If you or someone you care about is involved in a police investigation, you may feel anxious, confused, and desperate for answers. You might wonder what the police can actually tell you about your family member’s situation. Are there rules? Are there exceptions? Will you be left in the dark, or can you expect to be kept in the loop? This guide will help you understand your rights and the limits on what police can share with families in the UK.
Why Families Want Information
When a loved one is caught up in a police matter—whether as a victim, suspect, or witness—it’s natural to feel worried. You may want to know:
- Are they safe?
- What’s happening to them?
- What can you do to help?
- How long will it take to get answers?
But even though your concerns are valid, police are bound by strict laws and policies. These are designed to balance your right to know with the privacy and legal rights of your family member and others involved.
Let’s break down what police can, and cannot, disclose to family members.
The Basics: What Guides Police Disclosure?
Data Protection Laws
The main law governing this area is the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA), which covers how any organisation, including the police, handles personal information. This law is all about protecting people’s privacy, even from their own family in certain situations.
Public Interest
Sometimes, police must consider the greater good, such as public safety or crime prevention. If sharing information is necessary to protect someone from harm, it may be allowed, even if it’s personal.
The Rights of the Individual
If your loved one is a victim, a suspect, or a witness, they have rights of their own. Police must respect their wishes and their privacy, except in certain circumstances.
Information About Victims
What Police Can Usually Share
If your family member is the victim of a crime, police understand that families are deeply affected too. Usually, police can keep the family informed about:
- The fact that a crime has happened.
- Basic details about the nature of the crime.
- Whether the suspect is known or unknown.
- What steps the police are taking (such as searching for evidence or interviewing witnesses).
However, police will often discuss with the victim how much information they want shared with their family. If the victim is an adult and asks police not to share certain details with family members, the police will usually respect that wish.
When More Details Might Be Shared
In serious cases—such as violent crimes, disappearance, or murder—families are likely to be kept more closely informed, especially if the victim cannot communicate their wishes (for example, if they are missing, unconscious, or deceased).
Support for Families
Police will also point families towards victim support services, such as Victim Support or similar charities, which can help families understand what is happening and what to expect next.
Information About Suspects
This is an area where families often feel frustrated. If your family member is a suspect, you might want to know what’s going on. However, police are much more limited in what they can say.
What Police Can Disclose
Generally, police cannot share specific information about a suspect’s case with their family, unless:
- The suspect gives their consent.
- Sharing information is necessary to protect someone’s safety (for example, if the suspect is vulnerable or at risk).
- There is a legal reason, such as a court order or safeguarding concerns.
This means that, in most cases, you may only be told that your family member is in police custody, has been arrested, or is under investigation. Details about the case, evidence, interviews, or charges may not be disclosed without permission.
Why This Matters
This rule is in place to protect the rights of suspects, including the right to privacy, the right to a fair trial, and to avoid compromising an investigation. Police must always balance your right to know with your family member’s legal rights.
Information About Witnesses
If your loved one is involved as a witness, the police are also cautious about sharing information.
What Police Might Tell You
- Confirmation that your family member has made a witness statement.
- General updates, such as whether a court date has been set.
But police will not usually share sensitive details about the investigation, evidence, or other people involved, unless it is essential for safety or with the witness’s consent.
Ongoing Investigations: Limits on Information
During an active investigation, police are usually very careful about what they disclose—even to families.
Why?
- To protect the integrity of the investigation.
- To avoid jeopardising potential prosecutions.
- To ensure the safety and privacy of everyone involved.
This can be especially frustrating if you feel “in the dark,” but remember that this caution is usually in everyone’s best interests.
When Police Can Disclose More
Consent
If your family member gives clear, informed consent, police can share more details with you. This can be done in writing or recorded during a conversation. If your loved one is unable to give consent (for example, if they are incapacitated), police may use their judgement, often involving senior officers or legal advisors.
Safety Concerns
If there is a risk of harm to your family member or others, police may disclose information to prevent injury or danger—even without consent.
Legal Requirements
In some cases, laws or court orders require police to share information, especially if a child or vulnerable adult is involved, or in safeguarding situations.
The Role of Victim Support and Other Services
Organisations like Victim Support help bridge the gap between police and families. They can explain police procedures, provide emotional support, and help you access updates or practical help.
If you’re struggling to get information, contacting these services can be a good first step. They often have direct lines to police liaison officers.
Data Protection and Your Rights
Under the Data Protection Act 2018, everyone has the right to request their own information from the police (known as a “subject access request”). However, you cannot use this process to get someone else’s information unless you have their written permission, or you are acting for them legally (for example, as a parent of a minor, or with a power of attorney).
How to Get Information from the Police
If you need information, here are some tips:
- Explain Your Relationship: Tell the police clearly how you are related to the person involved (parent, spouse, sibling, etc.).
- Be Honest About Your Concerns: If you are worried about safety or welfare, say so directly.
- Respect Privacy Laws: Remember that police may not be able to share everything, even if you are family.
- Ask for a Liaison Officer: In serious cases, police may assign a family liaison officer to be your point of contact.
- Keep Records: Note the date, time, and content of any conversations with the police. This helps if you need to follow up later.
Common Challenges for Families
It’s common to feel ignored or left in the dark, especially if you’re desperate for news. Try to be patient and persistent, but also understand that police have to follow the law.
Strict data protection laws can sometimes seem cold or unfair, but they are there to protect everyone’s rights—including yours, if you are ever the person involved.
Dealing with a police investigation can be stressful and frightening. Seek support from friends, family, or professional organisations.
Special Situations
If your family member is a child or cannot make decisions for themselves, police may be able to share more information with a parent, guardian, or carer.
In major incidents, police are usually more open with families, often assigning a dedicated liaison officer and keeping you updated regularly.
What If You Think Police Should Tell You More?
If you believe the police are withholding information unfairly:
- Ask for an explanation.
Police should explain the reason for any refusal. - Seek legal advice.
A solicitor can advise you on your rights. - Contact victim support services or advocacy groups.
Key Takeaways
- Police must balance your right to know with your family member’s right to privacy.
- Consent is key. Without it, information is usually very limited.
- Safety trumps privacy in emergencies, but only in those cases.
- Support services can help if you’re struggling to get information or cope emotionally.
- Always respect privacy laws and keep communication open and respectful.
Final Thoughts
If you’re worried about a family member in a police matter, you are not alone. The rules around police disclosure are strict, but they are there to protect everyone involved. Stay patient, use support services, and don’t hesitate to seek legal advice if you need help. Remember, the goal of the police is to keep people safe and uphold the law—and that includes safeguarding your loved one’s rights as well as your own.
