1.  This Order may be cited as the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Covert Human Intelligence Sources: Code of Practice) Order 2010 and shall come into force on 6th April 2010.

2.  The code of practice entitled “Covert Human Intelligence Sources”, laid before each House of Parliament in draft on 21st January 2010, relating to the conduct and the use of covert human intelligence sources under Part 2 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, shall come into force on 6thApril 2010.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

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 conduct and the use of covert human intelligence sources under Part 2 of that Act. Under section 72(1) of that Act, 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/.