Police Advised to Disclose Ethnicity of Suspects in High-Profile Cases

Published: 13 August. The English Chronicle Desk

New national guidance advises police forces to consider revealing the ethnicity and nationality of suspects in high-profile and sensitive cases. The policy aims to enhance public trust and counter the spread of misinformation, following criticism from public figures such as Nigel Farage regarding police handling of some notable incidents.

The guidance, effective immediately, states that officers should only release such information if there is a policing reason—such as improving public safety, addressing high levels of misinformation, or where the public interest is significant. The Home Office has committed to supporting the guidance by providing relevant immigration details when appropriate.

This update follows controversy surrounding two men charged in connection with the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl in Nuneaton, who were reported as Afghan asylum seekers. Warwickshire Police did not confirm their immigration status, prompting accusations from Reform UK of a “cover-up,” which the force denied. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper called for increased transparency, and new guidance was subsequently developed.

Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson welcomed the guidance, emphasizing that transparency should extend to revealing ethnicity and nationality unless there is a compelling reason not to.

The new guidance allows police discretion in deciding whether to release such details, with consideration for ethical and legal implications. Officers must still respect contempt of court laws, which ensure fair trials, and follow media guidance from the College of Policing. Previously, police could disclose a suspect’s name, date of birth, and address, but not ethnicity, nationality, or immigration status.

Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya noted the potential real-world consequences of information released in high-profile cases, especially in the age of social media, and stressed that providing factual information can help prevent the spread of misinformation.

The guidance is interim and will be reviewed as part of a broader assessment of the College of Policing’s media protocols later this year. While intended to build public trust, critics—including anti-racism campaigners and the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants—warn that releasing ethnicity or migration status could send a “chilling message” that certain groups are inherently more suspect.

A Home Office spokesperson emphasized the importance of transparency and clarity in information disclosure, confirming that all releases will consider police and CPS consultations. The government has also asked the Law Commission to expedite its review of contempt laws regarding pre-trial disclosures.