Explanatory note

This Order brings into force two revised codes of practice under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, which will supersede the corresponding existing codes of practice. The revised codes will be brought into operation on 2nd June 2014.

The purpose of the revisions to Code C is to implement obligations arising out of the EU Directive (2012/13/EU) on the right to information in criminal proceedings. In particular, Code C now requires that every detainee must be given a revised written notice setting out their rights and entitlements whilst they are in custody, which has been updated to reflect the new substantive rights conferred by the Directive. The revisions to Code H follow the changes which are being made to Code C for this purpose.

The codes of practice are published by the Stationery Office and copies may be obtained from its bookshops. The revised codes of practice will also be available on the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 codes of practice pages of the gov.uk website. The revised codes are laid before Parliament with this Order.