Material in the Undercover Policing Inquiry (UCPI) is classified into different types, usually according to the function they serve. The vast majority concern disclosure of evidence, followed by different types of witness statements; however, different processes, such as restriction order applications, throw up their own particular classes of documents.
Below we list the different types that can be found:
- Annex
These are documents usually attached to a statement or application setting out extra material; interchangeable with ‘schedules’. Similar to supporting material.
A formal request to the Inquiry Chair to make a decision.
Formal statements made by the Inquiry Chair setting out their position or making a decision which does not need the same particular judicial force that a ruling or order has.
Statements made at the start or end of an inquiry, or in the case of the UCPI, for the individual tranches.
A request to the public or core participants in relation to a specific matter that the Inquiry wishes to have feedback on.
Similar to a submission, this is a document produced by the Counsel to the Inquiry which sets out the Inquiry’s position on an issue, usually in relation to a procedural hearing.
An instruction from the Inquiry Chair on a particular matter, setting out what they expect to happen in relation to an issue or hearing, often including timetables; they usually focus on practical matters.
- Exhibit
A document attached to an application or witness statement in support of the case being made.
In the UCPI, these are documents from Counsel to the Inquiry used to set out the current status of anonymity applications.
A hearing bundle is a collection of documents intended to be referred to as part of a hearing. It brings together in one place all the relevant statements, supporting material and case law. The Inquiry does not usually publish the entire bundle, but rather provides the index to it.
Witness statement made by those seeking anonymity in the Inquiry which sets out why they need it.
The list of questions for each Module which sets out what is being investigated by the Inquiry
Occasionally the Inquiry will publish a communication it has received from either a core participant which goes to an issue or the public because it deems it relevant or of sufficient interest.
Medical reports submitted as supporting evidence by those seeking anonymity in the Inquiry.
In the UCPI, this is an indication from the Inquiry Chair as to their thinking on an issue and what decision they are inclined to make. It is not a final decision, but used to inform the various parties as to how to prepare their arguments.
A legal instruction that something is or is not to be done by the Inquiry, the core participants or the public.
The UCPI uses protocols to inform its staff, core participants and the public how it plans to carry out its work. These provide the guidelines for processes to be applied in given situations (such as around the release of documents) and ensure that the processes are being carried out in accordance with the law and other rulings made by the Inquiry.
Documents released by the Inquiry often have redactions made on privacy and security grounds. To assist its work it has a tabulated list of reasons on which a redaction is made. A redaction table sets out which reasons have been applied for the individual redactions in a document.
- Report
A miscellaneous document type.
Documents submitted as part of anonymity applications, created to assist the Inquiry Chair in determining if there are particular risks to the officers which should be taken into account.
A ruling sets out the Inquiry Chair's final decision on matter. It is often accompanied by an Order which puts the ruling into action, and usually explains the reasoning for making an order, providing formal weight to the decision.
Legal arguments made to the Inquiry around a predefined issue, usually just before a procedural hearing takes place, setting the case each party wants to present.
- Supporting material
Material that supports a legal submission or application but which does not fall into one of the other categories (exhibit, medical report, risk assessment). In the UCPI much of this material is drafts of the orders being sought, submitted by the lawyers.
A statement provided by an individual attesting to knowledge they have which is of use to the Inquiry, whether as evidence or in some procedural matter.
A typed record of a hearing. Each public hearing in the Inquiry has an associated transcript.
Press release or related material issued by the Inquiry, usually in relation to a hearing (procedural or evidential), or announcing a decision (e.g. to release a former undercover officer’s name) or public consultation.
Description of a ruling or other material provided by the Inquiry to help the lay-person understand the issue better.
Document setting out practical details for an upcoming hearing.
Annual reports on the activities of the Inquiry including statistics on costs, anonymity orders granted, and projected timetables for hearings.