Members should note that a new protocol has been issued, replacing the 2013 Protocol and Good Practice Model – Disclosure of information in cases of alleged child abuse and linked criminal and care directions hearings (October 2013 – often referred to as the ‘the Police Protocol’.
This new protocol applies to the exchange of information and material between criminal and family agencies and jurisdictions. It relates to all private and public family law proceedings, including contemplated public law proceedings, and all material held by the police. It will be reviewed by a working group comprising the judiciary, local authorities, police and CPS based, on the experience of its implementation, in 2025.
The judiciary, local authorities, police representatives, the National Police Chiefs’ Council and Crown Prosecution Service have, through joint working and consultation, developed this protocol which is to be applied from 1 March 2024 onwards. Please find the Protocol and Guidance Notes below.
Annex 3 Guidance Notes for local authority representatives
Annex 4 Checklist for the judiciary
Annex 5 Private Law Police Disclosure Order
Annex 6 NPCC Third Party Material Request Form