Reporting crimes to the police
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Reporting a crime to the Police
We understand that this is not always an easy decision to make, and you may have lots of questions about what happens when you report to the police. We have tried to ease your concerns by answering some frequently asked questions.
You can find more information and advice from Victim support too, click here if you are in England and Wales and here if you are in Scotland.
How do I report to the police?
You can report in person, on the telephone to 101 or most police services now allow people to report crimes online via your local force's website.
What happens when I report a crime?
When a person reports a crime, the police must record it. They will usually give the victim a unique reference number for that crime. The offence will then be allocated to an investigating officer for them to make enquiries.
What sort of questions will they ask me?
The police will then need to know what happened in as much detail as possible: when the offence took place, details of the offender, where it took place (if online, what platform was used) and personal and contact details about you.
What happens when the perpetrator is abroad?
If the perpetrator is abroad, the police still have a duty to safeguard victims and provide advice around the crime. On some occasions, they may also be able to liaise with law enforcement services outside of the UK.
Can the police investigate crimes outside the UK?
Police in the UK can only investigate and submit cases to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) when the offence has been committed in the UK. That means the suspect must be in the UK, and the offence took place in the UK for it to be in breach of UK law.
What evidence do I need to take to the Police?
If possible, try and make a timeline of the offence and then make sure images, texts, website addresses etc. are clearly shown on this. The police will need to take a written statement from you but may ask for a video interview with you instead.
Can the police delete images or videos from someone's phone?
No. The police do not have any powers to require a suspect or anyone to delete information. They may well seize a device as evidence, but ultimately the courts are the only legal process that can compel someone to remove or destroy items.
How long can you wait before reporting to the police?
There is no time limit on making a report. However, the longer someone waits to make that report the more potential is for evidence to be lost.
Am I guaranteed anonymity?
Some offences have statutory protection for a victim; however at this time the disclosure of intimate images is not one of these, and therefore anonymity cannot be guaranteed.
Going to court
Once someone has been charged with a crime, the case is passed to the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) and it’s their job to put together the case for court. They will collect the police’s evidence, liaise with witnesses and attend court hearings to present their case.
Who can go to the court?
Criminal courts in the UK are public spaces, so in theory, anyone is able to come and watch.
Who will be in the Magistrates' courtroom?
There will be three magistrates with a legal advisor sitting in front of them. There will also be the solicitor or barrister for the CPS who will present your case and another representing the defendant, who will also be there.
Who will be in the Crown courtroom?
In the Crown Court, a judge will sit in robes at a high desk, called the bench and there will also be a jury. Witnesses are not allowed to sit in the court before giving their evidence, but sometimes once they have done, they stay to see what happens.
Will I have to see the person who did this?
The defendant usually sits in the dock in court and are entitled to hear all the evidence against them. If you're uncomfortable with this and think it will affect the evidence that you give, you can ask for screens to be put up between you.
What is giving evidence like?
You will be called to the witness box by the solicitor for the CPS and you will be asked to take an oath that you will tell the truth. The solicitor will then take you through questions to help you tell the court what has happened.
Will a defence solicitor ask me questions too?
You will be asked questions by the defence solicitor who will be trying to put the other side of the story. This can be a difficult experience, but the judge/magistrates will understand this and be patient: just take the time you need.
How will I find out the result?
If the defendant is found guilty they may sentence straight away, or they may have to wait for reports from the probation service about the defendant’s circumstances. Witness cases will keep you informed of what is happening and the outcome.
Will the press be there and will I be named in the paper?
There is no right to anonymity for people who have had their intimate images shared without consent, but there is for victims of voyeurism. The press may be in there and report on your case, but it is rare for them to name a victim in this sort of case.