Get an update about your case
To ask about your case, contact the police officer or team dealing with it. Their details should be in the confirmation you received when you reported the crime.
Tell them if your contact details have changed or if it is not safe to contact you by phone, text, email or post.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 now.
If you have not had an update
Contact the police officer or team dealing with your case. Have your crime reference number ready, if you have one.
Ask:
- what is happening with the case;
- what the next step is likely to be;
- when you should expect another update; and
- who you should contact if you have questions.
Police should discuss how and when you will receive updates about your case. The amount of information they can share may depend on the investigation, safety concerns and other people’s privacy.
If you do not know who is dealing with your case
Check the confirmation you received when you reported the crime. It should include a crime reference number and contact details for the officer or team dealing with your case.
If you cannot find this information, contact the police force that recorded your report through its non emergency contact route. Give your name, the date you reported the crime and your crime reference number, if you have it.
You can ask a support service to help you contact police if you are unsure what to say, need help communicating or do not feel safe making contact on your own.
What you may be updated about
Depending on your case, you may be told about:
- the next planned step in the investigation;
- an arrest or interview under caution;
- whether someone has been released on bail or released under investigation, where you are entitled to be told;
- a decision not to investigate or to take no further action;
- a decision to refer a case to the Crown Prosecution Service;
- a Crown Prosecution Service decision about a charge or prosecution; and
- a court hearing date or a change to a hearing.
You may not be able to receive every detail about an investigation or another person. This may be because information is private, sensitive or could affect the investigation or court case.
Who may update you
Police
Police are usually your main contact while a crime is being investigated. They should explain how often you can expect updates and how to contact them with questions.
Crown Prosecution Service
The Crown Prosecution Service may make decisions about charging or prosecuting a case. You should be told about important decisions that affect your case and how to obtain more information.
Court staff or the Witness Care Unit
If your case is going to court, court staff or the Witness Care Unit may give you practical information about hearing dates, attending court and available support.
If your safety needs or contact details change
Contact police as soon as you can if:
- you have moved or changed your phone number or email address;
- it is no longer safe for police to contact you in the usual way;
- you have new concerns about your safety; or
- you need a different way to communicate, such as an interpreter, British Sign Language interpretation or information in an accessible format.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
If you cannot get an update
Try the officer or team dealing with your case first.
If you cannot reach them, contact the police force that recorded your report through its non emergency contact route. Give your crime reference number and explain that you are asking for an update.
If you remain unhappy with the information or service you have received, read Challenge a decision or make a complaint.
If a decision has been made
You should be told if police decide not to investigate or take no further action, or if the Crown Prosecution Service decides not to prosecute. You should be given information about the decision and how to ask for a review where this is available.
Read Challenge a decision or make a complaint to find out more.
If you are waiting and it is affecting you
Waiting for an investigation, a decision or a court date can be difficult. You can ask for support at any stage. You do not have to wait for another update before contacting a support service.
Read Get support after a crime to find emotional, practical and specialist support.
About this information
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