Updated: 18 June 2021

This interim guidance is for use by prosecutors during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Revised 24/04/20, 01/05/21, 04/10/2021

The Joint Interim Interview Protocol (JIIP) was introduced in April 2020 as a temporary measure, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It allows interviews with suspects to be conducted remotely, via video or audio links, where the suspect has been fully informed and advised, and consents.

The Covid-19 outbreak presents an unprecedented crisis for the Criminal Justice System in the UK. Courts are currently unable to start any new jury or summary trials and most current trials have had to be stopped because of problems over the attendance of victims, witnesses, defendants, advocates and jurors. This interim protocol sets out how charging should be managed by the police and the CPS by identifying three categories of cases.

Updated: 22 January 2021; 22 June 2022

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 (“The Regulations”) came into force at 13.00 on 26 March 2020 and are effective until 00.01 on 4 July 2020 for the majority of restrictions.

; New guidance added 29/10/2019

11 May 2023; 15 October 2024

This guidance identifies the principles relevant to the decision to prosecute, and any prosecution which follows, of individuals who have a mental disorder, as defined by the Mental Health Act 2007, a learning disability, a learning difficulty, Autism Spectrum Disorder, an acquired brain injury, dementia, other mental health, cognitive or neuro-diverse conditions.

Updated: 25 April 2023

This guidance identifies the principles relevant to victims and witnesses with mental health conditions or disorders, namely a mental disorder, as defined by the Mental Health Act 2007, a learning disability, a learning difficulty, autism Spectrum Disorder, an acquired brain injury, dementia, other mental health, cognitive or neuro-diverse conditions.