CPS use and procurement of Security Seals

Request

I am writing to request the following information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000:

1. Use of Security Seals - Does the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), or any of its operational units, use tamper-evident security seals - such as pull-tight seals, anchor seals with wire, twister seals with wire, or security sticker seals - for securing evidence, documents, containers, or equipment?
2. Procurement Method - Are these security seals procured through local arrangements within CPS offices or regional units, or via a central procurement framework (for example, through CPS Procurement and Commercial Directorate or via a Crown Commercial Service framework)?
3. Technical Specifications - Does your department apply any technical specifications or standard categories when procuring security seals? If providing the actual documentation is not possible due to security or operational sensitivity, please confirm whether such specifications exist and provide a general description of their nature (e.g. tamper-evident, single-use, high-security classification).
4. Usage and Recent Purchase - Please indicate the approximate frequency of use of these security seals and the date of the most recent purchase, if this information is held.
5. Responsible Unit - Please confirm which team, unit, or division within the CPS (for example, Security, Facilities, or Procurement) is responsible for the procurement of security seals.

Response

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) holds information relating to your request.

I use your numbering for ease of reference.

1. The CPS uses tamper-evident security seals.
2. Items can be procured via the central CPS contract with Banner Group Limited. This contract is a call-off from Crown Commercial Service agreement RM6299.
3. There is no specific CPS policy however guidance from the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) on the use of tamper indicating equipment is followed. This guidance is found at npsa.gov.uk.
4. Data is not held on the frequency of use, but re-order data is available. The most recent orders are:

5. The central CPS contract with Banner Group Limited is managed by the CPS commercial team. Requisitions to request individual items are raised across the CPS.