sure fingerprints, samples, impressions and
photographs are taken, used and retained, and identification procedures
carried out, only when justified and necessary for preventing, detecting or
investigating crime. If these provisions are not observed, the application of
the relevant procedures in particular cases may be open to question.

D2. General

D2.1. This Code must be readily available at all police stations for
consultation by police officers, detained persons and members of the public.

D2.2. The provisions of this Code include the Annexes but do not include
the Notes for Guidance.

D2.3. Code C, paragraph C1.4, regarding a person who may be mentally
disordered or otherwise mentally vulnerable and the Notes for Guidance
applicable to that paragraph apply to this Code.

D2.4. Code C, paragraph C1.5, regarding a person who appears to be under
the age of 18 applies to this Code.

D2.5. Code C, paragraph C1.6, regarding a person who appears to be blind,
seriously visually impaired, deaf, unable to read or speak or who has
difficulty orally because of a speech impediment applies to this Code.

D2.6. In this Code–

(a) ‘appropriate adult’ means the same as in Code C, paragraph
C1.7; and
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(b) ‘legal representative’ means the same as in Code C, paragraph
C6.12,

and the Notes for Guidance applicable to those paragraphs apply to this
Code.

D2.7. References to custody officers include those performing the functions
of custody officer. (See paragraph C1.9 of Code C.)

D2.8. When a record of any action requiring the authority of an officer of a
specified rank is made under this Code, subject to paragraph D2.18, the
officer’s name and rank must be recorded.

D2.9. When this Code requires the prior authority or agreement of an
officer of a specified rank, the authority may be given by an officer who has
been authorised to perform the functions of that rank under section 693 of
this Act.

D2.10. Subject to paragraph D2.18, all records must be timed and signed by
the maker.

D2.11. Records must be made in the custody record, unless otherwise
specified. References to ‘pocket book’ include any official report book
issued to police officers.

D2.12. If any procedure in this Code requires a person’s consent, the
consent of–

(a) a mentally disordered or otherwise mentally vulnerable person
- is only valid if given in the presence of the appropriate adult;

(b) juvenile - is only valid if the consent of the juvenile’s parent or
guardian is also obtained, unless the juvenile is under 14, in
which case the parent’s or guardian’s consent is sufficient in its
own right.

D2.12A. If the only obstacle to an identification procedure in section D3 is
that a juvenile’s parent or guardian refuses consent or reasonable efforts to
obtain it have failed, the identification officer may apply the provisions of
paragraph D3.21.

D2.13. If a person is blind, seriously visually impaired or unable to read,
the custody officer or identification officer must make sure the person’s
legal representative, relative, appropriate adult or some other person likely
to take an interest in the person and not involved in the investigation is
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available to help check any documentation. When this Code requires written
consent or signing, the person assisting may be asked to sign instead, if the
detainee prefers. This paragraph does not require an appropriate adult to be
called solely to assist in checking and signing documentation for a person
who is not a juvenile, or mentally disordered or otherwise mentally
vulnerable. (See Note 2B and Code C paragraph C3.15.)

D2.14. If any procedure in this Code requires information to be given to or
sought from a suspect, it must be given or sought in the appropriate adult’s
presence if the suspect is mentally disordered, otherwise mentally
vulnerable or a juvenile. If the appropriate adult is not present when the
information is first given or sought, the procedure must be repeated in the
presence of the appropriate adult when that person arrives. If the suspect
appears to be deaf or there is doubt about his or her hearing or speaking
ability or ability to understand English or Spanish, and effective
communication cannot be established, the information must be given or
sought through an interpreter.

D2.15. Any procedure in this Code involving the participation of a suspect
who is mentally disordered, otherwise mentally vulnerable or a juvenile,
must take place in the presence of the appropriate adult. (See Code C
paragraph C1.4.)

D2.15A. Omitted.

D2.16. References to–

(a) ‘taking a photograph’, include the use of any process to
produce a single, still or moving, visual image;

(b) ‘photographing a person’, should be construed accordingly;

(c) ‘photographs’, ‘films’, ‘negatives’ and ‘copies’ include
relevant visual images recorded, stored, or reproduced through
any medium;

(d) ‘destruction’ includes the deletion of computer data relating to
such images or making access to that data impossible.

D2.17. Except as described, nothing in this Code affects the powers and
procedures–

(a) for requiring and taking samples of breath in relation to driving
offences, etc. under the Traffic Act; or

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(b) under the Immigration, Asylum and Refugee Act for taking
photographs and fingerprints from persons detained under that
Act.

D2.18. Nothing in this Code requires the identity of officers to be recorded
or disclosed–

(a) in the case of enquiries linked to the investigation of terrorism;

(b) if the officers reasonably believe recording or disclosing their
names might put them in danger.

In these cases, they must use warrant or other identification numbers.

D2.19 to 2.22 omitted. (Designated persons.)

Notes for Guidance
2A. For the purposes of paragraph D2.12, the consent required from a
parent or guardian may, for a juvenile in the care of a local authority or
voluntary organisation, be given by that authority or organisation. In the
case of a juvenile, nothing in paragraph D2.12 requires the parent, guardian
or representative of the Care Agency to be present to give consent, unless
the person is acting as the appropriate adult under paragraphs D2.14 or
D2.15. However, it is important that a parent or guardian not present is fully
informed before being asked to consent. He or she must be given the same
information about the procedure and the juvenile’s suspected involvement
in the offence as the juvenile and appropriate adult. The parent or guardian
must also be allowed to speak to the juvenile and the appropriate adult if the
parent or guardian wishes. Provided the consent is fully informed and is not
withdrawn, it may be obtained at any time before the procedure takes place.

D2B. People who are seriously visually impaired or unable to read may be
unwilling to sign police documents. The alternative, i.e. their representative
signing on their behalf, seeks to protect the interests of both police and
suspects.

[D2C. Omitted]

D2D. The purpose of paragraph D2.18(b) is to protect those involved in
serious organised crime investigations or arrests of particularly violent
suspects when there is reliable information that those arrested or their
associates may threaten or cause harm to the officers. In cases of doubt, an
officer of inspector rank or above should be consulted.

D3. Identification by witnesses

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A. Identification of a suspect by an eye-witness
D3.1. A record must be made of the suspect’s description as first given by a
potential witness. This record must–

(a) be made and kept in a form which enables details of that
description to be accurately produced from it, in a visible and
legible form, which can be given to the suspect or the suspect’s
legal representative in accordance with this Code; and

(b) unless otherwise specified, be made before the witness takes
part in any identification procedures under paragraphs D3.5 to
D3.10, D3.21 or D3.23.

A copy of the record must, where practicable, be given to the suspect or the
suspect’s legal representative before any procedures under paragraphs D3.5
to D3.10, D3.21 or D3.23 are carried out.

A. Cases when the suspect’s identity is not known
D3.2. In cases when the suspect’s identity is not known, a witness may be
taken to a particular neighbourhood or place to see whether he or she can
identify the person he or she saw. Although the number, age, sex, race,
general description and style of clothing of other people present at the
location and the way in which any identification is made cannot be
controlled, the principles applicable to the formal procedures under
paragraphs D3.5 to D3.10 must be followed as far as practicable. For
example–

(a) if it is practicable to do so, a record should be made of the
witness’ description of the suspect, as in paragraph D3.1(a),
before asking the witness to make an identification;

(b) care must be taken not to direct the witness’ attention to any
individual unless, taking into account all the circumstances,
this cannot be avoided. However, this does not prevent a
witness being asked to look carefully at the people around at
the time or to look towards a group or in a particular direction,
if this appears necessary to make sure that the witness does not
overlook a possible suspect simply because the witness is
looking in the opposite direction, and also to enable the witness
to make comparisons between any suspect and others who are
in the area;

(c) if there is more than one witness, every effort should be made
to keep them separate and witnesses should be taken to see
whether they can identify a person independently;

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(d) once there is sufficient information to justify the arrest of a
particular individual for suspected involvement in the offence,
e.g., after a witness makes a positive identification, the
provisions from paragraph D3.4 onwards apply for any other
witnesses in relation to that individual. Subject to paragraphs
D3.12 and D3.13, it is not necessary for the witness who makes
such a positive identification to take part in a further
procedure;

(e) the officer accompanying the witness must record, in his or her
pocket book, the action taken as soon as, and in as much detail,
as possible. The record should include–

(i) the date, time and place of the relevant occasion the
witness claims to have previously seen the suspect;

(ii) where any identification was made; how it was made and
the conditions at the time (e.g., the distance the witness
was from the suspect, the weather and light);

(iii) whether the witness’s attention was drawn to the suspect;
the reason for this; and anything said by the witness or
the suspect about the identification or the conduct of the
procedure.

D3.3. A witness must not be shown photographs, computerised or artist’s
composite likenesses or similar likenesses or pictures if the identity of the
suspect is known to the police and the suspect is available to take part in a
video identification, an identification parade or a group identification. If the
suspect’s identity is not known, the showing of such images to a witness to
obtain identification evidence must be done in accordance with Annex E.

B. Cases when the suspect is known and available
D3.4. If the suspect’s identity is known to the police and the suspect is
available, the identification procedures set out in paragraphs D3.5 to D3.10
may be used. References in this section to a suspect being ‘known’ mean
there is sufficient information known to the police to justify the arrest of a
particular person for suspected involvement in the offence. A suspect being
‘available’ means he or she is immediately available, or will be within a
reasonably short time, and willing to take an effective part in at least one of
the following and that it is practicable to arrange–

(a) identification parade;

(b) group identification;

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(c) video identification.

Video identification
D3.5. A ‘video identification’ is when the witness is shown moving images
of a known suspect, together with similar images of others who resemble
the suspect.

Moving images must be used unless–

(a) the suspect is known but not available (see paragraph D3.21; or

(b) in accordance with paragraph 2A of Annex A of this Code, the
identification officer does not consider that replication of a
physical feature can be achieved or that it is not possible to
conceal the location of the feature on the image of the suspect.

The identification officer may then decide to make use of video
identification but using still images.

D3.6. Video identifications, if used, must be carried out in accordance with
Annex A.

Identification parade
D3.7. An ‘identification parade’ is when the witness sees the suspect in a
line of others who resemble the suspect.

D3.8. Identification parades must be carried out in accordance with Annex
B.

Group identification
D3.9. A ‘group identification’ is when the witness sees the suspect in an
informal group of people.

D3.10. Group identifications must be carried out in accordance with Annex
C.

Arranging identification procedures
D3.11. Except for the provisions in paragraph D3.19, the arrangements for,
and conduct of, the identification procedures in paragraphs D3.5 to D3.10
and circumstances in which an identification procedure must be held are the
responsibility of an officer of Inspector rank or above who is not involved
with the investigation (‘the identification officer’).

Unless otherwise specified, the identification officer may allow another
officer to make arrangements for, and conduct, any of these identification
procedures. In delegating these procedures, the identification officer must be
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able to supervise effectively and either intervene or be contacted for advice.
No officer or any other person involved with the investigation of the case
against the suspect, beyond the extent required by these procedures, may
take any part in these procedures or act as the identification officer. This
does not prevent the identification officer from consulting the officer in
charge of the investigation to determine which procedure to use. When an
identification procedure is required, in the interest of fairness to suspects
and witnesses, it must be held as soon as practicable.

Circumstances in which an identification procedure must be held
D3.12. Whenever–

(a) a witness has identified a suspect or purported to have
identified a suspect prior to any identification procedure set out
in paragraphs D3.5 to D3.10 having been held; or

(b) there is a witness available, who expresses an ability to identify
the suspect, or there is a reasonable chance of the witness being
able to do so, and the witness has not been given an
opportunity to identify the suspect in any of the procedures set
out in paragraphs D3.5 to D3.10; and

(c) the suspect disputes being the person the witness claims to
have seen,

an identification procedure must be held unless it is not practicable or it
would serve no useful purpose in proving or disproving whether the suspect
was involved in committing the offence. For example, when it is not
disputed that the suspect is already well known to the witness who claims to
have seen the suspect commit the crime.

D3.13. Such a procedure may also be held if the officer in charge of the
investigation considers it would be useful.

Selecting an identification procedure
D3.14. If, because of paragraph D3.12, an identification procedure is to be
held, the suspect must initially be offered a video identification if such a
system is in use, unless–

(a) a video identification is not practicable; or

(b) an identification parade is both practicable and more suitable
than a video identification; or

(c) paragraph D3.16 applies.

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The identification officer and the officer in charge of the investigation must
consult each other to determine which option is to be offered. An
identification parade may not be practicable because of factors relating to
the witnesses, such as their number, state of health, availability and
travelling requirements. A video identification would normally be more
suitable if it could be arranged and completed sooner than an identification
parade.

D3.15. A suspect who refuses the identification procedure first offered must
be asked to state his or her reason for refusing and may get advice from his
or her legal representative and/or if present, the appropriate adult. The
suspect, legal representative and/or appropriate adult must be allowed to
make representations about why another procedure should be used. A record
should be made of the reasons for refusal and any representations made.
After considering any reasons given, and representations made, the
identification officer must, if appropriate, arrange for the suspect to be
offered an alternative which the officer considers suitable and practicable. If
the officer decides it is not suitable and practicable to offer an alternative
identification procedure, the reasons for that decision must be recorded.

D3.16. A group identification may initially be offered if the officer in
charge of the investigation considers it is more suitable than a video
identification or an identification parade and the identification officer
considers it practicable to arrange.

Notice to suspect
D3.17. Unless paragraph D3.20 applies, before a video identification, an
identification parade or group identification is arranged, the following must
be explained to the suspect–

(a) the purposes of the video identification, identification parade or
group identification;

(b) the suspect’s entitlement to legal advice; (See Code C,
paragraph C6.5);

(c) the procedures for holding it, including the suspect’s right to
have a legal representative friend present;

(d) that the suspect does not have to consent to or co-operate in a
video identification, identification parade or group
identification;

(e) that if the suspect does not consent to, and co-operate in, a
video identification, identification parade or group
identification, the refusal may be given in evidence in any
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subsequent trial and police may proceed covertly without the
suspect’s consent or make other arrangements to test whether a
witness can identify the suspect (see paragraph D3.21);

(f) whether, for the purposes of the video identification procedure,
images of the suspect have previously been obtained (see
paragraph D3.20), and if so, that the suspect may co-operate in
providing further, suitable images to be used instead;

(g) if appropriate, the special arrangements for juveniles;

(h) if appropriate, the special arrangements for mentally disordered
or otherwise mentally vulnerable people;

(i) that if the suspect significantly alters his or her appearance
between being offered an identification procedure and any
attempt to hold an identification procedure, this may be given
in evidence if the case comes to trial, and the identification
officer may then consider other forms of identification (see
paragraph D3.21 and Note 3C);

(j) that a moving image or photograph may be taken of the suspect
when he or she attends any identification procedure;

(k) whether, before the suspect’s identity became known, the
witness was shown photographs, a computerised or artist’s
composite likeness or similar likeness or image by the police
(see Note 3B);

(l) that if the suspect changes his or her appearance before an
identification parade, it may not be practicable to arrange one
on the day or subsequently and, because of the appearance
change, the identification officer may consider alternative
methods of identification (see Note 3C);

(m) that the suspect or his or her legal representative will be
provided with details of the description of the suspect as first
given by any witnesses who are to attend the video
identification, identification parade, group identification or
confrontation (see paragraph D3.1).

D3.18. This information must also be recorded in a written notice handed to
the suspect. The suspect must be given a reasonable opportunity to read the
notice, after which the suspect should be asked to sign a second copy to
indicate if he or she is willing to co-operate with the making of a video or
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take part in the identification parade or group identification. The signed
copy must be retained by the identification officer.

D3.19. The duties of the identification officer under paragraphs D3.17 and
D3.18 may be performed by the custody officer or other officer not involved
in the investigation if–

(a) it is proposed to release the suspect in order that an
identification procedure can be arranged and carried out and an
inspector is not available to act as the identification officer (see
paragraph D3.11) before the suspect leaves the station; or

(b) it is proposed to keep the suspect in police detention while the
procedure is arranged and carried out and waiting for an
inspector to act as the identification officer (see paragraph
D3.11) would cause unreasonable delay to the investigation.

The officer concerned must inform the identification officer of the action
taken and give that officer the signed copy of the notice (see Note 3C).

D3.20. If the identification officer and officer in charge of the investigation
suspect, on reasonable grounds, that if the suspect was given the
information and notice as in paragraphs D3.17 and D3.18, he or she would
then take steps to avoid being seen by a witness in any identification
procedure, the identification officer may arrange for images of the suspect
suitable for use in a video identification procedure to be obtained before
giving the information and notice. If the suspect’s images are obtained in
these circumstances, the suspect may, for the purposes of a video
identification procedure, co-operate in providing new images which if
suitable, would be used instead (see paragraph D3.17(f)).

C. Cases when the suspect is known but not available
D3.21. When a known suspect is not available or has ceased to be available
(see paragraph D3.4) the identification officer may make arrangements for a
video identification (see Annex A). If necessary, the identification officer
may follow the video identification procedures but using still images. Any
suitable moving or still images may be used and these may be obtained
covertly if necessary. Alternatively, the identification officer may make
arrangements for a group identification (see Note 3D). These provisions
may also be applied to a juvenile if the consent of the parent or guardian is
either refused or reasonable efforts to obtain that consent have failed (see
paragraph D2.12).

D3.22. Any covert activity should be strictly limited to that necessary to
test the ability of the witness to identify the suspect.

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D3.23. The identification officer may arrange for the suspect to be
confronted by the witness if none of the options referred to in paragraphs
D3.5 to D3.10 or D3.21 are practicable. A “confrontation” is when the
suspect is directly confronted by the witness. A confrontation does not
require the suspect’s consent. Confrontations must be carried out in
accordance with Annex D.

D3.24. Requirements for information to be given to, or sought from, a
suspect or for the suspect to be given an opportunity to view images before
they are shown to a witness, do not apply if the suspect’s lack of co-
operation prevents the necessary action.

D. Documentation
D3.25. A record must be made of the video identification, identification
parade, group identification or confrontation on forms provided for the
purpose.

D3.26. If the identification officer considers it is not practicable to hold a
video identification or identification parade requested by the suspect, the
reasons must be recorded and explained to the suspect.

D3.27. A record must be made of a person’s failure or refusal to co-operate
in a video identification, identification parade or group identification and, if
applicable, of the grounds for obtaining images in accordance with
paragraph D3.20.

E. Showing films and photographs of incidents and information released to
the media

D3.28. Nothing in this Code precludes showing films or photographs to the
public through the media, or to police officers for the purposes of
recognition and tracing suspects. However, when such material is shown to
potential witnesses, including police officers (see Note 3A) to obtain
identification evidence, it must be shown on an individual basis to avoid any
possibility of collusion, and, as far as possible, the showing must follow the
principles for video identification if the suspect is known (see Annex A) or
identification by photographs if the suspect is not known (see Annex E).

D3.29. When a broadcast or publication is made (see paragraph D3.28), a
copy of the relevant material released to the media for the purposes of
recognising or tracing the suspect must be kept. The suspect or his or her
legal representative must be allowed to view such material before any
procedures under paragraphs D3.5 to D3.10, D3.21 or D3.23 are carried out,
if it is practicable and would not unreasonably delay the investigation. Each
witness involved in the procedure must be asked, after he or she has taken
part, whether he or she has seen any broadcast or published films or
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photographs relating to the offence or any description of the suspect and the
replies must be recorded. This paragraph does not affect any other
requirement under this Act to retain material in connection with criminal
investigations (see the Code on the recording, retention and disclosure of
material obtained in a criminal investigation).

F. Destruction and retention of photographs taken or used in identification
Procedures

D3.30. Section 107 of this Act (see paragraph D5.12) provides powers to
take photographs of suspects and allows these photographs to be used or
disclosed only for purposes related to the prevention or detection of crime,
the investigation of offences or the conduct of prosecutions by, or on behalf
of, police or other law enforcement and prosecuting authorities inside and
outside Gibraltar, including seeking previous convictions histories via
Interpol, or the enforcement of a sentence. After being so used or disclosed,
they may be retained but can only be used or disclosed for the same
purposes.

D3.31. Subject to paragraph D3.33, any photographs (and all negatives and
copies), of suspects that are not taken in accordance with paragraph D5.12
and that are taken for the purposes of, or in connection with, the
identification procedures in paragraphs 3.5 to D3.10, D.21 or D3.23, must
be destroyed unless the suspect–

(a) is charged with, or informed he or she may be prosecuted for, a
recordable offence (i.e. an offence for which a sentence of
imprisonment can be imposed);

(b) is prosecuted for a recordable offence;

(c) [omitted]; or

(d) gives informed consent, in writing, for the photograph or
images to be retained for purposes described in paragraph 3.30.

D3.32. When paragraph D3.31 requires the destruction of any photograph
of a person, the person must be given an opportunity to witness the
destruction or to have a certificate confirming the destruction if the person
asks for one within 5 days of being informed that the destruction is required.

D3.33. Nothing in paragraph D3.31 affects any separate requirement under
this Act to retain material in connection with criminal investigations – see
the Code of Practice on the recording, retention and disclosure of material
obtained in a criminal investigation.

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B. Evidence of recognition by showing films, photographs and other
images

D3.34. This Part of this section applies when, for the purposes of obtaining
evidence of recognition, any person, including a police officer–

(a) views the image of an individual in a film, photograph or any
other visual medium; and

(b) is asked whether they recognise that individual as someone
who is known to them.
See Notes 3AA and 3G

D3.35. The films, photographs and other images must be shown on an
individual basis to avoid any possibility of collusion and to provide
safeguards against mistaken recognition (see Note 3G). The showing must
as far as possible follow the principles for video identification if the suspect
is known (see Annex A), or identification by photographs if the suspect is
not known (see Annex E).

D3.36. A record of the circumstances and conditions under which the
person is given an opportunity to recognise the individual must be made and
the record must include−

(a) whether the person knew or was given information concerning
the name or identity of any suspect;

(b) what the person has been told before the viewing about the
offence, the person(s) depicted in the images or the offender
and by whom;

(c) how and by whom the witness was asked to view the image or
look at the individual;

(d) whether the viewing was alone or with others and if with
others, the reason for it;

(e) the arrangements under which the person viewed the film or
saw the individual and by whom those arrangements were
made;

(f) whether the viewing of any images was arranged as part of a
mass circulation to police and the public or for selected
persons;

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(g) the date time and place images were viewed or further viewed
or the individual was seen;

(h) the times between which the images were viewed or the
individual was seen;

(i) how the viewing of images or sighting of the individual was
controlled and by whom;

(j) whether the person was familiar with the location shown in any
images or the place where they saw the individual and if so,
why;

(k) whether or not on this occasion, the person claims to recognise
any image shown, or any individual seen, as being someone
known to them, and if they do−

(i) the reason;

(ii) the words of recognition;

(iii) any expressions of doubt;

(iv) what features of the image or the individual triggered the
recognition.

D3.37. The record under paragraph 3.36 may be made by−

(a) the person who views the image or sees the individual and
makes the recognition;

(b) the officer or police staff in charge of showing the images to
the person or in charge of the conditions under which the
person sees the individual.

Notes for Guidance
3A. Except for the provisions of Annex E, paragraph 1, a police officer
who is a witness for the purposes of this part of the Code is subject to the
same principles and procedures as a civilian witness.

3B. When a witness attending an identification procedure has previously
been shown photographs, or been shown or provided with computerised or
artist’s composite likenesses, or similar likenesses or pictures, it is the
responsibility of the officer in charge of the investigation to make the
identification officer aware of this.

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3C. The purpose of paragraph D3.19 is to avoid or reduce delay in
arranging identification procedures by enabling the required information
and warnings (see sub-paragraphs D3.17(i) and D3.17(l), to be given at the
earliest opportunity.

3D. Paragraph D3.21 would apply when a known suspect deliberately
makes himself or herself ‘unavailable’ in order to delay or frustrate
arrangements for obtaining identification evidence. It also applies when a
suspect refuses or fails to take part in a video identification, an identification
parade or a group identification, or refuses or fails to take part in the only
practicable options from that list. It enables any suitable images of the
suspect, moving or still, which are available or can be obtained, to be used
in an identification procedure. Examples include images from custody and
other CCTV systems and from visually recorded interview records (see
Code F Note for Guidance 2D).

3E. When it is proposed to show photographs to a witness in accordance
with Annex E, it is the responsibility of the officer in charge of the
investigation to confirm to the officer responsible for supervising and
directing the showing, that the first description of the suspect given by that
witness has been recorded. If this description has not been recorded, the
procedure under Annex E must be postponed (see Annex E
paragraph 2).

3F. The admissibility and value of identification evidence obtained when
carrying out the procedure under paragraph D3.2 may be compromised if –

(a) before a person is identified, the witness’ attention is
specifically drawn to that person; or

(b) the suspect’s identity becomes known before the procedure.

3G. The admissibility and value of evidence of recognition obtained when
carrying out the procedures in Part B may be compromised if before the
person is recognised, the witness who has claimed to know them is given or
is made, or becomes aware of, information about the person which was not
previously known to them personally but which they have purported to rely
on to support their claim that the person is in fact known to them.

D4. Identification by fingerprints and footwear impressions

I. Taking fingerprints in connection with a criminal investigation

A. General
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D4.1. References to ‘fingerprints’ mean any record, produced by any
method, of the skin pattern and other physical characteristics or features of a
person’s fingers or palms.

B. Taking the fingerprints
D4.2. A person’s fingerprints may be taken in connection with the
investigation of an offence only with the person’s consent or without
consent if paragraph D4.3 applies. If the person is at a police station,
consent must be in writing.

D4.3. Section 86 of this Act provides powers to take fingerprints−

(a) from a person detained at a police station in consequence of
being arrested for a recordable offence (see Note 4A), if the
person has not had his or her fingerprints taken in the course of
the investigation of the offence unless those previously taken
fingerprints are not a complete set or some or all of those
fingerprints are not of sufficient quality to allow satisfactory
analysis, comparison or matching;

(b) from a person detained at a police station who has been
charged with a recordable offence (see Note 4A) or informed
he or she will be reported for such an offence if the person has
not had his or her fingerprints taken in the course of the
investigation of the offence unless those previously taken
fingerprints are not a complete set or some or all of those
fingerprints are not of sufficient quality to allow satisfactory
analysis, comparison or matching;

(c) from a person who has been bailed to appear at a court or
police station if the person–

(i) has answered to bail for a person whose fingerprints
were taken previously and there are reasonable grounds
for believing the two persons are not the same; or

(ii) who has answered to bail claims to be a different person
from a person whose fingerprints were previously taken,

and in either case, the court or an officer of inspector rank or
above, authorises the fingerprints to be taken at the court or
police station;

(d) under section 86(8), from a person who has been arrested for a
recordable offence and released if the person−

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(i) is on bail and has not had his or her fingerprints taken in
the course of the investigation of the offence; or

(ii) has had his or her fingerprints taken in the course of the
investigation of the offence, but they do not constitute a
complete set or some, or all, of the fingerprints are not of
sufficient quality to allow satisfactory analysis,
comparison or matching;

(e) under section 86(9), from a person not detained at a police
station who has been charged with a recordable offence or
informed he or she will be reported for such an offence if he or
she has not had fingerprints taken in the course of the
investigation or his or her fingerprints have been taken in the
course of the investigation of the offence, but do not constitute
a complete set or some, or all, of the fingerprints are not of
sufficient quality to allow satisfactory analysis, comparison or
matching;

(f) under section 86(10), from a person who has been−

(i) convicted of a recordable offence; or

(ii) given a caution in respect of a recordable offence which,
at the time of the caution, the person admitted,

if, since the conviction or caution the person’s fingerprints
have not been taken or fingerprints which have been taken
since then do not constitute a complete set or some, or all, of
the fingerprints are not of sufficient quality to allow
satisfactory analysis, comparison or matching, and in either
case, an officer of inspector rank or above, is satisfied that
taking the fingerprints is necessary to assist in the prevention
or detection of crime and authorises the taking;

(g) under section 86(12) from a person a police officer reasonably
suspects is committing or attempting to commit, or has
committed or attempted to commit, any offence if either−

(i) the person’s name is unknown and cannot be readily
ascertained by the officer; or

(ii) the officer has reasonable grounds for doubting whether
a name given by the person is his or her real name;

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Note: Fingerprints taken under this power are not regarded as
having been taken in the course of the investigation of an
offence. [See Note 4C]

(h) under section 86(14) from a person who has been convicted
outside Gibraltar of an offence which if committed in Gibraltar
would be a qualifying offence as defined by section 77 of this
Act (see Note 4AB) if−

(i) the person’s fingerprints have not been taken previously
under this power or their fingerprints have been so taken
on a previous occasion but they do not constitute a
complete set or some, or all, of the fingerprints are not of
sufficient quality to allow satisfactory analysis,
comparison or matching; and

(ii) a police officer of inspector rank or above is satisfied
that taking fingerprints is necessary to assist in the
prevention or detection of crime and authorises them to
be taken.

D4.4. Section 90 of and Schedule 4 to this Act provide powers to−

(a) require (in accordance with Annex G) a person to attend a
police station to have fingerprints taken in the exercise of
certain powers in paragraph D4.3 when that power applies at
the time the fingerprints would be taken in accordance with the
requirement. Those powers are−

(i) section 86(8) – Persons arrested for a recordable offence
and released (see paragraph D4.3(d)): The requirement
may not be made more than 6 months from the day the
investigating officer was informed that the fingerprints
previously taken were incomplete or below standard;

(ii) section 86(9) – Persons charged etc. with a recordable
offence, (see paragraph D4.3(e)): The requirement may
not be made more than 6 months from−

the day the person was charged or reported if fingerprints
have not been taken since then; or

the day the investigating officer was informed that the
fingerprints previously taken were incomplete or below
standard;

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(iii) section 86(10) – Person convicted or cautioned for a
recordable offence, see paragraph 4.3(f): If the offence
for which the person was convicted etc. is also a
qualifying offence (see Note 4AB), there is no time limit
for the exercise of this power. If the conviction etc. is for
a recordable offence which is not a qualifying offence,
the requirement may not be made more than 2 years
from−

the day the person was convicted or cautioned, or the day
Schedule 4 comes into force (if later), if fingerprints
have not been taken since then; or

the day an officer investigating the offence was informed
that the fingerprints previously taken were incomplete or
below standard or the day Schedule 4 comes into force
(if later);

(iv) section 86(14) – A person who has been convicted of a
qualifying offence (see Note 4AB) outside Gibraltar (see
paragraph D4.3(g): there is no time limit for making the
requirement.

Note: A person who has had fingerprints taken under any
of the powers in section 86 mentioned in paragraph D4.3
on two occasions in relation to any offence may not be
required under Schedule 4 to attend a police station for
fingerprints to be taken again under section 86 in relation
to that offence, unless authorised by an officer of
inspector rank or above. The fact of the authorisation and
the reasons for giving it must be recorded as soon as
practicable.

(b) arrest, without warrant, a person who fails to comply with the
requirement.

D4.5. A person’s fingerprints may be taken, as above, electronically.

D4.6. Reasonable force may be used, if necessary, to take a person’s
fingerprints without the person’s consent under the powers as in paragraphs
D4.3 and D4.4.

D4.7. Before any fingerprints are taken with, or without, consent as above,
the person must be informed–

(a) of the reason their fingerprints are to be taken;
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(b) of the grounds on which the relevant authority has been given
if the power mentioned in paragraph D4.3 (c) applies;

(c) that his or her fingerprints may be retained and may be subject
of a speculative search against other fingerprints (see Note
D4B), unless destruction of the fingerprints is required in
accordance with Annex F, Part (a); and

(d) that if his or her fingerprints are required to be destroyed, the
person may witness their destruction as provided for in Annex
F, Part (a).

C. Documentation
D4.8. A record must be made as soon as possible, of the reason for taking a
person’s fingerprints without consent. If force is used, a record must be
made of the circumstances and those present.

D4.9. A record must be made when a person has been informed, in
accordance with paragraph D4.7(c), of the possibility that his or her
fingerprints may be subject of a speculative search.

II. Taking fingerprints in connection with immigration enquiries

D4.10. A person’s fingerprints may be taken by police officers for the
purposes of immigration enquiries under section 8 of the Immigration,
Asylum and Refugee Act.

[D4.11 and 12. Omitted.]

D4.13. Before any fingerprints are taken, with or without consent, the
person must be informed–

(a) of the reason his or her fingerprints are to be taken;

(b) that the fingerprints, and all copies of them, will be destroyed
in accordance with Annex F, Part B.

D4.14. Reasonable force may be used, if necessary, to take a person’s
fingerprints without his or her consent under powers as in paragraph D4.10.

D4.15. Paragraphs D4.1 and D4.8 apply.

III. Taking footwear impressions in connection with a criminal
investigation

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A. Action
D4.16. Impressions of a person’s footwear may be taken in connection with
the investigation of an offence only with the person’s consent or if
paragraph D4.17 applies. If the person is at a police station, consent must be
in writing.

D4.17. Section 80 of this Act provides power for a police officer to take
footwear impressions without consent who is detained at a police station–

(a) in consequence of being arrested for a recordable offence (see
Note D4A) or if the detainee has been charged with a
recordable offence, or informed he or she will be reported for
such an offence; and

(b) the detainee has not had an impression of his or her footwear
taken in the course of the investigation of the offence unless
the previously taken impression is not complete or is not of
sufficient quality to allow satisfactory analysis, comparison or
matching (whether in the case in question or generally).

D4.18. Reasonable force may be used, if necessary, to take a footwear
impression from a detainee without consent under the power in paragraph
D4.17.

D4.19. Before any footwear impression is taken with, or without, consent
as above, the person must be informed–

(a) of the reason the impression is to be taken;

(b) that the impression may be retained and may be subject of a
speculative search against other impressions (see Note D4B),
unless destruction of the impression is required in accordance
with Annex F, Part (a); and

(c) that if the person’s footwear impressions are required to be
destroyed, the person may witness their destruction as provided
for in Annex F, Part (a).

B. Documentation
D4.20. A record must be made as soon as possible, of the reason for taking
a person’s footwear impressions without consent. If force is used, a record
must be made of the circumstances and of the persons present.

D4.21. A record must be made when a person has been informed, in
accordance with paragraph D4.19(b), of the possibility that his or her
footwear impressions may be the subject of a speculative search.
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Notes for Guidance
4A. Under section 2(1) of this Act a ‘recordable offence’ means an offence
for which a sentence of imprisonment can be imposed. It does not have the
same meaning as in the UK where regulations have been made under
section 27(4) of PACE, though the offences are broadly the same.

4AB. A qualifying offence is defined in section 77 of the Act.

4B. Fingerprints, footwear impressions or a DNA sample (and the
information derived from it) taken from a person arrested on suspicion of
being involved in a recordable offence, or charged with such an offence, or
informed he or she will be reported for such an offence, may be subject of a
speculative search. This means the fingerprints, footwear impressions or
DNA sample may be checked against other fingerprints, footwear
impressions and DNA records held by, or on behalf of, the police and other
law enforcement authorities in, or outside, Gibraltar, or held in connection
with, or as a result of, an investigation of an offence inside or outside
Gibraltar.

Fingerprints, footwear impressions and samples taken from a person
suspected of committing a recordable offence but not arrested, charged or
informed they will be reported for it, may be subject to a speculative search
only if the person consents in writing. The following is an example of a
basic form of words:

“I consent to my fingerprints, footwear impressions and DNA
sample and information derived from it being retained and used
only for purposes related to the prevention and detection of a
crime, the investigation of an offence or the conduct of a
prosecution either nationally or internationally.

I understand that my fingerprints, footwear impressions or
DNA sample may be checked against other fingerprint,
footwear impressions and DNA records held by or on behalf of
relevant law enforcement authorities, either in Gibraltar or
elsewhere.

I understand that once I have given my consent for my
fingerprints, footwear impressions or DNA sample to be
retained and used I cannot withdraw this consent.”.

(See Annex F regarding the retention and use of fingerprints and footwear
impressions taken with consent for elimination purposes.)

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4C. The power described in paragraph D4.3(g) allows fingerprints of a
suspect who has not been arrested to be taken in connection with any
offence (whether recordable or not) using a mobile device and then checked
on the street against the database containing the national fingerprint
collection. Fingerprints taken under this power cannot be retained after they
have been checked. The results may make an arrest for the suspected
offence based on the name condition unnecessary (See Code G paragraph
2.9(a)) and enable the offence to be disposed of without arrest, for example,
by summons/charging by post, penalty notice or words of advice. If arrest
for a non-recordable offence is necessary for any other reasons, this power
may also be exercised at the station. Before the power is exercised, the
officer should:
 inform the person of the nature of the suspected offence and why they are suspected of committing it.

 give them a reasonable opportunity to establish their real name before deciding that their name is unknown and cannot
be readily ascertained or that there are reasonable grounds to
doubt that a name they have given is their real name.

 as applicable, inform the person of the reason why their name is not know and cannot be readily ascertained or of the
grounds for doubting that a name they have given is their
real name, including, for example, the reason why a
particular document the person has produced to verify their
real name, is not sufficient.

D5. Examinations to establish identity and the taking of photographs

I. Detainees at police stations

A. Searching or examination of detainees at police stations
D5.1. Sections 79 and 80 of this Act allow a detainee at a police station to
be searched or examined or both, to establish–

(a) whether the detainee has any marks, features or injuries that
would tend to identify him or her as a person involved in the
commission of an offence and to photograph any identifying
marks (see paragraph D5.5); or

(b) the detainee’s identity (see NoteD5A).

A person detained at a police station to be searched under a stop and search
power (see Code A) is not a detainee for the purposes of these powers.

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D5.2. A search and/or examination to find marks under section 80(1)(a)
may be carried out without the detainee’s consent (see paragraph 2.12) only
if authorised by an officer of at least inspector rank when consent has been
withheld or it is not practicable to obtain consent (see Note 5D).

D5.3. A search or examination to establish a suspect’s identity under
section 80(1)(b) may be carried out without the detainee’s consent (see
paragraph D2.12) only if authorised by an officer of at least inspector rank
and only if the detainee has refused to identify himself or herself or the
authorising officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting the person is not
who he or she claims to be.

D5.4. Any marks that assist in establishing the detainee’s identity, or his or
her identification as a person involved in the commission of an offence, are
identifying marks. Such marks may be photographed with the detainee’s
consent (see paragraph D2.12), or without consent if it is withheld or it is
not practicable to obtain it (see Note 5D).

D5.5. A detainee may only be searched, examined and photographed under
section 79 or 80 by a police officer of the same sex.

D5.6. Any photographs of identifying marks, taken under section 80 may
be used or disclosed only for purposes related to the prevention or detection
of crime, the investigation of offences or the conduct of prosecutions by, or
on behalf of, police or other law enforcement and prosecuting authorities in
Gibraltar or elsewhere, including seeking previous convictions histories via
Interpol. After being so used or disclosed, the photograph may be retained,
but must not be used or disclosed except for these purposes (see Note 5B).

D5.7. The powers mentioned in paragraph D5.1 do not affect any other
requirement under this Act to retain material in connection with criminal
investigations – see the Code of Practice on the recording, retention and
disclosure of material obtained in a criminal investigation.

D5.8. Authority for the search and/or examination for the purposes of
paragraphs D5.2 and D5.3 may be given orally or in writing. If given orally,
the authorising officer must confirm it in writing as soon as practicable. A
separate authority is required for each purpose which applies.

D5.9. If it is established that a person is unwilling to co-operate sufficiently
to enable a search and/or examination to take place or a suitable photograph
to be taken, an officer may use reasonable force to–

(a) search and/or examine a detainee without the person’s consent;
and

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(b) photograph any identifying marks without the person’s
consent.

D5.10. The thoroughness and extent of any search or examination carried
out in accordance with the powers in section 80 of this Act must be no more
than the officer considers necessary to achieve the required purpose. Any
search or examination which involves the removal of more than the person’s
outer clothing must be conducted in accordance with Code C, Annex A,
paragraph 11.

D5.11. An intimate search may not be carried out under the powers in
section 80.

B. Photographing detainees at police stations and other persons elsewhere
than at a police station

D5.12. Under section 107 of this Act, an officer may photograph–

(a) any person while he or she is detained at a police station; and

(b) any person who is elsewhere than at a police station and who
has been–

(i) arrested by a police officer for an offence; or

(ii) taken into custody by a police officer after being arrested
for an offence by a person other than a police officer..

D5.12A. Photographs taken under section 107–

(a) may be taken with the person’s consent, or without the
person’s consent if consent is withheld or it is not practicable
to obtain the person’s consent (see Note 5E); and

(b) may be used or disclosed only for purposes related to the
prevention or detection of crime, the investigation of offences
or the conduct of prosecutions by, or on behalf of, police or
other law enforcement and prosecuting authorities in Gibraltar
or elsewhere or the enforcement of any sentence or order made
by a court when dealing with an offence. After being so used or
disclosed, they may be retained but can only be used or
disclosed for the same purposes (see Note 5B).

D5.13. The officer proposing to take a detainee’s photograph may, for this
purpose, require the person to remove any item or substance worn on, or
over, all, or any part of, the person’s head or face. If the person does not
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comply with such a requirement, the officer may remove the item or
substance.

D5.14. If it is established that the detainee is unwilling to co-operate
sufficiently to enable a suitable photograph to be taken, and it is not
reasonably practicable to take the photograph covertly, an officer may use
reasonable force (see Note 5F)–

(a) to take the person’s photograph without his or her consent; and

(b) for the purpose of taking the photograph, remove any item or
substance worn on, or over, all, or any part of, the person’s
head or face which the person has failed to remove when
asked.

D5.15. For the purposes of this Code, a photograph may be obtained
without the person’s consent by making a copy of an image of the person
taken at any time on a camera system installed anywhere in the police
station.

C. Information to be given
D5.16. When a person is searched, examined or photographed as in
paragraph D5.1 and D5.12, or a person’s photograph is obtained as in
paragraph D5.15, the person must be informed of–

(a) the purpose of the search, examination or photograph;

(b) the grounds on which the relevant authority, if applicable, has
been given; and

(c) the purposes for which the photograph may be used, disclosed
or retained.

This information must be given before the search or examination
commences or the photograph is taken, except if the photograph is–

(i) to be taken covertly;

(ii) obtained as in paragraph D5.15,

in which case the person must be informed as soon as practicable after the
photograph is taken or obtained.

D. Documentation
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D5.17. A record must be made when a detainee is searched or examined, or
a photograph of the person, or of any identifying marks found on the person,
is taken. The record must include–

(a) the identity, subject to paragraph D2.18, of the officer carrying
out the search or examination or taking the photograph;

(b) the purpose of the search, examination or photograph and the
outcome;

(c) the detainee’s consent to the search, examination or
photograph, or the reason the detainee was searched, examined
or photographed without consent;

(d) the giving of any authority as in paragraphs D5.2 and D5.3, the
grounds for giving it and the authorising officer.

D5.18. If force is used when searching, examining or taking a photograph
in accordance with this section, a record must be made of the circumstances
and of the persons present.

II. Persons at police stations not detained

D5.19. When there are reasonable grounds for suspecting the involvement
of a person in a criminal offence, but that person is at a police station
voluntarily and not detained, the provisions of paragraphs D5.1 to D5.18
should apply, subject to the modifications in the following paragraphs.

D5.20. References to the ‘person being detained’ and to the powers
mentioned in paragraph D5.1 which apply only to detainees at police
stations are to be omitted.

D5.21. Force may not be used to–

(a) search and/or examine the person to–

(i) discover whether the person has any marks that would
tend to identify him or her as a person involved in the
commission of an offence; or

(ii) establish the person’s identity (see Note 5A);

(b) take photographs of any identifying marks (see paragraph
D5.4); or

(c) take a photograph of the person.
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D5.22. Subject to paragraph D5.24, any photograph of a person or of his or
her identifying marks which are not taken in accordance with the provisions
mentioned in paragraphs D5.1 or D5.12 must be destroyed (together with
any negatives and copies) unless the person–

(a) is charged with, or informed that he or she may be prosecuted
for, a recordable offence;

(b) is prosecuted for a recordable offence;

(c) is cautioned for a recordable offence; or

(d) gives informed consent, in writing, for the photograph or image
to be retained as in paragraph D5.6.

D5.23. When paragraph D5.22 requires the destruction of any photograph
of a person, the person must be given an opportunity to witness the
destruction or to have a certificate confirming the destruction if the person
requests such a certificate within 5 days of being informed the destruction is
required.

D5.24. Nothing in paragraph D5.22 affects any other requirement under
this Act to retain material in connection with criminal investigations – see
the Code on the recording, retention and disclosure of material obtained in a
criminal investigation.

Notes for Guidance
5A. The conditions under which fingerprints may be taken to assist in
establishing a person’s identity are described in section D4.

5B. Examples of purposes related to the prevention or detection of crime,
the investigation of offences or the conduct of prosecutions include–

(a) checking the photograph against other photographs held in
records or in connection with, or as a result of, an investigation
of an offence to establish whether the person is liable to arrest
for other offences;

(b) when the person is arrested at the same time as other people, or
at a time when it is likely that other people will be arrested,
using the photograph to help establish who was arrested, at
what time and where;

(c) when the real identity of the person is not known and cannot be
readily ascertained or there are reasonable grounds for
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doubting a name and other personal details given by the person
are the real name and personal details of that person.

(Note: In these circumstances, the photograph may be used or
disclosed to help to establish or verify the person’s real identity
or determine whether the person is liable to arrest for some
other offence, e.g. by checking it against other photographs
held in records or in connection with, or as a result of, an
investigation of an offence.)

(d) when it appears that any identification procedure in section D3
may need to be arranged for which the person’s photograph
would assist;

(e) when the person’s release without charge may be required, and
if the release is–

(i) on bail to appear at a police station - using the
photograph to help verify the person’s identity when the
person answers to bail and if the person does not answer
to bail, to assist in arresting the person; or

(ii) without bail - using the photograph to help verify the
person’s identity or assist in locating the person for the
purposes of serving him or her with a summons to appear
at court in criminal proceedings;

(f) when the person has answered to bail at a police station and
there are reasonable grounds for doubting he or she is the
person who was previously granted bail, using the photograph
to help establish or verify his or her identity;

(g) when the person arrested on a warrant claims to be a different
person from the person named on the warrant and a photograph
would help to confirm or disprove the claim;

(h) when the person has been charged with, reported for, or
convicted of, a recordable offence and the person’s photograph
is not already on record as a result of (a) to (f) or the
photograph is on record but the person’s appearance has
changed since it was taken and the person has not yet been
released or brought before a court.]

5C. There is no power to arrest a person convicted of a recordable offence
solely to take his or her photograph. The power to take photographs in this
section applies only when the person is in custody as a result of the exercise
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of another power, e.g. arrest for fingerprinting under section 45(5) of this
Act.

5D. Examples of when it would not be practicable to obtain a detainee’s
consent (see paragraph D2.12) to a search or examination or the taking of a
photograph of an identifying mark include–

(a) when the person is drunk or otherwise unfit to give consent;

(b) when there are reasonable grounds to suspect that if the person
became aware that a search or examination was to take place or
an identifying mark was to be photographed, the person would
take steps to prevent this happening, e.g. by violently resisting,
covering or concealing the mark, etc. and it would not
otherwise be possible to carry out the search or examination or
to photograph any identifying mark;

(c) in the case of a juvenile, if the parent or guardian cannot be
contacted in sufficient time to allow the search or examination
to be carried out or the photograph to be taken.

D5E. Examples of when it would not be practicable to obtain the person’s
consent (see paragraph D2.12) to a photograph being taken include–

(a) when the person is drunk or otherwise unfit to give consent;

(b) when there are reasonable grounds to suspect that if the person
became aware that a photograph, suitable to be used or
disclosed for the use and disclosure described in paragraph
D5.6, was to be taken, the person would take steps to prevent it
being taken, e.g. by violently resisting, covering or distorting
his or her face, etc., and it would not otherwise be possible to
take a suitable photograph;

(c) when, in order to obtain a suitable photograph, it is necessary
to take it covertly; and

(d) in the case of a juvenile, if the parent or guardian cannot be
contacted in sufficient time to allow the photograph to be
taken.

D5F. The use of reasonable force to take the photograph of a suspect
elsewhere than at a police station must be carefully considered. In order to
obtain a suspect’s consent and co-operation to remove an item of religious
headwear to take his or her photograph, a police officer should consider
whether in the circumstances of the situation the removal of the headwear
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and the taking of the photograph should be by an officer of the same sex as
the person. It would be appropriate for these actions to be conducted out of
public view.

D6. Identification by body samples and impressions

I. General

D6.1. References to–

(a) an ‘intimate sample’ mean a dental impression or sample of
blood, semen or any other tissue fluid, urine, or pubic hair, or a
swab taken from any part of a person’s genitals or from a
person's body orifice other than the mouth;

(b) a ‘non-intimate sample’ means–

(i) a sample of hair, other than pubic hair, which includes
hair plucked with the root (see Note 6A);

(ii) a sample taken from a nail or from under a nail;

(iii) a swab taken from any part of a person’s body other than
a part from which a swab taken would be an intimate
sample;

(iv) saliva;

(v) a skin impression which means any record, other than a
fingerprint, which is a record, in any form and produced
by any method, of the skin pattern and other physical
characteristics or features of the whole, or any part of, a
person’s foot or of any other part of the person’s body.

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II. Action

A. Intimate samples
D6.2. Section 88 of this Act provides that intimate samples may be taken–

(a) from a person in police detention only–

(i) if a police officer of inspector rank or above has
reasonable grounds to believe such an impression or
sample will tend to confirm or disprove the suspect’s
involvement in a recordable offence (see Note 4A) and
gives authorisation for a sample to be taken; and

(ii) with the suspect’s written consent;

(b) from a person not in police detention but from whom 2 or more
non-intimate samples have been taken in the course of an
investigation of an offence and the samples, though suitable,
have proved insufficient, if–

(i) a police officer of inspector rank or above authorises it to
be taken; and

(ii) the person concerned gives written consent (see Notes
6B and 6C).

D6.2A. Section 88 of the Act provides powers to require the following
persons (in accordance with Annex G) to attend a police station to have an
intimate sample taken–

(a) persons from whom 2 or more non-intimate samples have been
taken and proved to be insufficient. There is no time limit for
making the requirement;

(b) persons convicted outside Gibraltar from whom 2 or more non-
intimate samples have proved insufficient. There is no time
limit for making the requirement.

D6.3. Before a suspect is asked to provide an intimate sample, he or she
must be warned that if he or she refuses without good cause, the refusal may
harm his or her case if it comes to trial (see Note 6D). If the suspect is in
police detention and not legally represented, he or she must also be
reminded of the entitlement to legal advice (see Code C, paragraph C6.5)
and the reminder must be noted in the custody record. If paragraph D6.2(b)
applies and the person is attending a police station voluntarily, the
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entitlement to legal advice as in Code C, paragraph C3.21 must be explained
to the person.

D6.4. Dental impressions may only be taken by a registered dentist. Other
intimate samples, except for samples of urine, may only be taken by a
registered medical practitioner or registered nurse or registered paramedic.

B. Non-intimate samples
D6.5. A non-intimate sample may be taken from a detainee only with the
detainee’s written consent, or if paragraph D6.6 applies.

D6.6. A non-intimate sample may be taken from a person without the
appropriate consent in the following circumstances–

(a) from a person who is in police detention as a consequence of
being arrested for a recordable offence and who has not had a
non-intimate sample of the same type and from the same part
of the body taken in the course of the investigation of the
offence by the police or has had such a sample taken but it
proved insufficient;

(b) from a person who is being held in custody by the police on the
authority of a court if an officer of at least the rank of inspector
authorises it to be taken. An authorisation may be given–

(i) if the authorising officer has reasonable grounds for
suspecting the person of involvement in a recordable
offence and for believing that the sample will tend to
confirm or disprove that involvement; and

(ii) in writing or orally and confirmed in writing, as soon as
practicable;

but an authorisation may not be given to take from the same
part of the body a further non-intimate sample consisting of a
skin impression unless the previously taken impression proved
insufficient;

(c) from a person who has been arrested for a recordable offence
and released if the person–

(i) is on bail and has not had a sample of the same type and
from the same part of the body taken in the course of the
investigation of the offence; or

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(ii) has had such a sample taken in the course of the
investigation of the offence, but it proved unsuitable or
insufficient;

(d) from a person (whether or not in police detention or held in
custody by the police on the authority of a court) who has been
charged with a recordable offence or informed he or she will be
reported for such an offence if the person–

(i) has not had a non-intimate sample taken in the course of
the investigation of the offence;

(ii) has had a sample so taken, but it proved unsuitable or
insufficient; or

(iii) has had a sample taken in the course of the investigation
of the offence and the sample has been destroyed and in
proceedings relating to that offence there is a dispute as
to whether a DNA profile relevant to the proceedings
was derived from the destroyed sample;

(e) from a person who has been–

(i) convicted of a recordable offence; or

(ii) given a caution in respect of a recordable offence which,
at the time of the caution the person admitted,

if, since the conviction or caution a non-intimate sample has
not been taken from the person or a sample which has been
taken since then has proved to be unsuitable or insufficient and
in either case, an officer of inspector rank or above is satisfied
that taking the fingerprints is necessary to assist in the
prevention or detection of crime and authorises the taking;

(f) from a person who has been convicted outside Gibraltar of an
offence which if committed in Gibraltar would be a qualifying
offence i.e. a sexual offence or offence of violence if–

(i) a non-intimate sample has not been taken previously
under this power or unless a sample was so taken but
was unsuitable or insufficient; and

(ii) a police officer of inspector rank or above is satisfied
that taking a sample is necessary to assist in the
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prevention or detection of crime and authorises it to be
taken.

D6.6A. Schedule 4 paragraph 3(8) of the Act provides powers to require a
person to attend a police station to have a non-intimate sample taken –

(a) a person arrested for a recordable offence and released; the
requirement may not be made more than 6 months from the
day the investigating officer was informed that the sample
previously taken was unsuitable or insufficient;

(b) a person charged etc. with a recordable offence; the
requirement may not be made more than 6 months from:

(i) the day the person was charged or reported if a sample
has not taken since then; or

(ii) the day the investigating officer was informed that the
sample previously taken was unsuitable or insufficient;

(c) a person convicted or cautioned for a recordable offence in
Gibraltar. If the offence for which the person was convicted or
caution is also a qualifying offence (i.e. a sexual offence or
offence of violence) there is no time limit for the exercise of
this power. If the conviction or caution was for an offence that
is not a qualifying offence, the requirement may not be made
more than 2 years from –

(i) the day the person was convicted or cautioned; or

(ii) the day the investigating officer was informed that the
sample previously taken was unsuitable or insufficient;

(d) a person who has been convicted of qualifying offence outside
Gibraltar; there is no time limit for making the requirement.

Note:
(a) A person who has had a non-intimate sample taken under any
of the powers in section 89 on 2 occasions in relation to any
offence may not be required to attend a police station for a
sample to be taken again under that section in relation to that
offence, unless authorised by an officer of inspector rank or
above. The fact of the authorisation and the reasons for giving
it must be recorded as soon as practicable.

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(b) A police officer may arrest, without warrant, a person who fails
to comply with the requirement.

(Note: Schedule 4 to this Act describes the circumstances in which a police
officer may require a person convicted of a recordable offence to attend a
police station for a non-intimate sample to be taken.)

D6.7. Reasonable force may be used, if necessary, to take a non-intimate
sample from a person without the person’s consent under the powers
mentioned in paragraph D6.6.

D6.8. Before any non-intimate sample is taken–

(a) without consent under any power mentioned in paragraphs
D6.6 and D6.6A, the person must be informed of−

(i) the reason for taking the sample;

(ii) the power under which the sample is to be taken;

(iii) the fact that the relevant authority has been given;

(b) with or without consent at a police station or elsewhere, the
person must be informed–

(i) that the sample or information derived from it may be
subject of a speculative search against other samples and
information derived from them; and

(ii) that the sample and the information derived from it may
be retained in accordance with Annex F, Part (a).

D6.9. When clothing needs to be removed in circumstances likely to cause
embarrassment to the person, no person of the opposite sex who is not a
registered medical practitioner or registered health care professional may be
present (unless, in the case of a juvenile, mentally disordered or mentally
vulnerable person, that person specifically requests the presence of an
appropriate adult of the opposite sex who is readily available) nor may
anyone whose presence is unnecessary be present.

However, in the case of a juvenile, this is subject to the overriding proviso
that such a removal of clothing may take place in the absence of the
appropriate adult only if the juvenile signifies, in the presence of the adult,
that the juvenile prefers the adult’s absence, and the adult agrees.

C. Documentation
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D6.10 A record must be made as soon as practicable after the sample is
taken of–

(a) the matters in paragraph D6.8(a)(i) to (iii) and the fact that the
person has been informed of those matters; and

(b) the fact that the person has been informed of the matters in
paragraph D6.8(b)(i) and (ii).

D6.10A If force is used, a record must be made of the circumstances and
those present.

D6.11 A record must be made of a warning given as required by paragraph
D6.3.

Notes for Guidance
6A. When hair samples are taken for the purpose of DNA analysis (rather
than for other purposes such as making a visual match), the suspect should
be permitted a reasonable choice as to what part of the body the hairs are
taken from. When hairs are plucked, they should be plucked individually,
unless the suspect prefers otherwise, and no more should be plucked than
the person taking them reasonably considers necessary for a sufficient
sample.

6B.
(a) An insufficient sample is one which is not sufficient either in
quantity or quality to provide information for a particular form
of analysis, such as DNA analysis. A sample may also be
insufficient if enough information cannot be obtained from it
by analysis because of loss, destruction, damage or
contamination of the sample or as a result of an earlier,
unsuccessful attempt at analysis.

(b) An unsuitable sample is one which, by its nature, is not suitable
for a particular form of analysis.

6C. Nothing in paragraph D6.2 prevents intimate samples being taken for
elimination purposes with the consent of the person concerned, but the
provisions of paragraph D2.12 relating to the role of the appropriate adult
should be applied.

6D. In warning a person who is asked to provide an intimate sample as in
paragraph D6.3, the following form of words may be used–

“You do not have to provide this sample/allow this swab or
impression to be taken, but I must warn you that if you refuse
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without good cause, your refusal may harm your case if it
comes to trial.”

6E. Fingerprints or a DNA sample and the information derived from it
taken from a person arrested on suspicion of being involved in a recordable
offence, or charged with such an offence, or informed that he or she will be
reported for such an offence, may be subject of a speculative search. This
means they may be checked against other fingerprints and DNA records
held by, or on behalf of, the police and other law enforcement authorities in
Gibraltar or elsewhere, or held in connection with, or as a result of, an
investigation of an offence in Gibraltar or elsewhere. Fingerprints and
samples taken from any other person, e.g. a person who is suspected of
committing a recordable offence but who has not been arrested, charged or
informed that he or she will be reported for it, may be subject to a
speculative search only if the person consents in writing to his or her
fingerprints being subject of such a search. The following is an example of a
basic form of words–

“I consent to my fingerprints/DNA sample and information
derived from it being retained and used only for purposes
related to the prevention and detection of a crime, the
investigation of an offence or the conduct of a prosecution
either in Gibraltar or elsewhere.

I understand that this sample may be checked against other
fingerprint/DNA records held by or on behalf of relevant law
enforcement authorities, either in Gibraltar or elsewhere.

I understand that once I have given my consent for the sample
to be retained and used I cannot withdraw this consent.”

(See Annex F regarding the retention and use of fingerprints and samples
taken with consent for elimination purposes.)

6F. Samples of urine and non-intimate samples taken in accordance with
sections [88 and 89] of this Act may not be used for identification purposes
in accordance with this Code (see Code C Note 17D).

ANNEX A - VIDEO IDENTIFICATION

A. General
1. The arrangements for obtaining and ensuring the availability of a suitable
set of images to be used in a video identification must be the responsibility
of an identification officer, who has no direct involvement with the case.

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2. The set of images must include the suspect and at least eight other people
who, so far as possible, resemble the suspect in age, general appearance and
position in life. Only one suspect may appear in any set unless there are 2
suspects of roughly similar appearance, in which case they may be shown
together with at least 12 other people.

2A. If the suspect has an unusual physical feature, e.g., a facial scar, tattoo
or distinctive hairstyle or hair colour which does not appear on the images
of the other people that are available to be used, steps may be taken to–

(a) conceal the location of the feature on the images of the suspect
and the other people; or

(b) replicate that feature on the images of the other people.

For these purposes, the feature may be concealed or replicated electronically
or by any other method which it is practicable to use to ensure that the
images of the suspect and other people resemble each other. The
identification officer has discretion to choose whether to conceal or replicate
the feature and the method to be used. If an unusual physical feature has
been described by the witness, the identification officer should, if
practicable, have that feature replicated. If it has not been described,
concealment may be more appropriate.

2B. If the identification officer decides that a feature should be concealed
or replicated, the reason for the decision and whether the feature was
concealed or replicated in the images shown to any witness must be
recorded.

2C. If the witness requests to view an image in which an unusual physical
feature has been concealed or replicated without the feature being concealed
or replicated, the witness may be allowed to do so.

3. The images used to conduct a video identification must, as far as
possible, show the suspect and other people in the same positions or
carrying out the same sequence of movements. They must also show the
suspect and other people under identical conditions unless the identification
officer reasonably believes–

(a) because of the suspect’s failure or refusal to co-operate or other
reasons, it is not practicable for the conditions to be identical;
and

(b) any difference in the conditions would not direct a witness’
attention to any individual image.

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4. The reasons that identical conditions are not practicable must be recorded
on forms provided for the purpose.

5. Provision must be made for each person shown in a photograph to be
identified by number.

6. If police officers are shown, any numerals or other identifying badges
must be concealed. If a prison inmate is shown, either as a suspect or not,
then either all, or none of, the people shown should be in prison clothing.

7. The suspect or his or her legal representative, friend, or appropriate adult
must be given a reasonable opportunity to see the complete set of images
before it is shown to any witness. If the suspect has a reasonable objection
to the set of images or any of the participants, the suspect must be asked to
state the reasons for the objection. Steps must, if practicable, be taken to
remove the grounds for objection. If this is not practicable, the suspect
and/or his or her representative must be told why the objections cannot be
met, and the objection, the reason given for it and why it cannot be met
must be recorded on forms provided for the purpose.

8. Before the images are shown in accordance with paragraph 7, the suspect
or his or her legal representative must be provided with details of the first
description of the suspect by any witnesses who are to attend the video
identification. When a broadcast or publication is made, as in paragraph
D3.28, the suspect or his or her legal representative must also be allowed to
view any material released to the media by the police for the purpose of
recognising or tracing the suspect, provided it is practicable and would not
unreasonably delay the investigation.

9. The suspect’s legal representative must, if practicable, be given
reasonable notification of the time and place that the video identification is
to be conducted so that a representative may attend on behalf of the suspect.
If a legal representative has not been instructed, this information must be
given to the suspect. The suspect may not be present when the images are
shown to a witness. In the absence of the suspect’s representative, the
viewing itself must be recorded on video. No unauthorised people may be
present.

B. Conducting the video identification
10. The identification officer is responsible for making the appropriate
arrangements to make sure that, before they see the set of images, witnesses
are not able to communicate with each other about the case, see any of the
images which are to be shown, see, or be reminded of, any photograph or
description of the suspect or be given any other indication as to the suspect's
identity, or overhear a witness who has already seen the material. There
must be no discussion with the witness about the composition of the set of
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images and a witness must not be told whether a previous witness has made
any identification.

11. Only one witness may see the set of images at a time. Immediately
before the images are shown, the witness must be told that the person he or
she saw on a specified earlier occasion may, or may not, appear in the
images the witness is shown and that if the witness cannot make a positive
identification, he or she should say so. The witness must be advised that at
any point, he or she may ask to see a particular part of the set of images or
to have a particular image frozen for study. Furthermore, it should be
pointed out to the witness that there is no limit on how many times he or she
can view the whole set of images or any part of them. However, the witness
should be asked not to make any decision as to whether the person he or she
saw is on the set of images until he or she has seen the whole set at least
twice.

12. Once the witness has seen the whole set of images at least twice and has
indicated that he or she does not want to view the images, or any part of
them, again, the witness must be asked to say whether the individual he or
she saw in person on a specified earlier occasion has been shown and, if so,
to identify the individual by number of the image. The witness will then be
shown that image to confirm the identification.

13. Care must be taken not to direct the witness’ attention to any one
individual image or to give any indication of the suspect’s identity. If a
witness has previously made an identification by photographs, or a
computerised or artist’s composite or similar likeness, the witness must not
be reminded of such a photograph or composite likeness once a suspect is
available for identification by other means in accordance with this Code.
Nor must the witness be reminded of any description of the suspect.

14. After the procedure, each witness must be asked whether he or she has
seen any broadcast or published films or photographs, or any descriptions of
suspects relating to the offence and the reply must be recorded.

C. Image security and destruction
15. Arrangements must be made for all relevant material containing sets of
images used for specific identification procedures to be kept securely and
their movements accounted for. In particular, to the extent practicable, no-
one involved in the investigation should be permitted to view the material
prior to it being shown to any witness.

16. As appropriate, paragraph D3.30 or D 3.31 applies to the destruction or
retention of relevant sets of images.

D. Documentation
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17. A record must be made of all those participating in, or seeing, the set of
images whose names are known to the police.

18. A record of the conduct of the video identification must be made on
forms provided for the purpose. This includes anything said by the witness
about any identifications or the conduct of the procedure and any reasons it
was not practicable to comply with any of the provisions of this Code
governing the conduct of video identifications.

ANNEX B - IDENTIFICATION PARADES

A. General
1. A suspect must be given a reasonable opportunity to have a legal
representative or friend present, and must be asked to indicate on a second
copy of the notice whether or not he or she wishes to have one present.

2. An identification parade may take place either in a normal room or one
equipped with a screen permitting witnesses to see members of the
identification parade without being seen. The procedures for the
composition and conduct of the identification parade are the same in both
cases, subject to paragraph 8 (except that an identification parade involving
a screen may take place only when the suspect’s legal representative, friend
or appropriate adult is present or the identification parade is recorded on
video).

3. Before the identification parade takes place, the suspect or his or her
legal representative must be provided with details of the first description of
the suspect by any witnesses who are attending the identification parade.
When a broadcast or publication is made as in paragraph D3.28, the suspect
or his or her legal representative should also be allowed to view any
material released to the media by the police for the purpose of recognising
or tracing the suspect, provided it is practicable to do so and would not
unreasonably delay the investigation.

B. Identification parades involving prison inmates
4. If a prison inmate is required for identification, and there are no security
problems about the person leaving the establishment, he or she may be
asked to participate in an identification parade or video identification.

5. An identification parade may be held at the prison but must be
conducted, as far as practicable, under normal identification parade rules.
Members of the public should comprise the identification parade unless
there are serious security or control objections to their admission to the
prison. In such cases, or if a group or video identification is arranged within
the prison, other inmates may participate. If an inmate is the suspect, he or
she is not required to wear prison clothing for the identification parade
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unless the other people taking part are other inmates in similar clothing, or
are members of the public who are prepared to wear prison clothing for the
occasion.

C. Conduct of the identification parade
6. Immediately before the identification parade, the suspect must be
reminded of the procedures governing its conduct and cautioned in the
terms of Code C, paragraph C10.5.

7. All unauthorised people must be excluded from the place where the
identification parade is held.

8. Once the identification parade has been formed, everything that takes
place subsequently in respect of it must be in the presence and hearing of
the suspect and any interpreter, legal representative, friend or appropriate
adult who is present (unless the identification parade involves a screen, in
which case everything said to, or by, any witness at the place where the
identification parade is held, must be said in the hearing and presence of the
suspect’s legal representative, friend or appropriate adult or be recorded on
video).

9. The identification parade must consist of at least 8 people (in addition to
the suspect) who, as far as possible, resemble the suspect in age, height,
general appearance and position in life. Only one suspect is to be included
in an identification parade, unless there are 2 suspects of roughly similar
appearance, in which case they may be paraded together with at least 12
other people. In no circumstances should more than 2 suspects be included
in one identification parade and where there are separate identification
parades, they must be made up of different people.

10. If the suspect has an unusual physical feature, e.g., a facial scar, tattoo
or distinctive hairstyle or hair colour which cannot be replicated on other
members of the identification parade, steps may be taken to conceal the
location of that feature on the suspect and the other members of the
identification parade if the suspect and his or her legal representative, or
appropriate adult, agree. For example, by use of a plaster or a hat, so that all
members of the identification parade resemble each other in general
appearance.

11. When all members of a similar group are possible suspects, separate
identification parades must be held for each unless there are 2 suspects of
similar appearance, in which case they may appear on the same
identification parade with at least 12 other members of the group who are
not suspects. When police officers in uniform form an identification parade,
any numerals or other identifying badges must be concealed.

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12. When the suspect is brought to the place where the identification parade
is to be held, he or she must be asked if he or she has any objection to the
arrangements for the identification parade or to any of the other participants
in it and to state the reasons for the objection. The suspect may obtain
advice from his or her legal representative or friend, if present, before the
identification parade proceeds. If the suspect has a reasonable objection to
the arrangements or any of the participants, steps must, if practicable, be
taken to remove the grounds for objection. When it is not practicable to do
so, the suspect must be told why the objections cannot be met. The
objection, the reason given for it and why it cannot be met must be recorded
on forms provided for the purpose.

13. The suspect may select his or her own position in the line, but may not
otherwise interfere with the order of the people forming the line. When there
is more than one witness, the suspect must be told, after each witness has
left the room, that he or she can, if he or she wishes, change position in the
line. Each position in the line must be clearly numbered, either by means of
a number laid on the floor in front of each identification parade member or
by other means.

14. Appropriate arrangements must be made to make sure, before witnesses
attend the identification parade, that they are not able to–

(a) communicate with each other about the case or overhear a
witness who has already seen the identification parade;

(b) see any member of the identification parade;

(c) see, or be reminded of, any photograph or description of the
suspect or be given any other indication as to the suspect’s
identity; or

(d) see the suspect before or after the identification parade.

15. The person conducting a witness to an identification parade must not
discuss with the witness the composition of the identification parade and, in
particular, must not disclose whether a previous witness has made any
identification.

16. Witnesses must be brought in one at a time. Immediately before the
witness inspects the identification parade, he or she must be told that the
person he or she saw on a specified earlier occasion may, or may not, be
present and if the witness cannot make a positive identification, he or she
should say so. The witness must also be told that he or she not make any
decision about whether the person he or she saw is on the identification
parade until he or she has have looked at each member at least twice.
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17. When the officer conducting the identification procedure (see paragraph
D3.11) is satisfied that the witness has properly looked at each member of
the identification parade, the officer must ask the witness whether the
person the witness saw on a specified earlier occasion is on the
identification parade and, if so, to indicate the number of the person
concerned..

18. If the witness wishes to hear any identification parade member speak,
adopt any specified posture or move, the witness must first be asked
whether he or she can identify any person on the identification parade on the
basis of appearance only. When the request is to hear members of the
identification parade speak, the witness must be reminded that the
participants in the identification parade have been chosen on the basis of
physical appearance only. Members of the identification parade may then be
asked to comply with the witness’ request to hear them speak, see them
move or adopt any specified posture.

19. If the witness requests that the person he or she has indicated remove
anything used for the purposes of paragraph 10 to conceal the location of an
unusual physical feature, that person may be asked to remove it.

20. If the witness makes an identification after the identification parade has
ended, the suspect and, if present, his or her legal representative, interpreter
or friend must be informed. When this occurs, consideration should be
given to allowing the witness a second opportunity to identify the suspect.

21 After the procedure, each witness must be asked whether he or she has
seen any broadcast or published films or photographs or any descriptions of
suspects relating to the offence and the reply must be recorded.

22. When the last witness has left, the suspect must be asked whether he or
she wishes to make any comments on the conduct of the identification
parade.

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D. Documentation
23. A video recording must normally be taken of the identification parade.
If that is impracticable, a colour photograph must be taken. A copy of the
video recording or photograph must be supplied, on request, to the suspect
or his or her legal representative within a reasonable time.

24. Paragraph D3.30 or D3.31 apply, as far as appropriate, to any
photograph or video taken as in paragraph 23.

25. If any person is asked to leave an identification parade because he or
she is interfering with its conduct, the circumstances must be recorded.

26. A record must be made of all those present at an identification parade
whose names are known to the police.

27. If prison inmates make up an identification parade, the circumstances
must be recorded.

28. A record of the conduct of any identification parade must be made on
forms provided for the purpose. This includes anything said by the witness
or the suspect about any identifications or the conduct of the procedure, and
any reason why it was not practicable to comply with any of this Code’s
provisions.

ANNEX C - GROUP IDENTIFICATION

A. General
1. The purpose of this Annex is to make sure, as far as possible, that group
identifications follow the principles and procedures for identification
parades so that the conditions are fair to the suspect in the way they test the
witness’ ability to make an identification.

2. Group identifications may take place either with the suspect’s consent
and cooperation or covertly without the suspect’s consent.

3. The location of the group identification is a matter for the identification
officer, although the officer may take into account any representations made
by the suspect, appropriate adult, their legal representative or friend.

4. The place where the group identification is held should be one where
other people are either passing by or waiting around informally in groups,
such that the suspect is able to join them and be capable of being seen by the
witness at the same time as others in the group. For example, people leaving
an escalator, pedestrians walking through a shopping centre, passengers on
railway and bus stations, waiting in queues or groups or where people are
standing or sitting in groups in other public places.
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5. If the group identification is to be held covertly, the choice of locations
will be limited by the places where the suspect can be found and the number
of other people present at that time. In these cases, suitable locations might
be along regular routes travelled by the suspect, including buses or trains or
public places frequented by the suspect.

6. Although the number, age, sex, race and general description and style of
clothing of other people present at the location cannot be controlled by the
identification officer, in selecting the location the officer must consider the
general appearance and numbers of people likely to be present. In particular,
the officer must reasonably expect that over the period the witness observes
the group, they will be able to see, from time to time, a number of others
whose appearance is broadly similar to that of the suspect.

7. A group identification need not be held if the identification officer
believes, because of the unusual appearance of the suspect, that none of the
locations that it would be practicable to use satisfy the requirements of
paragraph 6that are necessary to make the identification fair.

8. Immediately after a group identification procedure has taken place (with
or without the suspect’s consent), a colour photograph or video should be
taken of the general scene, if practicable, to give a general impression of the
scene and the number of people present. Alternatively, if it is practicable,
the group identification may be video recorded.

9. If it is not practicable to take the photograph or video in accordance with
paragraph 8, a photograph or film of the scene should be taken later at a
time determined by the identification officer, if the officer considers it
practicable to do so.

10. An identification carried out in accordance with this Code remains a
group identification even though, at the time of being seen by the witness,
the suspect was alone rather than in a group.

11. Before the group identification takes place, the suspect or his or her
legal representative must be provided with details of the first description of
the suspect by any witnesses who are to attend the identification. When a
broadcast or publication is made, as in paragraph D3.28, the suspect or his
or her legal representative should also be allowed to view any material
released by the police to the media for the purposes of recognising or
tracing the suspect, provided that it is practicable and would not
unreasonably delay the investigation.

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12. After the procedure, each witness must be asked whether he or she has
seen any broadcast or published films or photographs or any descriptions of
suspects relating to the offence and the reply recorded.

B. Identification with the consent of the suspect
13. A suspect must be given a reasonable opportunity to have a legal
representative or friend present. The suspect must be asked to indicate on a
second copy of the notice whether or not they wish to do so.

14. The witness, the person carrying out the procedure and the suspect’s
legal representative, appropriate adult, friend or any interpreter for the
witness, may be concealed from the sight of the individuals in the group
they are observing, if the person carrying out the procedure considers this
assists the conduct of the identification.

15. The police officer conducting a witness to a group identification must
not discuss with the witness the forthcoming group identification and, in
particular, must not disclose whether a previous witness has made any
identification.

16. Anything said to, or by, the witness during the procedure about the
identification should be said in the presence and hearing of the persons
present at the procedure.

17. Appropriate arrangements must be made to make sure, before witnesses
attend the group identification, they are not able to–

(a) communicate with each other about the case or overhear a
witness who has already been given an opportunity to see the
suspect in the group;

(b) see the suspect; or

(c) see, or be reminded of, any photographs or description of the
suspect or be given any other indication of the suspect’s
identity.

18. Witnesses must be brought one at a time to the place where they are to
observe the group. Immediately before the witness is asked to look at the
group, the person conducting the procedure must tell the witness that the
person the witness saw may, or may not, be in the group and that if the
witness cannot make a positive identification, he or she should say so. The
witness must be asked to observe the group in which the suspect is to
appear. The way in which the witness should do this will depend on whether
the group is moving or stationary.

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Moving group
19. When the group in which the suspect is to appear is moving, e.g.
leaving an escalator, the provisions of paragraphs 20 to 24 should be
followed.

20. If two or more suspects consent to a group identification, each should
be the subject of separate identification procedures. These may be
conducted consecutively on the same occasion.

21. The person conducting the procedure must tell the witness to observe
the group and ask the witness to point out any person the witness thinks he
or she saw on the specified earlier occasion.

22. Once the witness has been informed as in paragraph 21, the suspect
should be allowed to take whatever position in the group the suspect wishes.

23. When the witness points out a person as in paragraph 21 the person
must, if practicable, be asked to take a closer look at the person to confirm
the identification. If this is not practicable, or the person cannot confirm the
identification, the person must be asked how sure he or she is that the
person he or she has indicated is the relevant person.

24. The witness should continue to observe the group for the period which
the person conducting the procedure reasonably believes is necessary in the
circumstances for the witness to be able to make comparisons between the
suspect and other individuals of broadly similar appearance to the suspect.

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Stationary groups
25. When the group in which the suspect is to appear is stationary, e.g.
people waiting in a queue, the provisions of paragraphs 26 to 29 should be
followed.

26. If two or more suspects consent to a group identification, each should
be subject to separate identification procedures unless they are of broadly
similar appearance, in which case they may appear in the same group. When
separate group identifications are held, the groups must be made up of
different people.

27. The suspect may take whatever position in the group he or she wishes.
If there is more than one witness, the suspect must be told, out of the sight
and hearing of any witness, that the suspect can, if the suspect wishes,
change his or her position in the group.

28. The witness must be asked to pass along, or amongst, the group and to
look at each person in the group at least twice, taking as much care and time
as possible according to the circumstances, before making an identification.
Once the witness has done this, the witness must be asked whether the
person he or she saw on the specified earlier occasion is in the group and to
indicate any such person by whatever means the person conducting the
procedure considers appropriate in the circumstances. If this is not
practicable, the witness must be asked to point out any person the witness
thinks he or she saw on the earlier occasion.

29. When the witness makes an indication as in paragraph 28, arrangements
must be made, if practicable, for the witness to take a closer look at the
person to confirm the identification. If this is not practicable, or the witness
is unable to confirm the identification, the witness must be asked how sure
the witness is that the person he or she has indicated is the relevant person.

All cases
30. If the suspect unreasonably delays joining the group, or having joined
the group, deliberately conceals himself or herself from the sight of the
witness, this may be treated as a refusal to co-operate in a group
identification.

31. If the witness identifies a person other than the suspect, that person
should be informed what has happened and asked if he or she is prepared to
give his or her name and address. There is no obligation upon any member
of the public to give these details.
There is no duty to record any details of any other member of the public
present in the group or at the place where the procedure is conducted.

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32. When the group identification has been completed, the suspect must be
asked whether he or she wishes to make any comments on the conduct of
the procedure.

33. If the suspect has not been previously informed, he or she must be told
of any identifications made by the witnesses.

C. Identification without the suspect’s consent
34. Group identifications held covertly without the suspect’s consent
should, as far as practicable, follow the rules for conduct of group
identification by consent.

35. A suspect has no right to have a legal representative, appropriate adult
or friend present, as the identification will take place without the knowledge
of the suspect.

36. Any number of suspects may be identified at the same time.

D. Identifications in police stations
37. A group identification should not take place in a police station unless
for reasons of safety or security or because it is not practicable to hold it
anywhere else.

38. A group identification may take place either in a room equipped with a
screen permitting witnesses to see members of the group without being
seen, or anywhere else in the police station that the identification officer
considers appropriate.

39. As many of the additional safeguards applicable to identification
parades should be followed as the identification officer considers practicable
in the circumstances.

E. Identifications involving prison inmates
40. A group identification involving a prison inmate may only be arranged
in the prison or at a police station.

41. When a group identification takes place involving a prison inmate,
whether in a prison or in a police station, the arrangements should follow
those in paragraphs 37 to 39. If a group identification takes place within a
prison, other inmates may participate. If an inmate is the suspect, he or she
does not have to wear prison clothing for the group identification unless the
other participants are wearing the same clothing.

F. Documentation
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42. When a photograph or video is taken as in paragraph 8 or 9, a copy of
the photograph or video must be supplied on request to the suspect or his or
her legal representative within a reasonable time.

43. Paragraph D3.30 or D3.31, as appropriate, applies when a photograph
or film taken in accordance with paragraph 8 or 9 includes the suspect.

44. A record of the conduct of any group identification must be made on
forms provided for the purpose. This includes anything said by the witness
or suspect about any identifications or the conduct of the procedure and any
reasons why it was not practicable to comply with any of the provisions of
this Code governing the conduct of group identifications.

ANNEX D - CONFRONTATION BY A WITNESS

1. Before the confrontation takes place, the witness must be told that the
person the witness saw may, or may not, be the person the witness is to
confront and that if the person is not that person the witness should say so.

2. Before the confrontation takes place the suspect or his or her legal
representative must be provided with details of the first description of the
suspect given by any witness who is to attend. When a broadcast or
publication is made, as in paragraph D3.28, the suspect or his or her legal
representative should also be allowed to view any material released to the
media for the purposes of recognising or tracing the suspect, provided it is
practicable to do so and would not unreasonably delay the investigation.

3. Force must not be used to make the suspect’s face visible to the witness.

4. Confrontation must take place in the presence of the suspect’s legal
representative, interpreter or friend, unless this would cause unreasonable
delay.

5. The suspect must be confronted independently by each witness, who
must be asked “Is this the person?” If the witness identifies the person but is
unable to confirm the identification, the witness must be asked how sure he
or she is that the person is the one the witness saw on the earlier occasion.

6. The confrontation should normally take place in the police station, either
in a normal room or one equipped with a screen permitting a witness to see
the suspect without being seen. In both cases, the procedures are the same
except that a room equipped with a screen may be used only when the
suspect’s legal representative, friend or appropriate adult is present or the
confrontation is recorded on video.

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7. After the procedure, each witness must be asked whether he or she has
seen any broadcast or published films or photographs or any descriptions of
suspects relating to the offence and the witness’ reply must be recorded.

ANNEX E - SHOWING PHOTOGRAPHS

A. Action
1. An officer of sergeant rank or above must be made responsible for
supervising and directing the showing of photographs. The actual showing
may be done by another officer (see paragraph D3.11).

2. The supervising officer must confirm that the first description of the
suspect given by the witness has been recorded before the witness is shown
the photographs. If the supervising officer is unable to confirm that the
description has been recorded the officer must postpone showing the
photographs.

3. Only one witness may be shown photographs at any one time. Each
witness must be given as much privacy as practicable and must not be
allowed to communicate with any other witness in the case.

4. The witness must be shown not less than 12 photographs at a time, which
must, as far as possible, all be of a similar type.

5. When the witness is shown the photographs, he or she must be told that
the photograph of the person he or she saw may, or may not, be amongst
them and if the witness cannot make a positive identification, he or she
should say so. The witness must also be told that he or she should not make
a decision until he or she has viewed at least 12 photographs. The witness
must not be prompted or guided in any way but must be left to make any
selection without help.

6. If a witness makes a positive identification from photographs, unless the
person identified is otherwise eliminated from enquiries or is not available,
other witnesses must not be shown photographs. But both they, and the
witness who has made the identification, must be asked to attend a video
identification, an identification parade or group identification unless there is
no dispute about the suspect’s identification.

7. If the witness makes a selection but is unable to confirm the
identification, the person showing the photographs must ask the witness
how sure he or she is that the photograph the witness has indicated is the
person he or she saw on the specified earlier occasion.

8. When the use of a computerised or artist’s composite or similar likeness
has led to there being a known suspect who can be asked to participate in a
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video identification, appear on an identification parade or participate in a
group identification, that likeness must not be shown to other potential
witnesses.

9. When a witness attending a video identification, an identification parade
or group identification has previously been shown photographs or
computerised or artist’s composite or similar likeness (and it is the
responsibility of the officer in charge of the investigation to make the
identification officer aware that this is the case), the suspect and his or her
legal representative must be informed of this fact before the identification
procedure takes place.

10. None of the photographs shown is to be destroyed, whether or not an
identification is made, as they may be required for production in court. The
photographs must be numbered and a separate photograph taken of the
frame or part of the album from which the witness made an identification as
an aid to reconstituting it.

B. Documentation
11. Whether or not an identification is made, a record must be kept of the
showing of photographs on forms provided for the purpose. This includes
anything said by the witness about any identification or the conduct of the
procedure, any reasons it was not practicable to comply with any of the
provisions of this Code governing the showing of photographs, and the
name and rank of the supervising officer.

12. The supervising officer must inspect and sign the record as soon as
practicable.

ANNEX F - FINGERPRINTS, FOOTWEAR IMPRESSIONS AND
SAMPLES; DESTRUCTION AND SPECULATIVE SEARCHES

A. Fingerprints, footwear impressions and samples taken in connection
with a criminal investigation

1. When fingerprints, footwear impressions or DNA samples are taken
from a person in connection with an investigation and the person is not
suspected of having committed the offence (see Note F1), they must be
destroyed as soon as they have fulfilled the purpose for which they were
taken unless–

(a) they were taken for the purposes of an investigation of an
offence for which a person has been convicted; and

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(b) fingerprints, footwear impressions or samples were also taken
from the convicted person for the purposes of that
investigation.

However, subject to paragraph 2, the fingerprints, footwear impressions and
samples, and the information derived from samples, may not be used in the
investigation of any offence or in evidence against the person who is, or
would be, entitled to the destruction of the fingerprints, footwear
impressions and samples (see Note F2).

2. The requirement to destroy fingerprints, footwear impressions and DNA
samples, and information derived from samples, and restrictions on their
retention and use in paragraph 1, do not apply if the person from whom they
were taken gives written consent for the fingerprints, footwear impressions
or samples to be retained and used after they have fulfilled the purpose for
which they were taken (see Note F1).

3. When a person’s fingerprints, footwear impressions or samples are to be
destroyed–

(a) any copies of the fingerprints and footwear impressions must
also be destroyed;

(b) the person may witness the destruction of the fingerprints,
footwear impressions or copies if the person asks to do so
within 5 days of being informed that destruction is required;

(c) access to relevant computer fingerprint data must be made
impossible as soon as practicable and the person must be given
a certificate to this effect within 3 months of asking; and

(d) neither the fingerprints, footwear impressions, the sample, nor
any information derived from the sample may be used in the
investigation of any offence or in evidence against the person
who is, or would be, entitled to its destruction.

4. Fingerprints, footwear impressions or samples, and the information
derived from samples taken in connection with the investigation of an
offence, which are not required to be destroyed, may be retained after they
have fulfilled the purposes for which they were taken. They may be used
only for purposes related to the prevention or detection of crime, the
investigation of an offence or the conduct of a prosecution in, as well as
outside, Gibraltar, and may also be subject to a speculative search. This
includes checking them against other fingerprints, footwear impressions and
DNA records held by, or on behalf of, the police and other law enforcement
authorities in, as well as outside, Gibraltar.
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B. Fingerprints taken in connection with immigration enquiries

5. Fingerprints taken for immigration enquiries in accordance with powers
and procedures other than under this Act and for which the Commissioner
of Police, as Principal Immigration Officer, is responsible, and all copies,
must be destroyed as soon as practicable in accordance with the Data
Protection Act 2004.

Notes for Guidance
F1. Fingerprints, footwear impressions and samples given voluntarily for
the purposes of elimination play an important part in many police
investigations. It is therefore important to make sure that innocent
volunteers are not deterred from participating and that their consent to their
fingerprints, footwear impressions and DNA being used for the purposes of
a specific investigation is fully informed and voluntary. If the police or
volunteer seek to have the fingerprints, footwear impressions or samples
retained for use after the specific investigation ends, it is important the
volunteer’s consent to this is also fully informed and voluntary.

Examples of consent for:

• DNA/fingerprints/footwear impressions - to be used only for
the purposes of a specific investigation;

• DNA/fingerprints/footwear impressions - to be used in the
specific investigation and retained by the police for future use.

To minimise the risk of confusion, each consent should be physically
separate and the volunteer should be asked to sign each consent.

(a) DNA:

(i) DNA sample taken for the purposes of elimination or as
part of an intelligence-led screening and to be used only
for the purposes of that investigation and destroyed
afterwards:

“I consent to my DNA/mouth swab being taken for
forensic analysis. I understand that the sample will be
destroyed at the end of the case and that my profile will
only be compared to the crime stain profile from this
enquiry. I have been advised that the person taking the
sample may be required to give evidence and/or provide
a written statement to the police in relation to the taking
of it”.
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(ii) DNA sample to be retained on the National DNA
database (if such a database is in use) and used in the
future:

“I consent to my DNA sample and information derived
from it being retained and used only for purposes related
to the prevention and detection of a crime, the
investigation of an offence or the conduct of a
prosecution either nationally or internationally.

I understand that this sample may be checked against
other DNA records held by, or on behalf of, relevant law
enforcement authorities, either nationally or
internationally.
I understand that once I have given my consent for the
sample to be retained and used I cannot withdraw this
consent.”

(b) Fingerprints:

(i) Fingerprints taken for the purposes of elimination or as
part of an intelligence-led screening and to be used only
for the purposes of that investigation and destroyed
afterwards:

“I consent to my fingerprints being taken for elimination
purposes. I understand that the fingerprints will be
destroyed at the end of the case and that my fingerprints
will only be compared to the fingerprints from this
enquiry. I have been advised that the person taking the
fingerprints may be required to give evidence and/or
provide a written statement to the police in relation to the
taking of it.”

(ii) Fingerprints to be retained for future use:

“I consent to my fingerprints being retained and used
only for purposes related to the prevention and detection
of a crime, the investigation of an offence or the conduct
of a prosecution either nationally or internationally.

I understand that my fingerprints may be checked against
other records held by, or on behalf of, relevant law
enforcement authorities, either nationally or
internationally.
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I understand that once I have given my consent for my
fingerprints to be retained and used I cannot withdraw
this consent.”

(c) Footwear impressions:

(i) Footwear impressions taken for the purposes of
elimination or as part of an intelligence-led screening
and to be used only for the purposes of that investigation
and destroyed afterwards:

“I consent to my footwear impressions being taken for
elimination purposes. I understand that the footwear
impressions will be destroyed at the end of the case and
that my footwear impressions will only be compared to
the footwear impressions from this enquiry. I have been
advised that the person taking the footwear impressions
may be required to give evidence and/or provide a
written statement to the police in relation to the taking of
it.”

(ii) Footwear impressions to be retained for future use:
“I consent to my footwear impressions being retained
and used only for purposes related to the prevention and
detection of a crime, the investigation of an offence or
the conduct of a prosecution, either nationally or
internationally.

I understand that my footwear impressions may be
checked against other records held by, or on behalf of,
relevant law enforcement authorities, either nationally or
internationally.

I understand that once I have given my consent for my
footwear impressions to be retained and used I cannot
withdraw this consent.”

F2. The provisions for the retention of fingerprints, footwear impressions
and samples in paragraph 1 allow for all fingerprints, footwear impressions
and samples in a case to be available for any subsequent miscarriage of
justice investigation.

ANNEX G – REQUIREMENT FOR A PERSON TO ATTEND A
POLICE STATION FOR FINGERPRINTS AND SAMPLES

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1. A requirement under Schedule 4 for a person to attend a police station to
have fingerprints or samples taken–

(a) must give the person a period of at least 7 days within which to
attend the police station; and

(b) may direct the person to attend at a specified time of day or
between specified times of day.

2. When specifying the period and times of attendance, the officer making
the requirements must consider whether the fingerprints or samples could
reasonably be taken at a time when the person is required to attend the
police station for any other reason. (See Note G1.)

3. An officer of the rank of Inspector or above may authorise a period
shorter than 7 days if there is an urgent need for the person’s fingerprints or
sample for the purposes of the investigation of an offence. The fact of the
authorisation and the reasons for giving it must be recorded as soon as
practicable.

4. The police officer making a requirement and the person to whom it
applies may agree to vary it so as to specify any period within which, or
date or time at which, the person is to attend. However, variation does not
have effect for the purposes of enforcement, unless it is confirmed by the
officer in writing.

Notes for Guidance
G1. The specified period within which the person is to attend need not fall
within the period allowed (if applicable) for making the requirement.
G2. To justify the arrest without warrant of a person who fails to comply
with a requirement, the officer making the requirement, or confirming a
variation, should be prepared to explain how, when and where the
requirement was made or the variation was confirmed and what steps were
taken to ensure the person understood what to do and the consequences of
not complying with the requirement.
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CODE E

CODE OF PRACTICE ON AUDIO RECORDING INTERVIEWS
WITH SUSPECTS

This Code is issued by the Minister under Part 29 of the Criminal Procedure
and Evidence Act 2011 and comes into force on such date as the Minister by
Order prescribes.

This Code has effect in relation to interviews carried out or concluded on or
after such date as the Minister by Order prescribes.

E1. General
E1.1. This Code of Practice must be readily available for consultation by
police officers, detained persons and members of the public.

E1.2. The Notes for Guidance included are not provisions of this Code.

E1.3. Nothing in this Code detracts from the requirements of Code C (the
Code of Practice for the detention, treatment and questioning of persons by
police officers).

E1.4 This Code does not apply to those people listed in Code C, paragraph
C1.12.

[E1.5 Omitted (definitions)]

E1.6. In this Code, “recording media” means any removable, physical
audio recording medium (such as magnetic type, optical disc or solid state
memory) which can be played and copied.

[E1.7 to 1.9 omitted]

E1.10. References to a pocket book include any official report book issued
to police officers.

E2. Recording and sealing master recordings

E2.1. Recording of interviews must be carried out openly to instil
confidence in its reliability as an impartial and accurate record of the
interview.

E2.2. One recording, the master recording, will be sealed in the suspect’s
presence. A second recording will be used as a working copy. The master
recording is either of the two recordings used in a twin deck/drive machine
or the only recording in a single deck/drive machine. The working copy is
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either the second/third recording used in a twin/triple deck/drive machine or
a copy of the master recording made by a single deck/drive machine (see
Notes F2A and F2B).

F2.3. Nothing in this Code requires the identity of officers conducting
interviews to be recorded or disclosed–

(a) in the case of enquiries linked to the investigation of terrorism;
or

(b) if the interviewer reasonably believes recording or disclosing
their name might put them in danger.

In these cases interviewers should use warrant or other identification
numbers (see Note 2C).

Notes for Guidance
2A. The purpose of sealing the master recording in the suspect’s presence is
to show the recording’s integrity is preserved. If a single deck/drive
machine is used the working copy of the master recording must be made in
the suspect’s presence and without the master recording leaving their sight.
The working copy must be used for making further copies if needed.

[2B. omitted]

2C. The purpose of paragraph E2.3(b) is to protect those involved in
serious organised crime investigations or arrests of particularly violent
suspects when there is reliable information that those arrested or their
associates may threaten or cause harm to those involved. In cases of doubt,
an officer of inspector rank or above should be consulted.

E3. Interviews to be audio recorded

E3.1. Subject to paragraphs E3.3 and E3.4, audio recording must be used at
police stations for any interview–

(a) with a person cautioned under Code C, section C10 in respect
of any indictable offence, including an offence triable either
way (see Note 3A);

(b) which takes place as a result of an interviewer exceptionally
putting further questions to a suspect about an offence
described in paragraph F3.1(a) after the suspect has been
charged with, or told he or she may be prosecuted for, that
offence (see Code C, paragraph C16.5);

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(c) when an interviewer wants to tell a person, after the person has
been charged with, or informed that he or she may be
prosecuted for, an offence described in paragraph E3.1(a),
about any written statement or interview with another person
(see Code C, paragraph C16.4).

[E3.2. Omitted]

E3.3. The custody officer may authorise the interviewer not to audio record
the interview if it is–

(a) not reasonably practicable because of equipment failure or the
unavailability of a suitable interview room or recorder and the
authorising officer considers, on reasonable grounds, that the
interview should not be delayed; or

(b) clear from the outset there will not be a prosecution.

(Note: In these cases the interview should be recorded in writing in
accordance with Code C, section C11. In all cases the custody officer must
record the specific reasonsfor not audio recording (see Note 3B).)

E3.4. If a person refuses to go into or remain in a suitable interview room
(see Code C paragraph C12.5) and the custody officer considers, on
reasonable grounds, that the interview should not be delayed, the interview
may, at the custody officer’s discretion, be conducted in a cell using
portable recording equipment or, if none is available, recorded in writing as
in Code C, section C11. The reasons for this must be recorded.

E3.5. The whole of each interview must be audio recorded, including the
taking and reading back of any statement.

Notes for Guidance
3A. Nothing in this Code is intended to preclude audio recording at police
discretion of interviews at police stations with people cautioned in respect
of offences not covered by paragraph 3.1, or responses made by persons
after they have been charged with, or told they may be prosecuted for, an
offence, provided that this Code is complied with.

3B. A decision not to audio record an interview for any reason may be the
subject of comment in court. The authorising officer should be prepared to
justify that decision.

E4. The interview

A. General
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E4.1. The provisions of Code C–

(a) sections C10 and C11, and the applicable Notes for Guidance,
apply to the conduct of interviews to which this Code applies;

(b) paragraphs C11.7 to C11.14 apply only when a written record
is needed.

B. Commencement of interviews
E4.3. When the suspect is brought into the interview room the interviewer
must, without delay but in the suspect’s sight, load the recorder with new
recording media and set it to record. Where relevant, the recording media
must be unwrapped or opened in the suspect’s presence.

E4.4. The interviewer should tell the suspect about the recording process.
The interviewer must–

(a) say the interview is being audibly recorded;

(b) subject to paragraph E2.3, give his or her name and rank and
that of any other police officer present;

(c) ask the suspect and any other party present, such as a legal
representative, to identify himself or herself;

(d) state the date, time of commencement and place of the
interview;

(e) state that the suspect will be given a notice about what will
happen to the copies of the recording (see Note 4A).

E4.5. The interviewer must–

(a) caution the suspect (see Code C, section C10);

(b) remind the suspect of his or her entitlement to legal advice (see
Code C, paragraph C11.2).

E4.6. The interviewer must put to the suspect any significant statement (see
Code C, paragraph C11.4).

C. Interviews with deaf persons
E4.7. If the suspect is deaf or is suspected of having impaired hearing, the
interviewer must make a written note of the interview in accordance with
Code C, at the same time as audio recording it in accordance with this Code
(see Notes 4B and F4C).
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D. Objections and complaints by the suspect
E4.8. If the suspect objects to the interview being audibly recorded at the
outset, during the interview or during a break, the interviewer must explain
that the interview is being audibly recorded and that this Code requires the
suspect’s objections to be recorded on the audio recording. When any
objections have been audibly recorded or the suspect has refused to have his
or her objections recorded, the interviewer must say that he or she is turning
off the recorder, give the reasons and turn it off. The interviewer must then
make a written record of the interview as in Code C, section C11. If,
however, the interviewer reasonably considers that he or she may proceed to
question the suspect with the audio recording still on, the interviewer may
do so. This procedure also applies in cases where the suspect has previously
objected to the interview being visually recorded (see Code F paragraph
F4.8), and the investigating officer has decided to audibly record the
interview (see Note 4D).

E4.9. If in the course of an interview a complaint is made by or on behalf of
the person being questioned concerning the provisions of this Code or Code
C, the interviewer must act as in Code C, paragraph C12.9 (see Notes F4E
and F4F).

E4.10. If the suspect indicates he or she wishes to tell the interviewer about
matters not directly connected with the offence, and is unwilling for these
matters to be audio recorded, the suspect should be given the opportunity to
tell the interviewer at the end of the formal interview.

E. Changing recording media
E4.11. When the recorder shows the recording medium only has a short
time left, the interviewer must tell the suspect that the recording medium is
coming to an end and round off that part of the interview. If the interviewer
leaves the room for a second set of recording media, the suspect must not be
left unattended. The interviewer must remove the recording medium from
the recorder and insert the new recording medium which must be
unwrapped or opened in the suspect’s presence. The recorder should be set
to record on the new medium. To avoid confusion between the recording
media, the interviewer must mark the medium with an identification number
immediately after it is removed from the recorder.

F. Taking a break during interview
E4.12. When a break is taken, the fact that a break is to be taken, the reason
for it and the time must be recorded on the audio recording.

E4.12A. When the break is taken and the interview room vacated by the
suspect, the recording medium must be removed from the recorder and the
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procedures for the conclusion of an interview followed (see paragraph
E4.18).

E4.13. When a break is a short one and both the suspect and an interviewer
remain in the interview room, the recording may be stopped. There is no
need to remove the recording medium and when the interview recommences
the recording should continue on the same recording medium. The time at
which the interview recommences must be recorded on the audio recording.

E4.14. After any break in the interview the interviewer must, before
resuming the interview, remind the person being questioned that he or she
remains under caution or, if there is any doubt, give the caution in full again
(see Note 4G).

G. Failure of recording equipment
E4.15. If there is an equipment failure which can be rectified quickly, e.g.
by inserting a new recording medium, the interviewer must follow the
appropriate procedures as in paragraph E4.11. When the recording is
resumed the interviewer must explain what happened and record the time at
which the interview recommences. If, however, it will not be possible to
continue recording on that recorder and no replacement recorder is readily
available, the interview may continue without being audibly recorded. If this
happens, the interviewer must seek the custody officer’s authority as in
paragraph E3.3 (see Note 4H).

H. Removing recording media from the recorder
E4.16. When a recording medium is removed from the recorder during the
interview, it must be retained and the procedures in paragraph E4.18
followed.

I. Conclusion of interview
E4.17. At the conclusion of the interview, the suspect must be offered the
opportunity to clarify anything that he or she has said and asked if there is
anything he or she wishes to add.

E4.18. At the conclusion of the interview, including the taking and reading
back of any written statement, the time must be recorded and the recording
be stopped. The interviewer must seal the master recording with a master
recording label and treat it as an exhibit in accordance with Force standing
orders.

The interviewer must sign the label and ask the suspect and any third party
present during the interview to sign it.

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If the suspect or third party refuse to sign the label an officer of at least
inspector rank, or if not available the custody officer, must be called into the
interview room and asked, subject to paragraph E2.3, to sign it.

E4.19. The suspect must be given a notice which explains–

(a) how the audio recording will be used;

(b) the arrangements for access to it;

(c) that if the person is charged or informed that he or she will be
prosecuted, a copy of the audio recording will be supplied as
soon as practicable or as otherwise agreed between the suspect
and the police.

Notes for Guidance
4A. For the purpose of voice identification, the interviewer should ask the
suspect and any other people present to identify themselves.

4B. This provision is to give a person who is deaf or has impaired hearing
equivalent rights of access to the full interview record as far as is possible
using audio recording.

4C. The provisions of Code C, section C13 on interpreters for deaf persons
or for interviews with suspects who have difficulty understanding English or
Spanish continue to apply. However, in an audibly recorded interview the
requirement on the interviewer to make sure that the interpreter makes a
separate note of the interview applies only to paragraph E4.7 (interviews
with deaf persons).

4D. The interviewer should remember that a decision to continue recording
against the wishes of the suspect may be the subject of comment in court.

4E. If the custody officer is called to deal with the complaint, the recorder
should, if possible, be left on until the custody officer has entered the room
and spoken to the person being interviewed. Continuation or termination of
the interview should be at the interviewer’s discretion, pending action by an
inspector under Code C, paragraph C9.2.

4F. If the complaint is about a matter not connected with this Code or Code
C, the decision to continue is at the interviewer’s discretion. When the
interviewer decides to continue the interview, he or she must tell the suspect
that the complaint will be brought to the custody officer’s attention at the
conclusion of the interview. When the interview is concluded the
interviewer must, as soon as practicable, inform the custody officer about
the existence and nature of the complaint made.
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4G. The interviewer should remember that it may be necessary to show to
the court that nothing occurred during a break or between interviews which
influenced the suspect’s recorded evidence. After a break or at the
beginning of a subsequent interview, the interviewer should consider
summarising on the record the reason for the break and confirming this with
the suspect.

4H. If the interview is being recorded and the medium or the recording
equipment fails, the officer conducting the interview should stop the
interview immediately. If part of the interview is unaffected by the error and
is still accessible on the medium, that medium must be copied and sealed in
the suspect’s presence and the interview recommenced using new
equipment or media as required. If the content of the interview has been lost
in its entirety the medium should be sealed in the suspect’s presence and the
interview begun again. If the recording equipment cannot be fixed or no
replacement is immediately available, the interview should be recorded in
accordance with Code C, section C11.

E5. After the interview
E5.1. The interviewer must make a note in his or her pocket book that the
interview has taken place and was audibly recorded, of its time, duration
and date and of the master recording’s identification number.

E5.2. If no proceedings follow in respect of the person whose interview
was recorded, the recording medium must be kept securely as in paragraph
E6.1 and Note 6A.

Note for Guidance
5A. Any written record of an audibly recorded interview should be made in
accordance with Force standing orders.

E6. Media security
E6.1. The officer in charge of each police station at which interviews with
suspects are recorded must make arrangements for master recordings to be
kept securely and their movements accounted for on the same basis as
material which may be used for evidential purposes, in accordance with
Force standing orders (see Note 6A).

E6.2. A police officer has no authority to break the seal on a master
recording required for criminal trial or appeal proceedings. If it is necessary
to gain access to the master recording, the police officer must arrange for its
seal to be broken in the presence of a representative of the Attorney-
General’s Chambers.

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The defendant or his or her legal representative should be informed and
given a reasonable opportunity to be present. If the defendant or his or her
legal representative is present one of them must be invited to reseal and sign
the master recording. If both refuse or neither is present the resealing and
singing must be done by the representative of the Attorney-General’s
Chambers (see Notes 6B and 6C).

E6.3. If no criminal proceedings result or the criminal trial and, if
applicable, appeal proceedings to which the interview relates have been
concluded, the Commissioner of Police is responsible for establishing
arrangements for breaking the seal on the master recording, if necessary.

E6.4. When the master recording seal is broken, a record must be made of
the procedure followed, including the date, time, place and persons present.

Notes for Guidance
6A. This section is concerned with the security of the master recording
sealed at the conclusion of the interview. Care must be taken of working
copies of recordings because their loss or destruction may lead to the need
to access master recordings.

6B. If the recording has been delivered to the Supreme Court for safe
keeping after committal for trial, the prosecutor will apply to the Registrar
of the court for the release of the recording for unsealing by the prosecutor.

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CODE F

CODE OF PRACTICE ON VISUAL RECORDING WITH SOUND
OF INTERVIEWS WITH SUSPECTS

This Code is issued by the Minister under Part 29 of the Criminal Procedure
and Evidence Act 2011 and comes into force on such date as the Minister by
Order prescribes.

This Code has effect in relation to interviews carried out or concluded on or
after such date as the Minister by Order prescribes.

(Note: There is no statutory requirement to visually record interviews, but if
it is done, it must be done in accordance with this Code.)

F1. General

F1.1. This Code of Practice must be readily available for consultation by
police officers, detained persons and members of the public.

F1.2. The Notes for Guidance included are not provisions of this Code.
They form guidance to police officers and others about its application and
interpretation.

F1.3. Nothing in this Code is to be taken as detracting in any way from the
requirements of the Code of Practice for the Detention, Treatment and
Questioning of Persons by Police Officers (Code C) (see Note 1A).

F1.4. The interviews to which this Code applies are set out in paragraphs
3.1 - 3.3.

F1.5. In this Code, the term “interview” has the same meaning as in Code
C. The provisions and Notes for Guidance in Code C applicable to that term
and to the terms “appropriate adult” and “legal representative” also apply
where appropriate.

F1.6. Any reference in this Code to visual recording is to be taken to mean
visual recording with sound.

F1.7. References to “pocket book” in this Code include any official report
book issued to police officers.

Note for Guidance
1A. As in paragraph C1.9 of Code C, references to custody officers include
those carrying out the functions of a custody officer.

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F2. Recording and sealing of master copies

F2.1. The visual recording of interviews must be carried out openly to instil
confidence in its reliability as an impartial and accurate record of the
interview. (see note 2A).

F2.2. Any camera used must be placed in the interview room so as to
ensure coverage of as much of the room as is practicably possible while the
interviews are taking place.

F2.3. The recording medium must be of a high quality, new and previously
unused. It must operate with tamper-proof software. When the certified
recording medium is placed in the recorder and switched on to record, the
correct date and time, in hours, minutes and seconds, must be superimposed
automatically, second by second, during the whole recording (see Note 2B).

F2.4. One copy of the certified recording medium, referred to in this Code
as the master copy, must be sealed before it leaves the presence of the
suspect. A second copy must be used as a working copy (see Notes 2C and
2D).

F2.5. Nothing in this Code requires the identity of an officer to be recorded
or disclosed if the officer reasonably believes that recording or disclosing
the officer’s name might put him or her in danger. In this case, the officer
must have his or her back to the camera and must use his or her warrant or
other identification number. Such instances and the reasons for them must
be recorded in the custody record (see Note 2E).

Notes for Guidance
2A. Interviewing officers should arrange that, as far as possible, visual
recording arrangements are unobtrusive. It must be clear to the suspect,
however, that there is no opportunity to interfere with the recording
equipment or the recording medium.

2B. In this context, the certified recording medium will be of either a VHS,
DVD or digital CD format and should be capable of having an image of the
date and time superimposed upon it as it records the interview.

2C. The purpose of sealing the master copy before it leaves the presence of
the suspect is to establish his or her confidence that the integrity of the copy
is preserved.

2D. The recording of the interview may be used for identification
procedures in accordance with paragraph 3.21 or Annex E of Code D.

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2E. The purpose of the paragraph 2.5 is to protect police officers and others
involved in the investigation of serious organised crime or the arrest of
particularly violent suspects when there is reliable information that the
person arrested or his or her associates may threaten or cause harm to the
officer or the officer’s family or personal property.

F3. Interviews to be visually recorded

F3.1. Without affecting paragraph F3.2, the occasions when visual
recording of an interview with a suspect might be appropriate are an
interview –

(a) with a suspect in respect of an indictable offence, including an
offence triable either way (see Notes 3A and 3B);

(b) which takes place as a result of an interviewer exceptionally
putting further questions to a suspect about an offence
described in sub-paragraph (a) after the suspect has been
charged with, or informed that he or she may be prosecuted for,
that offence (see Note 3C);

(c) in which an interviewer wishes to bring to the notice of a
person, after that person has been charged with, or informed
that he or she may be prosecuted for an offence described in
sub-paragraph (a), any written statement made by another
person, or the content of an interview with another person (see
Note 3D);

(d) with, or in the presence of, a deaf or deaf/blind or speech
impaired person who uses sign language to communicate;

(e) with, or in the presence of anyone who requires an “appropriate
adult”; or

(f) in any case where the suspect or his or her representative
requests that the interview be recorded visually.

[F3.2. Omitted]

F3.3. The custody officer may authorise the interviewing officer not to
record the interview visually–

(a) if it is not reasonably practicable to do so because of failure of
the equipment, or the non-availability of a suitable interview
room, or recorder, and the authorising officer considers on
reasonable grounds that the interview should not be delayed
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until the failure has been rectified or a suitable room or
recorder becomes available. In such cases the custody officer
may authorise the interviewing officer to audio record the
interview in accordance with the guidance set out in Code E;

(b) if it is clear from the outset that no prosecution will ensue; or

(c) if it is not practicable to do so because at the time the person
resists being taken to a suitable interview room or other
location which would enable the interview to be recorded, or
otherwise fails or refuses to go into such a room or location,
and the authorising officer considers on reasonable grounds
that the interview should not be delayed until these conditions
cease to apply.

In all cases the custody officer must make a note in the custody records of
the
reasons for not taking a visual record (see Note 3F).

F3.4. When a person who is voluntarily attending the police station is
required to be cautioned in accordance with Code C prior to being
interviewed, the subsequent interview must be recorded, unless the custody
officer gives authority in accordance with paragraph F3.3 for the interview
not to be so recorded.

F3.5. The whole of each interview must be recorded visually, including the
taking and reading back of any statement.

F3.6. A visible illuminated sign or indicator must light and remain on at all
times when the recording equipment is activated or capable of recording or
transmitting any signal or information.

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Notes for Guidance
3A. Nothing in the Code is intended to preclude visual recording at police
discretion of interviews at police stations with people cautioned in respect
of offences not covered by paragraph F3.1, or responses made by
interviewees after they have been charged with, or informed they may be
prosecuted for, an offence, provided that this Code is complied with.

3B. Attention is drawn to the provisions of Code C about the matters to be
considered when deciding whether a detained person is fit to be interviewed.

3C. Code C sets out the circumstances in which a suspect may be
questioned about an offence after being charged with it.

3D. Code C sets out the procedures to be followed when, after charge, a
person’s attention is drawn to a statement made by another person. One
method of bringing the content of an interview with another person to the
notice of a suspect may be to play him or her a recording of that interview.

[3E. Omitted]

3F. A decision not to record an interview visually for any reason may be
the subject of comment in court. The authorising officer should therefore be
prepared to justify his or her decision in each case.

F4. The Interview

A. General
F4.1. The provisions of Code C in relation to cautions and interviews and
the Notes for Guidance applicable to those provisions applies to the conduct
of interviews to which this Code applies.

F4.2. Particular attention is drawn to those parts of Code C that describe the
restrictions on drawing adverse inferences from a suspect’s failure or refusal
to say anything about his or her involvement in the offence when
interviewed, or after being charged or informed that he or she may be
prosecuted, and how those restrictions affect the terms of the caution and
determine whether a special warning under the Act can be given.

B. Commencement of interviews
F4.3. When the suspect is brought into the interview room the interviewer
must without delay, but in sight of the suspect, load the recording equipment
and set it to record. The recording medium must be unwrapped or otherwise
opened in the presence of the suspect (see Note 4A).

F4.4. The interviewer must then tell the suspect formally about the visual
recording. The interviewer must–
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(a) explain the interview is being visually recorded;

(b) subject to paragraph F2.5, give his or her name and rank, and
that of any other police officer present;

(c) ask the suspect and any other party present (e.g. a legal
representative) to identify themselves;

(d) state the date, time of commencement and place of the
interview; and

(e) state that the suspect will be given a notice about what will
happen to the recording.

F4.5. The interviewer must then caution the suspect, in the form set out in
Code C, and remind the suspect of his or her entitlement to legal advice and
that the suspect can speak to a legal representative on the telephone.

F4.6. The interviewer must then put to the suspect any significant statement
(i.e. failure or refusal to answer a question or to answer it satisfactorily)
which occurred before the start of the interview, and must ask the suspect
whether he or she wishes to confirm or deny that earlier statement or
whether he or she wishes to add anything. The definition of a “significant”
statement is the same as that set out in Code C.

C. Interviews with the deaf
F4.7. If the suspect is deaf or there is doubt about his or her hearing ability,
the provisions of Code C on interpreters for the deaf or for interviews with
suspects who have difficulty in understanding English or Spanish continue
to apply.

D. Objections and complaints by the suspect
F4.8. If the suspect raises objections to the interview being visually
recorded, either at the outset or during the interview or during a break in the
interview, the interviewer must explain the fact that the interview is being
visually recorded and that the provisions of this Code require that the
suspect’s objections must be recorded on the visual recording. When any
objections have been visually recorded or the suspect has refused to have his
or her objections recorded, the interviewer must say that he or she is turning
off the recording equipment, give his or her reasons and turn it off. If a
separate audio recording is being maintained, the officer must ask the
suspect to record the reasons for refusing to agree to visual recording of the
interview. Paragraph F4.8 of Code E will apply if the suspect objects to
audio recording of the interview. The officer must then make a written
record of the interview. If the interviewer reasonably considers that he or
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she may proceed to question the suspect with the visual recording still on,
the interviewer may do so (see Note 4G).

F4.9. If in the course of an interview a complaint is made by the person
being questioned, or on his or her behalf, concerning the provisions of this
Code or of Code C, the interviewer must act in accordance with Code C,
record the complaint in the interview record and inform the custody officer
(see Notes 4B and 4C).

F4.10. If the suspect indicates that he or she wishes to tell the interviewer
about matters not directly connected with the offence of which the
suspected is suspected and that he or she is unwilling for these matters to be
recorded, the suspect must be given the opportunity to tell the interviewer
about these matters after the conclusion of the formal interview.

E. Changing the recording media
F4.11. If the recording medium is not of sufficient length to record all of the
interview with the suspect, further certified recording media will be used.
When the recording equipment indicates that the recording medium has only
a short time left to run, the interviewer must advise the suspect and round
off that part of the interview. If the interviewer wishes to continue the
interview but does not already have further certified recording media with
him, he or she must obtain a set. The suspect should not be left unattended
in the interview room. The interviewer will remove the recording medium
from the recording equipment and insert a new one which has been
unwrapped or otherwise opened in the suspect’s presence. The recording
equipment must then be set to record.

Care must be taken, particularly when a number of sets of recording media
have been used, to ensure that there is no confusion between them. This
could be achieved by marking the sets of recording media with consecutive
identification numbers.

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F. Taking a break during the interview
F4.12. When a break is to be taken during the course of an interview and
the interview room is to be vacated by the suspect, the fact that a break is to
be taken, the reason for it and the time must be recorded. The recording
equipment must be turned off and the recording medium removed. The
procedures for the conclusion of an interview set out in paragraph 4.19
should be followed.

F4.13. When a break is to be a short one, and both the suspect and a police
officer are to remain in the interview room, the fact that a break is to be
taken, the reasons for it and the time must be recorded on the recording
medium. The recording equipment may be turned off, but there is no need to
remove the recording medium. When the interview is recommenced the
recording must continue on the same recording medium and the time at
which the interview recommences must be recorded.

F4.14. When there is a break in questioning under caution, the interviewing
officer must ensure that the person being questioned is aware that he or she
remains under caution. If there is any doubt, the caution must be given again
in full when the interview resumes (see Notes 4D and 4E).

G. Failure of recording equipment
F4.15. If there is a failure of equipment which can be rectified quickly, the
appropriate procedures set out in paragraph 4.12 must be followed. When
the recording is resumed the interviewer must explain what has happened
and record the time the interview recommences. If, however, it is not
possible to continue recording on that particular recorder and no alternative
equipment is readily available, the interview may continue without being
recorded visually. In such circumstances, the procedures in paragraph 3.3 of
this Code for seeking the authority of the custody officer must be followed
(see Note 4F).

H. Removing used recording media from recording equipment
F4.16. Where used recording media are removed from the recording
equipment during the course of an interview, they must be retained and the
procedures set out in paragraph F4.18 followed.

I. Conclusion of interview
F4.17. Before the conclusion of the interview, the suspect must be offered
the opportunity to clarify anything he or she has said and asked if there is
anything that he or she wishes wish to add.

F4.18. At the conclusion of the interview, including the taking and reading
back of any written statement, the time must be recorded and the recording
equipment switched off. The recording medium must be removed from the
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recording equipment, sealed with a master copy label and treated as an
exhibit in accordance with the Force standing orders.

The interviewer must sign the label and also ask the suspect and any
appropriate adults or other third party present during the interview to sign it.
If the suspect or third party refuses to sign the label, an officer of at least the
rank of inspector, or if one is not available, the custody officer, must be
called into the interview room and asked to sign it.

F4.19. The suspect must be handed a notice which explains the use which
will be made of the recording and the arrangements for access to it. The
notice must also advise the suspect that a copy of the tape will be supplied
as soon as practicable if the person is charged or informed that he will be
prosecuted.

Notes for Guidance
4A. The interviewer should attempt to estimate the likely length of the
interview and ensure that an appropriate quantity of certified recording
media and labels with which to seal the master copies are available in the
interview room.

4B. If the custody officer is called immediately to deal with the complaint,
wherever possible the recording equipment should be left to run until the
custody officer has entered the interview room and spoken to the person
being interviewed. Continuation or termination of the interview should be at
the discretion of the interviewing officer, pending action by an inspector as
set out in Code C.

4C. If the complaint is about a matter not connected with this Code or Code
C, the decision to continue with the interview is at the discretion of the
interviewing officer. If the interviewing officer decides to continue with the
interview, the person being interviewed must be told that the complaint will
be brought to the attention of the custody officer at the conclusion of the
interview. When the interview is concluded, the interviewing officer must,
as soon as practicable, inform the custody officer of the existence and nature
of the complaint made.

4D. In considering whether to caution again after a break, the officer should
bear in mind that he or she may have to satisfy a court that the suspect
understood that he or she was still under caution when the interview
resumed.

4E. The officer should bear in mind that it may be necessary to satisfy the
court that nothing occurred during a break in an interview or between
interviews which influenced the suspect’s recorded evidence. On the re-
commencement of an interview, the officer should consider summarising on
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the recording medium the reason for the break and confirming this with the
suspect.

4F. If any part of the recording media breaks or is otherwise damaged
during the interview, it should be sealed as a master copy in the presence of
the suspect and the interview resumed where it left off. The undamaged part
should be copied and the original sealed as a master recording in the
suspect’s presence, if necessary after the interview. If equipment for
copying is not readily available, both parts should be sealed in the suspect’s
presence and the interview begun again.

4G. The interviewer should be aware that a decision to continue recording
against the wishes of the suspect may be the subject of comment in court.

F5. After the Interview

F5.1. The interviewer must make a note in his or her pocket book of the
fact that the interview has taken place and has been recorded, its time,
duration and date and the identification number of the master copy of the
recording media.

F5.2. If no proceedings follow in respect of the person whose interview was
recorded, the recording media must nevertheless be kept securely in
accordance with paragraph F6.1 and Note 6A.

Note for Guidance
5A. Any written record of a recorded interview must be made in
accordance with established procedures regarding the submission of case
dockets and exhibits.

F6. Master copy security

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A. General
F6.1. The officer in charge of the police station at which interviews with
suspects are recorded must make arrangements for the master copies to be
kept securely and their movements accounted for on the same basis as other
material which may be used for evidential purposes, in accordance with
Force standing orders (see Note 6A).

B. Breaking master copy seal for criminal proceedings
F6.2. A police officer has no authority to break the seal on a master copy
which is required for criminal trial or appeal proceedings. If it is necessary
to gain access to the master copy, the police officer must arrange for its seal
to be broken in the presence of a representative of the Attorney-General’s
Chambers. The defendant or his or her legal adviser must be informed and
given a reasonable opportunity to be present. If the defendant or his or her
legal representative is present one of them must be invited to reseal and sign
the master copy. If either refuses or neither is present, this must be done by
the representative of the Attorney-General’s Chambers (see Notes 6B and
6C).

C. Breaking master copy seal: other cases
F.3. The Commissioner of Police must establish arrangements for breaking
the seal of the master copy where no criminal proceedings result, or the
criminal proceedings to which the interview relates have been concluded
and it becomes necessary to break the seal. These arrangements should be
those which the Commissioner considers are reasonably necessary to
demonstrate to the person interviewed and any other party who may wish to
use or refer to the interview record that the master copy has not been
tampered with and that the interview record remains accurate (see Note 6D).

F6.4. Subject to paragraph F6.6, a representative of the prosecution and
each defendant must be given a reasonable opportunity to be present when
the seal is broken, the master copy copied and resealed.

F6.5. If one or more of the parties is not present when the master copy seal
is broken because they cannot be contacted or refuse to attend or paragraph
F6.6 applies, arrangements should be made for an independent person to be
present. Alternatively, or as an additional safeguard, arrangement should be
made for a film or photographs to be taken of the procedure.

F6.6. Paragraph F6.5 does not require a person to be given an opportunity
to be present if–

(a) it is necessary to break the master copy seal for the proper and
effective further investigation of the original offence or the
investigation of some other offence; and

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(b) the officer in charge of the investigation has reasonable
grounds to suspect that allowing an opportunity might
prejudice any such an investigation or criminal proceedings
which may be brought as a result or endanger any person (see
Note 6E).

D. Documentation
F6.7 When the master copy seal is broken, copied and re-sealed, a record
must be made of the procedure followed, including the date, time and place
and persons present.

Notes for Guidance
6A. This section is concerned with the security of the master copy which
will have been sealed at the conclusion of the interview. Care should,
however, be taken of working copies since their loss or destruction might
lead to the need to have access to master copies.

6B. If the master copy has been delivered to the Supreme Court for safe
keeping after committal for trial, the prosecutor must apply to the Registrar
for its release for unsealing by the prosecutor.

6C. Reference to the Attorney-General in this part of the Code include any
other body or person with a statutory responsibility for prosecution for
whom the police conduct any recorded interviews.

6D. The most common reasons for needing access to master copies that are
not required for criminal proceedings arise from civil actions and
complaints against police and civil actions between individuals arising out
of allegations of crime investigated by police.

6E. Paragraph F6.6 could apply, for example, when one or more of the
outcomes or likely outcomes of the investigation might be–

(a) the prosecution of one or more of the original suspects;

(b) the prosecution of someone previously not suspected, including
someone who was originally a witness; and

(c) any original suspect being treated as a prosecution witness and
when premature disclosure of any police action, particularly
through contact with any parties involved, could lead to a real
risk of compromising the investigation and endangering
witnesses.
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CODE G

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE STATUTORY POWER OF
ARREST BY POLICE OFFICERS

This Code is issued by the Minister under Part 29 of the Criminal Procedure
and Evidence Act 2011 and comes into force on such date as the Minister by
Order prescribes.

This Code has effect in relation to arrests made by police officers on or after
such date as the Minister by Order prescribes.

G1. Introduction

G1.1. This Code of Practice deals with the statutory power of police to
arrest persons suspected of involvement in a criminal offence.

G1.2. The right to liberty is a key principle of the human rights provisions
in the Constitution. The exercise of the power of arrest represents an
obvious and significant interference with that right.

G1.3. The use of the power must be fully justified and officers exercising
the power should consider if the necessary objectives can be met by other,
less intrusive means. Arrest must never be used simply because it can be
used. Absence of justification for exercising the powers of arrest may lead
to challenges if the case goes to court. When the power of arrest is exercised
it is essential that it is exercised in a non-discriminatory and proportionate
manner.

G1.4. Section 42 of this Act provides the statutory power of arrest. If the
provisions of the Act and this Code are not observed, both the arrest and the
conduct of any subsequent investigation may be open to question.

G1.5. This Code of Practice must be readily available at all police stations
for consultation by police officers, detained persons and members of the
public.

G1.6. The Notes for Guidance are not provisions of this Code.

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G2. Elements of arrest under section 42

G2.1. A lawful arrest requires two elements–

(a) a person’s involvement or suspected involvement or attempted
involvement in the commission of a criminal offence; and

(b) reasonable grounds for believing that the person’s arrest is
necessary.

G2.2. Arresting officers must–

(a) inform the person arrested that he or she has been arrested,
even if this fact is obvious, and of the relevant circumstances
of the arrest in relation to both elements; and

(b) inform the custody officer of the relevant circumstances on
arrival at the police station (see Code C paragraph C3.4).

Involvement in an offence
G2.3. A police officer may arrest without warrant any person–

(a) who is about to commit an offence;

(b) who is in the act of committing an offence;

(c) whom the officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting to be
about to commit an offence;

(d) whom the officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting to be
committing an offence.

G2.3A. If a police officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting that an
offence has been committed, he may arrest without a warrant anyone whom
he has reasonable grounds to suspect of being guilty of it.

G2.3B. If an offence has been committed, a police officer may arrest
without a warrant anyone–

(a) who is guilty of the offence;

(b) whom the officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting to be
guilty of it.

Necessity criteria
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G2.4. The power of arrest is only exercisable if the officer has reasonable
grounds for believing that it is necessary to arrest the person. The criteria for
what may constitute necessity are set out in paragraph G2.9. It remains an
operational decision at the discretion of the arresting officer as to–

(a) what action he or she may take at the point of contact with the
individual;

(b) the necessity criterion or criteria (if any) which applies to the
individual; and

(c) whether to arrest, report for summons, grant street bail, issue a
fixed penalty notice or take any other action that is open to the
officer.

G2.5. In applying the criteria, the arresting officer must be satisfied that at
least one of the reasons supporting the need for arrest is satisfied.

G2.6. Extending the power of arrest to all offences provides a police officer
with the ability to use that power to deal with any situation. However,
applying the necessity criteria requires the officer to examine and justify the
reason or reasons why a person needs to be taken to a police station for the
custody officer to decide whether the person should be placed in police
detention.

G2.7. The criteria below are based on section 42 of this Act. The criteria
are exhaustive. However, the circumstances that may satisfy those criteria
remain a matter for the operational discretion of individual officers. Some
examples are given below of what those circumstances may be.

G2.8. In considering the individual circumstances, the officer must take
into account the situation of the victim, the nature of the offence, the
circumstances of the suspect and the needs of the investigative process.

G2.9. The criteria are that the arrest is necessary–

(a) to enable the name of the person to be ascertained (if the police
officer does not know, and cannot readily ascertain, the
person’s name, or has reasonable grounds for doubting whether
a name given by the person as his name is his real name);

(b) correspondingly as regards the person’s address.

(Note: An address is satisfactory for the service of a summons
if the person will be at it long enough to serve him or her with
a summons; or if some other person at that address specified by
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the person will accept service of the summons on his or her
behalf.)

(c) to prevent the person–
(i) causing physical injury to himself or any other person;

(ii) suffering physical injury;

(iii) causing loss of or damage to property;

(iv) committing an offence against public decency (subject to
subsection (6)); or

(v) causing an unlawful obstruction of the highway;

(d) to protect a child or other vulnerable person from the person;

(e) to allow the prompt and effective investigation of the offence
or of the conduct of the person;

(f) to prevent any prosecution for the offence from being hindered
by the disappearance of the person, whether because the person
is not ordinarily resident in Gibraltar or otherwise.

G2.9A. Paragraph 2.9(e) may apply if (but is not limited to)–

(a) there are reasonable grounds to believe that the person–

(i) has made false statements;

(ii) has made statements which cannot be readily verified;

(iii) has presented false evidence;

(iv) may steal or destroy evidence;

(v) may make contact with co-suspects or conspirators;

(vi) may intimidate or threaten or make contact with
witnesses;

(b) it is necessary to obtain evidence by questioning; or

(c) an arrest of a person in connection with an indictable offence is
considered and there is a need to−
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(i) enter and search any premises occupied or controlled by
the person;

(ii) search the person

(iii) prevent the person having contact with others;

(iv) take fingerprints, footwear impressions, samples or
photographs of the person;

(d) compliance with statutory drug testing requirements must be
ensured;

(e) it is necessary to prevent a prosecution for the offence from
being hindered by the disappearance of the person in question;

(f) (without limiting paragraph (e)) there are reasonable grounds
for believing that–

(i) if the person is not arrested he or she will fail to attend
court;

(ii) street bail after arrest (i.e. under section 49 of this Act)
would be insufficient to deter the suspect from trying to
evade prosecution.

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G3. Information to be given on arrest

A. Need for a caution (see Code C section C9)
G3.1. A person whom there are grounds to suspect of an offence (see Note
2) must be cautioned before any questions about an offence, or further
questions if the answers provide the grounds for suspicion, are put to the
person, that either the suspect’s answers or silence, (i.e. failure or refusal to
answer or answer satisfactorily) may be given in evidence to a court in a
prosecution.
A person need not be cautioned if questions are asked for other necessary
purposes, such as–

(a) solely to establish the person’s identity or ownership of any
vehicle;

(b) to obtain information in accordance with any relevant statutory
requirement;

(c) in furtherance of the proper and effective conduct of a search,
e.g. to determine the need to search in the exercise of powers to
stop and search or to seek cooperation while carrying out a
search;

(d) to seek verification of a written record as in Code C paragraph
C11.13.

G3.2. Whenever a person not under arrest is initially cautioned, or
reminded he or she is under caution, the person must at the same time be
told that he or she is not under arrest and is free to leave if he or she want to.

G3.3. A person who is arrested, or further arrested, must be informed at the
time, or as
soon as practicable, that he or she is under arrest and the grounds for the
arrest (see Note 3).

G3.4. A person who is arrested, or further arrested, must also be cautioned
unless–

(a) it is impracticable to caution by reason of the person’s
condition or behaviour at the time;

(b) the person has already been cautioned immediately prior to
arrest as in paragraph G3.1.

B. Terms of the caution (see Code C section C10)
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G3.5. The caution, which must be given on arrest, should be in the
following terms –
“You are not obliged to say anything unless you wish to do so,
but what you say may be put into writing and given in
evidence.” (See Note 5.)

G3.6. Minor deviations from the words of any caution given in accordance
with this Code do not constitute a breach of this Code, provided the sense of
the relevant caution is preserved (see Note 6).

G3.7. When, despite being cautioned, a person fails to co-operate or to
answer particular questions which may affect the person’s immediate
treatment, the person should be informed of any relevant consequences and
that those consequences are not affected by the caution. Examples are when
a person’s refusal to provide–

(a) his or her name and address when charged may make him or
her liable to detention;

(b) particulars and information in accordance with a statutory
requirement, e.g. under the Traffic Act, may amount to an
offence or may make the person liable to a further arrest.

G4. Records of Arrest

A. General
G4.1. The arresting officer must record in his or her pocket book, or by
other methods used for recording information–

(a) the nature and circumstances of the offence leading to the
arrest;

(b) the reason or reasons why arrest was necessary;

(c) the giving of the caution;

(d) anything said by the person at the time of arrest.

G4.2. The record should be made at the time of the arrest unless that is
impracticable. If not made at the time of arrest, the record should be
completed as soon as possible after it.

G4.3. On arrival at the police station, the custody officer must open the
custody record (see paragraph C1.1A and section C2 of Code C). The
information given by the arresting officer on the circumstances and reason
or reasons for arrest must be recorded as part of the custody record.
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Alternatively, a copy of the record made by the officer in accordance with
paragraph G4.1 must be attached as part of the custody record (see
paragraph G2.2 and Code C paragraphs C3.4 and C10.3).

G4.4. The custody record will serve as a record of the arrest. Copies of the
custody record will be provided in accordance with paragraphs C2.4 and
2.4A of Code C, and access for inspection of the original record in
accordance with paragraph C2.5 of Code C.

B. Interviews and arrests
G4.5. Records of interview, significant statements will be treated in the
same way as set out in sections C10 and C11 of Code C and in Code E (tape
recording of interviews).

Notes for Guidance
[1. Omitted.]

2. There must be some reasonable, objective grounds for the suspicion,
based on known facts or information which are relevant to the likelihood
that the offence has been committed and that the person to be questioned
committed it.

3. An arrested person must be given sufficient information to enable the
person to understand that he or she has been deprived of his or her liberty
and the reason for the arrest. For example, if a person is arrested on
suspicion of committing an offence the person must be told the nature of the
suspected offence, and when and where it was committed. The suspect must
also be informed of the reason or reasons why arrest is considered
necessary. Vague or technical language should be avoided.

4. Nothing in this Code requires a caution to be given or repeated when
informing a person not under arrest that he or she may be prosecuted for an
offence. However, a court will not be able to draw any inferences under
section 359, 361 or 362 of this Act if the person was not cautioned.

5. If it appears that a person does not understand the caution, the person
giving it should explain it in his or her own words.

6. The powers available to an officer as the result of an arrest, such as entry
and search of premises, holding a person incommunicado, setting up road
blocks, etc., are only available in respect of indictable offences and are
subject to the specific requirements on authorisation set out in this Act and
relevant Code of Practice.
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CODE OF PRACTICE ON THE RECORDING, RETENTION AND
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL OBTAINED IN A CRIMINAL
INVESTIGATION

This Code is issued by the Minister under Part 29 of the Criminal Procedure
and Evidence Act 2011 and comes into force on such date as the Minister by
Order prescribes.

1. Introduction

1.1. This code of practice sets out the manner in which officers are to
record, retain and reveal to the prosecutor material obtained in a criminal
investigation and which may be relevant to the investigation, and related
matters.

1.2. This code of practice applies in respect of criminal investigations
conducted by police officers which begin on or after such date as the
Minister by Order prescribes.

1.3. Persons other than police officers who are charged with the duty of
conducting an investigation as defined in the Act are to have regard to the
relevant provisions of the code, and should take these into account in
applying their own operating procedures.
This code does not apply to persons who are not charged with the duty of
conducting an investigation as defined in the Act.

1.4. Nothing in this code applies to material intercepted in obedience to a
warrant issued under Part 15 of the Crimes Act 2011 (Computer Misuse).

2. Definitions

2.1 In this code–

(a) a ‘criminal investigation’ is an investigation conducted by
police or customs officers with a view to it being ascertained
whether a person should be charged with an offence, or
whether a person charged with an offence is guilty of it. This
will include–

(i) investigations into crimes that have been committed;

(ii) investigations whose purpose is to ascertain whether a
crime has been committed, with a view to the possible
institution of criminal proceedings; and

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(iii) investigations which begin in the belief that a crime may
have been committed, for example, when the police keep
premises or people under observation for a period of
time, with a view to the possible institution of criminal
proceedings;

(b) ‘charging a person with an offence’ includes prosecution by
way of a summons;

(c) an ‘investigator’ is any police or customs officer involved in
the conduct of a criminal investigation. All investigators have a
responsibility for carrying out the duties imposed on them
under this code, including in particular recording information,
and retaining records of information and other material;

(d) the ‘officer in charge of an investigation’ is the police officer
responsible for directing a criminal investigation. That officer
is also responsible for ensuring that proper procedures are in
place for recording information, and retaining records of
information and other material, in the investigation;

(e) the ‘disclosure officer’ is the person responsible for examining
material retained by the police during the investigation;
revealing material to the prosecutor during the investigation
and any criminal proceedings resulting from it, and certifying
that the officer has done this; and disclosing material to the
accused at the request of the prosecutor;

(f) [Omitted]

(g) ‘material’ is material of any kind, including information and
objects, which is obtained in the course of a criminal
investigation and which may be relevant to the investigation.
This includes not only material coming into the possession of
the investigator (such as documents seized in the course of
searching premises) but also material generated by the
investigator (such as interview records);

(h) material may be ‘relevant to an investigation’ if it appears to
an investigator, or to the officer in charge of an investigation,
or to the disclosure officer, that it has some bearing on any
offence under investigation or any person being investigated,
or on the surrounding circumstances of the case, unless it is
incapable of having any impact on the case;

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(i) ‘sensitive material’ is material, the disclosure of which, the
disclosure officer believes would give rise to a real risk of
serious prejudice to an important public interest;

(j) references to ‘prosecution disclosure’ are to the duty of the
prosecutor under sections 239 and 248 of this Act to disclose
material which is in his possession or which he has inspected in
pursuance of this code, and which might reasonably be
considered capable of undermining the case against the
accused, or of assisting the case for the accused;

(k) references to the disclosure of material to a person accused of
an offence include references to the disclosure of material to
his or her legal representative.

3. General responsibilities

3.1. The functions of the investigator, the officer in charge of an
investigation and the disclosure officer are separate. Whether they are
undertaken by one, two or more persons will depend on the complexity of
the case. If they are undertaken by more than one person, close consultation
between them is essential to the effective performance of the duties imposed
by this code.

[3.2 omitted]

3.3. The Commissioner of Police must put in place arrangements to ensure
that in every investigation the identity of the officer in charge of an
investigation and the disclosure officer is recorded. The Commissioner must
ensure that disclosure officers and deputy disclosure officers have sufficient
skills and authority, commensurate with the complexity of the investigation,
to discharge their functions effectively. An individual must not be appointed
as a disclosure officer, or continue in that role, if it is likely to result in a
conflict of interest, for instance, if the disclosure officer is the victim of the
alleged crime which is the subject of the investigation. The advice of a more
senior officer must always be sought if there is doubt as to whether a
conflict of interest precludes an individual acting as the disclosure officer. If
the doubt still remains, the advice of the Attorney-General should be sought.

3.4. The officer in charge of an investigation may delegate tasks to another
police officer, but remains responsible for ensuring that these have been
carried out and for accounting for any general policies followed in the
investigation. In particular, it is an essential part of the duties of the officer
in charge to ensure that all material which may be relevant to an
investigation is retained, and either made available to the disclosure officer
or (in exceptional circumstances) revealed directly to the prosecutor.
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3.5. In conducting an investigation, the investigator should pursue all
reasonable lines of inquiry, whether these point towards or away from the
suspect. What is reasonable in each case will depend on the particular
circumstances. For example, where material is held on computer, it is a
matter for the investigator to decide how many files on the computer it is
reasonable to inquire into, and in what manner.

3.6. If the officer in charge of an investigation believes that other persons
may be in possession of material that may be relevant to the investigation,
and if this has not been obtained under paragraph 3.4, the officer should ask
the disclosure officer to inform them of the existence of the investigation
and invite them to retain the material in case they receive a request for its
disclosure. The disclosure officer should inform the prosecutor that they
may have such material. However, the officer in charge of an investigation
is not required to make speculative enquiries of other persons: there must be
some reason to believe that they may have relevant material. That reason
may come from information provided to the police by the accused or from
inquiries made or from some other source.

3.7. If, during a criminal investigation, the officer in charge of an
investigation or disclosure officer for any reason no longer has
responsibility for the functions falling to him, either the officer’s supervisor
or the police officer in charge of criminal investigations must assign
someone else to assume that responsibility. That person’s identity must be
recorded, as with those initially responsible for these functions in each
investigation.

4. Recording of information

4.1. If material which may be relevant to the investigation consists of
information which is not recorded in any form, the officer in charge of an
investigation must ensure that it is recorded in a durable, retrievable or
readable form (whether in writing, on video or audio tape, or on computer
disk).

4.2. If it is not practicable to retain the initial record of information because
it forms part of a larger record which is to be destroyed, its contents should
be transferred as a true record to a durable and more easily-stored form
before that happens.

4.3. Negative information is often relevant to an investigation. If it may be
relevant, it must be recorded. An example might be a number of people
present in a particular place at a particular time who state that they saw
nothing unusual.

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4.4. If information which may be relevant is obtained, it must be recorded
at the time it is obtained or as soon as practicable after that time. This
includes, for example, information obtained in house-to-house enquiries,
although the requirement to record information promptly does not require an
investigator from a potential witness where it could not otherwise be taken.

5. Retention of material

A. Duty to retain material
5.1. The investigator must retain material obtained in a criminal
investigation which may be relevant to the investigation. Material may be
photographed, video-recorded, captured digitally or otherwise retained in
the form of a copy rather than the original at any time, if the original is
perishable; the original was supplied to the investigator rather than
generated by the investigator and is to be returned to its owner; or the
retention of a copy rather than the original is reasonable in all the
circumstances.

5.2. If material has been seized in the exercise of the powers of seizure
conferred by this Act, the duty to retain it under this code is subject to the
provisions on the retention of seized material in section 28 of this Act.

5.3. If the officer in charge of an investigation becomes aware as a result of
developments in the case that material previously examined but not retained
(because it was not thought to be relevant) may now be relevant to the
investigation, the officer should, wherever practicable, take steps to obtain it
or ensure that it is retained for further inspection or for production in court if
required.

5.4. The duty to retain material includes the duty to retain material falling
into the following categories, if it may be relevant to the investigation–

(a) crime reports (including crime report forms, relevant parts of
incident report books or police officers’ notebooks);

(b) custody records;

(c) records which are derived from tapes of telephone messages
(for example 199 calls) containing descriptions of an alleged
offence or offender;

(d) final versions of witness statements (and draft versions where
their contents differ from the final version), including any
exhibits mentioned (unless these have been returned to their
owner on the understanding that they will be produced in court
if required);
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(e) interview records (written records, or audio or video tapes, of
interviews with actual or potential witnesses or suspects);

(f) communications between the police and experts such as
forensic scientists, and reports of work carried out by experts
for the purposes of criminal proceedings;

(g) records of the first description of a suspect by each potential
witness who purports to identify or describe the suspect,
whether or not the description differs from that of subsequent
descriptions by that or other witnesses;

(h) any material casting doubt on the reliability of a witness.

5.4A. The duty to retain material if it may be relevant to the investigation
also includes the duty to retain material which may satisfy the test for
prosecution disclosure in the Act, such as–

(a) information provided by an accused person which indicates an
explanation for the offence with which the person has been
charged;

(b) any material casting doubt on the reliability of a confession;

(c) any material casting doubt on the reliability of a prosecution
witness.

5.5. The duty to retain material falling into these categories does not extend
to items which are purely ancillary to such material and possess no
independent significance (for example, duplicate copies of records and
reports).

B. Length of time for which material is to be retained
5.6. All material which may be relevant to the investigation must be
retained until a decision is taken whether to institute proceedings against a
person for an offence.

5.7. If a criminal investigation results in proceedings being instituted, all
material which may be relevant must be retained at least until the accused is
acquitted or convicted or the prosecutor decides not to proceed with the
case.

5.8. If the accused is convicted, all material which may be relevant must be
retained until−

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(a) the convicted person is released from custody, or discharged
from hospital, in cases where the court imposes a custodial
sentence or a hospital order;

(b) 6 months from the date of conviction, in all other cases.

If the court imposes a custodial sentence or hospital order and the convicted
person is released from custody or discharged from hospital earlier than 6
months from the date of conviction, all material which may be relevant must
be retained at least until 6 months from the date of conviction.

5.9. If an appeal against conviction is in progress when the release or
discharge occurs, or at the end of the period of 6 months specified in
paragraph 5.8, all material which may be relevant must be retained until the
appeal is determined.

6. Preparation of material for prosecutor

A. Introduction
6.1 The officer in charge of the investigation, the disclosure officer or an
investigator may seek advice from the prosecutor about whether any
particular item of material may be relevant to the investigation.

6.2. Material which may be relevant to an investigation, which has been
retained in accordance with this Code and which the disclosure officer
believes will not form part of the prosecution case, must be listed in a
schedule.

6.3. Material which the disclosure officer does not believe is sensitive must
be listed in a schedule of non-sensitive material. The schedule must include
a statement that the disclosure officer does not believe the material is
sensitive.

6.4. Any material which is believed to be sensitive must be either listed in a
schedule of sensitive material or, in exceptional circumstances, revealed to
the prosecutor separately. If there is no sensitive material, the disclosure
officer must record this fact in a schedule of sensitive material.

6.5. Paragraphs 6.9 to 6.11 apply to both sensitive and non-sensitive
material. Paragraphs 6.12 to 6.14 apply to sensitive material only.

[6.6 to 6.8 omitted.]

B. Way in which material is to be listed on schedule
6.9. The disclosure officer should ensure that each item of material is listed
separately on the schedule, and is numbered consecutively. The description
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of each item should make clear the nature of the item and should contain
sufficient detail to enable the prosecutor to decide whether he or she needs
to inspect the material before deciding whether or not it should be disclosed.

6.10. In some enquiries it may not be practicable to list each item of
material separately. For example, there may be many items of a similar or
repetitive nature. These may be listed in a block and described by quantity
and generic title.

6.11. Even if some material is listed in a block, the disclosure officer must
ensure that any items among that material which might satisfy the test for
prosecution disclosure are listed and described individually.

C. Treatment of sensitive material
6.12. Subject to paragraph 6.13, the disclosure officer must list on a
sensitive schedule any material the disclosure of which the officer believes
would give rise to a real risk of serious prejudice to an important public
interest, and the reason for that belief. The schedule must include a
statement that the disclosure officer believes the material is sensitive.
Depending on the circumstances, examples of such material may include the
following–

(a) material relating to national security;

(b) material received from the intelligence and security agencies;

(c) material relating to intelligence from foreign sources which
reveals sensitive intelligence gathering methods;

(d) material given in confidence;

(e) material relating to the identity or activities of informants,
under-cover police officers, witnesses or other persons
supplying information to the police who may be in danger if
their identities are revealed;

(f) material revealing the location of any premises or other place
used for police surveillance, or the identity of any person
allowing a police officer to use them for surveillance;

(g) material revealing, either directly or indirectly, techniques and
methods relied upon by a police officer in the course of a
criminal investigation, for example covert surveillance
techniques, or other methods of detecting crime;

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(h) material the disclosure of which might facilitate the
commission of other offences or hinder the prevention and
detection of crime;

(i) material upon the strength of which search warrants were
obtained;

(j) material containing details of persons taking part in
identification parades;

(k) material supplied to an investigator during a criminal
investigation which has been generated by an official of a body
concerned with the regulation or supervision of bodies
corporate or of persons engaged in financial activities, or
which has been generated by a person retained by such a body;

(l) material supplied to an investigator during a criminal
investigation which relates to a child or young person and
which has been generated by a probation officer, the Care
Agency or some other party contacted by an investigator
during the investigation.

6.13. In exceptional circumstances, if an investigator considers that
material is so sensitive that its revelation to the prosecutor by means of an
entry on the sensitive schedule is inappropriate, the existence of the material
must be revealed to the prosecutor separately. This will apply only if
compromising the material would be likely to lead directly to the loss of
life, or directly threaten national security.

6.14. In such circumstances, the responsibility for informing the prosecutor
lies with the investigator who knows the detail of the sensitive material. The
investigator should act as soon as is reasonably practicable after the file
containing the prosecution case is sent to the prosecutor. The investigator
must also ensure that the prosecutor is able to inspect the material so that the
prosecutor can assess whether it is disclosable and if so, whether it needs to
be brought before a court for a ruling on disclosure under Part 12 of this
Act.

7. Revelation of material to prosecutor

7.1. The disclosure officer must send the schedules to the prosecutor.
Wherever practicable, this should be at the same time as the officer sends
the file containing the material for the prosecution case.

7.2. The disclosure officer should draw the attention of the prosecutor to
any material that an investigator has retained (including material to which
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paragraph 6.13 applies) which may satisfy the test for prosecution
disclosure in the Act, and should explain why the officer has come to that
view.

7.3. At the same time as complying with the duties in paragraphs 7.1 and
7.2, the disclosure officer must give the prosecutor a copy of any of the
following (unless it has already been given to the prosecutor as part of the
file containing the material for the prosecution case)–

(a) information provided by an accused person which indicates an
explanation for the offences with which he has been charged;

(b) any material casting doubt on the reliability of a confession;

(c) any material casting doubt on the reliability of a prosecution
witness;

(d) any other material which the investigator believes may satisfy
the test for prosecution disclosure in the Act.

7.4. If the prosecutor asks to inspect material which has not already been
copied to the prosecutor, the disclosure officer must allow the prosecutor to
inspect it. If the prosecutor asks for a copy of material which has not already
been copied to the prosecutor, the disclosure officer must give the
prosecutor a copy. This does not apply if the disclosure officer believes,
having consulted the officer in charge of an investigation, that the material
is too sensitive to be copied and can only be inspected.

7.5. If material consists of information which is recorded other than in
writing, whether it should be given to the prosecutor in its original form as a
whole, or by way of relevant extracts recorded in the same form, or in the
form of a transcript, is a matter for agreement between the disclosure officer
and the prosecutor.

8. Subsequent action by disclosure officer

8.1. At the time a schedule of non-sensitive material is prepared, the
prosecutor may not have given advice about the likely relevance of
particular items of material. Once these matters have been determined, the
disclosure officer must give the prosecutor, if necessary, an amended
schedule, listing any additional material which–

(a) may be relevant to the investigation;

(b) does not form part of the case against the accused;

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(c) is not already listed on the schedule; and

(d) the officer believes is not sensitive,

unless the officer is informed in writing by the prosecutor that the
prosecutor intends to disclose the material to the defence.

8.2. Section 248 of this Act imposes a continuing duty on the prosecutor,
for the duration of criminal proceedings against the accused, to disclose
material which meets the tests for disclosure (subject to public interest
considerations). To enable the prosecutor to do this, any new material
coming to light should be treated in the same way as earlier material.

8.3. In particular, if a defence statement has been given, the disclosure
officer must look again at the material which has been retained and must
draw the attention of the prosecutor to any material which might reasonably
be considered capable of undermining the case for the prosecution against
the accused, or of assisting the accused; and the officer must reveal it to the
prosecutor in accordance with paragraphs 7.4 and 7.5.

9. Certification by disclosure officer
9.1. The disclosure officer must certify to the prosecutor that to the best of
the officer’s knowledge and belief, all relevant material which has been
retained and made available to the officer has been revealed to the
prosecutor in accordance with this Code. The officer must sign and date the
certificate. It will be necessary to certify not only at the time when the
schedule and accompanying material is submitted to the prosecutor, and
when relevant material which has been retained is reconsidered after the
accused has given a defence statement, but also whenever a schedule is
otherwise given or material is otherwise revealed to the prosecutor.

10. Disclosure of material to the accused
10.1. If material has not already been copied to the prosecutor, and the
prosecutor requests its disclosure to the accused on the grounds that–

(a) it falls within the test for prosecution disclosure; or

(b) the court has ordered its disclosure after considering an
application from the accused,

the disclosure officer must disclose it to the accused.

10.2. If material has been copied to the prosecutor and it is to be disclosed,
the decision as to whether it is disclosed by the prosecutor or the disclosure
officer is a matter for agreement between the two of them.

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10.3. The disclosure officer must disclose material to the accused person,
whether by giving the person a copy or by allowing the person to inspect it.
If the accused person asks for a copy of any material which the person has
been allowed to inspect, the disclosure officer must give it to the person,
unless in the opinion of the disclosure officer that is either not practicable
(for example because the material consists of an object which cannot be
copied, or because the volume of material is so great), or not desirable (for
example because the material is a statement by a child witness in relation to
a sexual offence).

10.4. If material which the accused has been allowed to inspect consists of
information which is recorded other than in writing, the decision as to
whether it should be given to the accused in its original form or in the form
of a transcript is a matter for the discretion of the disclosure officer. If the
material is transcribed, the disclosure officer must ensure that the transcript
is certified to the accused as a true record of the material which has been
transcribed.

10.5. If a court concludes that an item of sensitive material satisfies the
prosecution disclosure test and that the interests of the defence outweigh the
public interest in withholding disclosure, it will be necessary to disclose the
material if the case is to proceed. This does not mean that sensitive
documents must always be disclosed in their original form; for example, the
court may agree that sensitive details still requiring protection should be
blocked out, or that documents may be summarised, or that the prosecutor
may make an admission about the substance of the material under section
355 of this Act.

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CODE OF PRACTICE FOR ARRANGING AND CONDUCTING
INTERVIEWS OF WITNESSES NOTIFIED BY THE DEFENDANT

This Code is issued by the Minister under Part 29 of the Criminal Procedure
and Evidence Act 2011 and comes into force such on date as the Minister by
Order prescribes.

Preamble

1.1 This code of practice sets out guidance that police officers must follow
if they arrange or conduct interviews of proposed witnesses whose details
are disclosed to the prosecution by a defendant pursuant to the disclosure
provisions in Part 12 of the Act.

1.2. This code of practice applies in respect of criminal investigations
conducted by police officers which begin on or after such date as the
Minister by Order prescribes.

1.3. Persons other than police officers who are charged with the duty of
conducting an investigation as defined in the Act are to have regard to the
relevant provisions of the code, and should take these into account in
applying their own operating procedures.
This code does not apply to persons who are not charged with the duty of
conducting an investigation as defined in the Act.

Introduction

2.1. Part 12 of the Act sets out rules governing disclosure of information in
the course of criminal proceedings by both the prosecution and the defence.

2.2. Section 242 provides for the defendant to give a voluntary defence
statements to the prosecution and to the court and section 243 sets out what
those defence statements must contain. Section 243(2) requires that any
defence statement that discloses an alibi must give particulars of it,
including details of any witness who the defendant believes is able to give
evidence in support of the alibi and any information the defendant has
which may assist in identifying or finding such a witness. Section 266A also
requires disclosure of alibi witnesses.

2.4. This code of practice sets out guidance that police officers must have
regard to when they are arranging and conducting interviews of proposed
witnesses identified in a defence statement given under section 242 or a
notice given under section 266A.

Definitions

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3. In this code–

“officer” means a police officer or other investigating officer
conducting, or proposing to conduct, an interview with a
defence witness;

“witness” means a person identified by a defendant either in a
defence statement under section 243(2) as being a witness that
he believes is able to give evidence in support of an alibi
disclosed in the statement, or in a notice given to the court and
the prosecutor under section 266A.

Arrangement of the interview

Information to be provided to the witness before any interview may take
place
4.1. If an officer wishes to interview a witness, the witness must be asked
whether he consents to being interviewed and informed that–

(a) an interview is being requested following his identification by
the accused as a proposed witness under section 243(2) or
section 266A of the Act;

(b) he is not obliged to attend the proposed interview;

(c) he is entitled to be accompanied by a legal representative at the
interview (without obliging the Government to provide funding
for any such attendance); and

(d) a record will be made of the interview and he will subsequently
be sent a copy of the record.

4.2. If the witness consents to being interviewed, the witness must be
asked–

(a) whether he wishes to have a legal representative present at the
interview;

(b) whether he consents to a legal representative attending the
interview on behalf of the defendant as an observer; and

(c) whether he consents to a copy of the record being sent to the
defendant. If he does not consent, the witness must be
informed that the effect of disclosure requirements in criminal
proceedings may nevertheless require the prosecution to
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disclose the record to the defendant (and any co-defendant) in
the course of the proceedings.

Information to be provided to the defendant before any interview may take
place
4.3. The officer must notify the defendant or, if the defendant is legally
represented in the proceedings, the defendant’s legal representative–

(a) that the officer requested an interview with the witness;

(b) whether the witness consented to the interview; and

(c) if the witness consented to the interview, whether the witness
also consented to a legal representative attending the interview
on behalf of the defendant, as an observer.

4.4. If the defendant is not legally represented in the proceedings, and if the
witness consents to a legal representative attending the interview on behalf
of the defendant, the defendant must be offered the opportunity, a
reasonable time before the interview is held, to appoint a legal
representative to attend it.

Identification of the date, time and venue for the interview
4.5. The officer must nominate a reasonable date, time and venue for the
interview and notify the witness of them and any subsequent changes to
them.

Notification to the defendant’s legal representative of the date, time and
venue of the interview
4.6. If the witness has consented to the presence of the defendant’s legal
representative, the representative must be notified that the interview is
taking place, invited to observe, and given reasonable notice of the date,
time and venue of the interview and any subsequent changes.

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Conduct of the interview

The officer conducting the interview
5.1. The identity of the officer conducting the interview must be recorded.
That person must have sufficient skills and authority, commensurate with
the complexity of the investigation, to discharge his functions effectively.
An officer must not conduct an interview if it is likely to result in a conflict
of interest, for instance, if the officer is the victim of the alleged crime
which is the subject of the proceedings. The advice of a more senior officer
must always be sought if there is doubt as to whether a conflict of interest
precludes an individual conducting the interview. If the doubt remains, the
advice of a prosecutor must be sought.

Attendance of the defendant’s legal representative
5.2. The defendant’s legal representative may only attend the interview if
the witness has consented to his presence as an observer. If the
representative was given reasonable notice of the date, time and place of the
interview, the fact that the representative is not present will not prevent the
interview from being conducted.
If the witness at any time withdraws consent to the defendant’s legal
representative being present at the interview, the interview may continue
without the presence of the representative.

5.3. The defendant’s legal representative may attend only as an observer.

Attendance of the witness’s legal representative
5.4. If a witness has indicated that he wishes to appoint a legal
representative to be present, that representative must be permitted to attend
the interview.

Attendance of any other appropriate person
5.5. A witness under the age of 18 or a witness who is mentally disordered
or otherwise mentally vulnerable must be interviewed in the presence of an
appropriate adult (as defined in section 2(1) of the Act).

Recording of the interview

6.1. An accurate record must be made of the interview, whether it takes
place at a police station or elsewhere. The record must be made, where
practicable, by audio recording or by visual recording with sound, or
otherwise in writing. Any written record must be made and completed
during the interview, unless this would not be practicable or would interfere
with the conduct of the interview, and must constitute either a verbatim
record of what has been said or, failing this, an account of the interview
which adequately and accurately summarises it. If a written record is not
made during the interview it must be made as soon as practicable after its
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completion. Written interview records must be timed and signed by the
maker.

6.2. A copy of the record must be given, within a reasonable time of the
interview, to–

(a) the witness; and

(b) if the witness consents, to the defendant or the defendant’s
legal representative.