# Crime and Policing Act 2026, Section 159: Concealing identity at protests: procedure for designations etc

Extent: E+W

(1) A constable—
(a) whose rank is that of inspector, and
(b) who designates a locality under section 158,
must ensure that a constable whose rank is at least that of superintendent is informed (by the inspector or another person) of the designation as soon as reasonably practicable.
(2) A designation under section 158—
(a) must be in writing and signed by the constable who made it, and
(b) must specify—
(i) the grounds on which it is made,
(ii) the locality to which it applies, and
(iii) the period during which it will be in force.
(3) Where it is not reasonably practicable for a designation under section 158 to be made in writing, an oral designation may be made instead provided—
(a) the constable making it states the matters which would otherwise have to be specified under subsection (2), and
(b) the designation is recorded in writing as soon as reasonably practicable.
(4) A direction under section 158(3) must be given in writing or, where that is not reasonably practicable, recorded in writing as soon as reasonably practicable.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2026/20/section/159 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/crime-and-policing-act-2026/section-159
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.