Updated: 21 Mar 2022; 27 Jun 2022; 23 Jul 2024; 31 Oct 2024; 21 Nov 2025; 26 Feb 2026

The standard contained in this chapter is designed to assist prosecutors and police officers in selecting the most appropriate charge, in the light of the facts that can be proved, at the earliest possible opportunity. The standard set out below should not be used when reaching any investigatory decision, such as the decision to arrest.

Updated: January 2019; Revised 19 September 2023

updated: 05 February 2020; 03 August 2023

This guidance is designed to assist prosecutors considering cases involving offences or attacks against computer systems such as hacking or denial of service (DOS) attacks. The Computer Misuse Act (CMA) has been updated a number of times in line with changes in technology and criminal activity and to give the court increased sentencing powers.

Updated: 02 February 2021

Updated: 12 Oct 2021; 18 Aug 2025; 10 Nov 2025

Updated: 22 April 2020: 30 March 2023

Custody Time Limits (CTL) safeguard unconvicted defendants by preventing them from being held in pre-trial custody for an excessive period of time. The Act and Regulations governing CTLs require the prosecution to progresses cases to trial diligently and expeditiously.

Updated: 28 April 2020; 17 June 2024; 31 January 2025

Updated 15 January 2019 and 09 September 2022

The immunities granted to diplomatic staff, and their families, are set out in the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR), the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963 (VCCR) and Consular Relations Act 1968. The relevant provisions of the Conventions are applied in the UK by Section 2 of the Diplomatic Privileges Act 1964 (DPA 1964).

Updated: 3 March 2022

This guidance sets out the factors to be taken into consideration when reviewing cases and prosecuting offences classified as Disability Hate Crime (DHC). It also addresses the approach to be taken in other cases in which disability is a factor.

Updated: 2 August 2022; Updated 4 October 2023

The CPS is sometimes asked to supply to third parties copies of documents held in prosecution files. The request might be made for the purpose of prosecuting or defending a private prosecution; for civil proceedings; for proceedings involving interested third parties such as local authorities in child care cases, NOMS, Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority; or miscellaneous requests for the purpose of local crime prevention initiatives etc.