Author: Adrian Ramdat (Director of Training & Consultancy)
January 2026
A new Code of Practice on Victim Information Requests (VIRs) is now in force, bringing clarity to how information about victims should be requested and handled during criminal investigations.
At its core, the Code is about getting the balance right. It strengthens protections for victims while making it clear that lawful, proportionate investigative activity can, and should, still take place. For investigators and organisations handling victim information, it sets out clear expectations around when requests are appropriate, how they should be made, and how victims should be treated throughout the process.
What is the Victim Information Requests Code of Practice?
The VIR Code explains how authorised persons should approach requests for third-party material relating to victims of crime. This can include information held by medical services, counselling providers, educational establishments and other organisations that may hold personal or sensitive data.
The Code applies to criminal investigations and proceedings and is designed to ensure requests are made lawfully, fairly, and with proper respect for victims’ privacy and dignity. In short, it aims to stop fishing expeditions and routine requests that are not properly justified.
Striking the Right Balance
One of the strongest themes running through the Code is balance. It recognises the need for effective investigations but makes it clear that intrusion into a victim’s private life must be justified.
Before any request is made, investigators must be satisfied that it is necessary and proportionate, and that the material sought is genuinely relevant to a reasonable line of enquiry. Requests should not be speculative, overly broad, or made “just in case”.
The Code also reinforces an important principle: less intrusive options should always be considered first. Third-party material should be a last resort, not the default.
Being Open and Clear with Victims
Transparency is another key feature of the Code. Where appropriate, victims should be told in advance that a request is being made, what information is being sought, and why it is considered necessary.
Victims should also be given clear written information about how their data will be handled and what the process involves. This is intended to build understanding and confidence, and to reduce the sense that decisions are being made about them without their knowledge.
Extra Protection for Sensitive Material
The Code places particular emphasis on safeguarding highly sensitive information, such as medical or counselling records. These requests require careful consideration and should only be made where there is a clear and compelling link to the investigation.
This reflects a growing recognition of the potential harm that intrusive information requests can cause, and the need to avoid unnecessary or disproportionate disclosure.
What This Means in Practice
For police forces, investigators, supervisors, and organisations that work with victims, the Code sets clear standards for decision-making, record-keeping, and accountability.
It does not introduce new powers. Instead, it raises the bar for how existing powers are used. Being able to show compliance with the Code will be an important factor in demonstrating lawful, ethical, and victim-focused practice.
A Step Forward for Victim-Centred Justice
Overall, the Victim Information Requests Code of Practice is seen as a positive step towards a more balanced and victim-centred approach to criminal investigations. By embedding necessity, proportionality, and transparency into investigative decision-making, it supports better outcomes for victims while protecting the integrity of investigations.
Anyone working within the criminal justice system should take the time to understand the Code and reflect on how its principles apply to their role.
Next Steps
The introduction of this Code has clear implications for investigators, supervisors, disclosure officers, and anyone involved in handling third-party material or victim information.
Our investigator and disclosure training programmes are designed to help professionals:
- Understand the legal and practical requirements of modern investigations.
- Apply necessity, proportionality, and reasonable lines of enquiry correctly in real cases.
- Make clear, defensible investigative decisions.
- Strengthen disclosure compliance while maintaining a victim-centred approach.
If you want to ensure your teams are confident, compliant, and prepared, we’d be very pleased to talk through how our training can support your organisation.
Call us on 0203 883 5843 or email us at info@thesignaturebrand.co.uk