Crime and intelligence - Diplomatic immunity policy (N12)

1. Summary of changes

1.1. A full policy review has been conducted in August 2024. The content of this policy has not been amended.

2. Statement of policy

2.1 This policy is devised to ensure that officers respond appropriately when dealing with any incident that may involve a person with diplomatic immunity. Such persons represent their nation's interests while working in the UK and are entitled to diplomatic immunity under the Vienna Convention 1961. Whilst this immunity is set out in the articles of the convention it is also expected that those recipients of such immunity will respect the laws and regulations of the receiving state. This is fully described to them upon their arrival.

3. Implications of the policy

3.1 Risk assessment

3.1.1. This policy has been assessed as medium risk.

3.2 Equality Impact Assessment (EIA)

3.2.1. An EIA has been carried out and shows the proposals in this policy would have no potential or actual differential impact on grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality gender, transgender, disability, age, religion or belief or sexual orientation.

4. Consultation

The Diplomatic Protection Group (Metropolitan Police Service), Finance, HR, Legal, Health and Safety.  

5. Monitoring and review

This policy is next due for review in August 2026.

6. Security

6.1. Kent Police has measures in place to protect the security of your data in accordance with our Information Management policy (Policy W1000 – Information Management).

7. Retention and disposal of records

7.1. Kent Police will hold data in accordance with our Records Review, Retention and Disposal policy (Policy W1012 – Records Review, Retention and Disposal).