(1)This section applies where—
(a)a service police force [F1or the tri-service serious crime unit] has investigated an allegation which indicates, or circumstances which indicate, that a service offence has or may have been committed; or
(b)a UK police force or overseas police force has investigated such an allegation or such circumstances and has referred the matter to a service police force [F1or the tri-service serious crime unit].
(2)If—
(a)a service policeman considers that there is sufficient evidence to charge a person with [F2a service offence that is not a CO offence], or
(b)a service policeman considers that there is sufficient evidence to charge a person with [F3a service offence that is a CO offence], and is aware of circumstances of a description prescribed by regulations under section 128 for the purposes of this paragraph,
he must refer the case to the Director of Service Prosecutions (“the Director”).
(3)If—
(a)a service policeman considers that there is sufficient evidence to charge a person with a service offence, F4...
(b)subsection (2) does not apply [F5, and
(c)section 117(5) (referral of connected cases to DSP) does not apply,]
he must refer the case to the person's commanding officer.
[F6(4)Subsection (4A) applies if—
(a)the allegation or circumstances would indicate to a reasonable person that [F7a person has committed, or might have committed, a service offence which is not one that may be dealt with at a summary hearing (see section 53)], or
(b)any circumstances investigated are circumstances of a description prescribed by regulations under section 128 for the purposes of section 114,
and a service policeman proposes not to refer the case to the Director under subsection (2) [F8or section 117(5)].
(4A)If this subsection applies, the service policeman must consult the Director as soon as is reasonably practicable (and before any referral of the case under subsection (3)).]
(5)[F9For the purposes of this section—
(a)]there is sufficient evidence to charge a person with an offence if, were the evidence suggesting that the person committed the offence to be adduced in proceedings for the offence, the person could properly be convicted [F10, and
(b)a service offence committed by a person is a “CO offence” if a charge against the person in respect of the offence is capable of being heard summarily by the person's commanding officer (see section 52).]
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 116(1) inserted (1.5.2022 for specified purposes, 5.12.2022 in so far as not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2021 (c. 35), s. 24(1), Sch. 5 para. 29; S.I. 2022/471, reg. 2(e); S.I. 2022/1095, reg. 4
F2Words in s. 116(2)(a) substituted (22.5.2019 for specified purposes, 1.7.2019 in so far as not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2016 (c. 21), ss. 3(1)(a), 19(1); S.I. 2019/961, reg. 2(1)(a)(b) (with reg. 3)
F3Words in s. 116(2)(b) substituted (22.5.2019 for specified purposes, 1.7.2019 in so far as not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2016 (c. 21), ss. 3(1)(b), 19(1); S.I. 2019/961, reg. 2(1)(a)(b) (with reg. 3)
F4Word in s. 116(3)(a) omitted (22.5.2019 for specified purposes, 1.7.2019 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Armed Forces Act 2016 (c. 21), ss. 3(2)(a), 19(1); S.I. 2019/961, reg. 2(1)(a)(b) (with reg. 3)
F5S. 116(3)(c) and word inserted (22.5.2019 for specified purposes, 1.7.2019 in so far as not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2016 (c. 21), ss. 3(2)(b), 19(1); S.I. 2019/961, reg. 2(1)(a)(b) (with reg. 3)
F6S. 116(4)(4A) substituted for s. 116(4) (2.4.2012) by Armed Forces Act 2011 (c. 18), s. 32(3), Sch. 3 para. 5(1); S.I. 2012/669, art. 4(d)
F7Words in s. 116(4)(a) substituted (22.5.2019 for specified purposes, 1.7.2019 in so far as not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2016 (c. 21), ss. 3(3)(a), 19(1); S.I. 2019/961, reg. 2(1)(a)(b) (with reg. 3)
F8Words in s. 116(4) inserted (22.5.2019 for specified purposes, 1.7.2019 in so far as not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2016 (c. 21), ss. 3(3)(b), 19(1); S.I. 2019/961, reg. 2(1)(a)(b) (with reg. 3)
F9Words in s. 116(5) substituted (22.5.2019 for specified purposes, 1.7.2019 in so far as not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2016 (c. 21), ss. 3(4)(a), 19(1); S.I. 2019/961, reg. 2(1)(a)(b) (with reg. 3)
F10S. 116(5)(b) and word inserted (22.5.2019 for specified purposes, 1.7.2019 in so far as not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2016 (c. 21), ss. 3(4)(b), 19(1); S.I. 2019/961, reg. 2(1)(a)(b) (with reg. 3)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 116 modified (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 9(2)
C2S. 116 excluded (1.8.2013) by The Armed Forces (Retrial for Serious Offences) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1852), arts. 1, 7(5) (with art. 3)
Commencement Information
I1S. 116 in force at 28.3.2009 for specified purposes by S.I. 2009/812, art. 3(a)(b) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059)
I2S. 116 in force at 31.10.2009 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4