Explanatory note

This Order brings into force the revised code of practice prepared under section 71 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 relating to the carrying out of covert surveillance under Part 2 of that Act and to interference with property or wireless telegraphy under section 5 of the Intelligence Services Act 1994 and Part 3 of the Police Act 1997. Under section 72(1) of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, a person exercising any power or duty in relation to which provisions may be made by a code of practice under section 71 must, in doing so, have regard to the code’s provisions (as far as applicable).

The code of practice will be published by the Stationery Office Limited and copies may be obtained from The Stationery Office Bookshops. It will also be published on the Home Office website at www.homeoffice.gov.uk/ripa/publication-search/ripa-cop/.