Written question asked by Baroness Tonge (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 20 January 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 30 January 2003. It was answered by John Denham (Labour) on Thursday, 30 January 2003 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what guidance he gives to the police about the publication of the names of persons arrested but not charged with criminal offences.

Answer: Dr. Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he gives to the police about the publication of the names of persons arrested but not charged with criminal offences. [93033] Mr. Denham: The Home Office does not issue guidance to the police about the publication of the names of persons arrested but not charged with criminal offences. The Media Advisory Group of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) of England, Wales and Northern Ireland issued guidance in December 2000 on individuals under police investigation which is available on the ACPO website. The guidance recommends that generally people under investigation should not be named but can with certain exceptions be identified once they have been charged. The guidance clearly advises that people who are under arrest should not be named, although general details may be given provided they do not identify the suspect.

Secondary information