Explanatory note

This Order revokes and replaces the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 (Code of Practice) (No. 1) Order 1997.

This Order appoints as the day on which the code of practice prepared under section 23 of the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 (“the 1996 Act”) and laid before Parliament on 27th February 1997 is brought into operation in England and Wales the day which shall be appointed for the purposes of Part I of the 1996 Act (disclosure).

The code, which contains provisions relating to the conduct of criminal investigations, applies by virtue of section 25(3) of the 1996 Act in relation to suspected or alleged offences into which no criminal investigation has begun before the day on which the code comes into operation.

The code of practice will be published by The Statutory Office Limited; copies may be obtained from The Stationery Office Bookshops.