Policy paper

Draft revised Covert Human Intelligence Sources code of practice 2022

Outlines changes in the draft revised code covering the use or conduct of covert human intelligence sources (CHIS) by public authorities under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.

Documents

Covert Human Intelligence Sources: draft revised code of practice, October 2022 (accessible)

Covert Human Intelligence Sources: draft revised code of practice, October 2022

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Covert Human Intelligence Sources: draft revised code of practice, October 2022 (print version)

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Details

Revised code

This draft revised Covert Human Intelligence Sources (CHIS) code was laid before Parliament on 19 October 2022 and came into force in December 2022 following Parliamentary approval on the affirmative Statutory Instruments by a resolution.

Following a public consultation, the draft CHIS code has been redrafted. The final version replaces the previous code dated August 2018.

The draft revised code reflects the new provisions relating to the authorisation of criminal conduct by CHIS brought in by public authorities under the 2000 Act, including changes in the CHIS (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021.

A number of minor updates and clarifications have been made to ensure that public authorities apply best practice in the use of the powers.

It is intended to guide law enforcement agencies, the UK Intelligence Community (UKIC) and public authorities who exercise such powers. It also sets out additional safeguards as to how the powers already in primary legislation should be exercised.

Published 19 October 2022
Last updated 18 January 2023 + show all updates
  1. Accessible version of draft revised code of practice added and updates made to Details section to include links to final code of practice.

  2. First published.