UK Police to Reveal Suspects' Ethnicity and Nationality to Stop Misinformation

London, Aug 13 (PTI): Police forces across the UK are now mandated to disclose the ethnicity and nationality of suspects charged with crimes under new guidelines aimed at countering misinformation often spread through online channels.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) in collaboration with the College of Policing has developed this protocol, particularly for high-profile and sensitive cases, in which officers are “encouraged” to reveal additional information when it serves a policing purpose. The initiative aims to mitigate risks to public safety where high levels of misinformation or disinformation exist regarding a specific incident, especially in matters of significant public interest.

NPCC’s Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya emphasized, “We must ensure our processes are effective in an era where social media can rapidly disseminate information across various channels.” She added, “Disinformation and false narratives can thrive in a void. By providing accurate facts, we aim to fill this vacuum, enhancing public trust and confidence in policing as the definitive source of information, thereby ensuring the safety of all communities.”

This change comes following incidents like the anti-immigrant riots last year, triggered by misinformation surrounding UK-born knifeman Axel Rudakubana, who attacked schoolgirls in Southport during a Taylor Swift themed dance class.

Chief Constable Sir Andy Marsh, CEO at the College of Policing, stated, “The public’s concern about misinformation remains. This interim guidance clarifies when police can disclose suspects’ ethnicity and nationality in high-profile and sensitive investigations.” He assured that officers would continue to operate impartially, with the interim guidance ensuring information release is consistent across all ethnicities and nationalities under appropriate conditions.

Prepared in conjunction with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Home Office, the updated guidance allows for the disclosure of “relevant accompanying immigration information” in future suitable cases. Previous regulations only permitted police to release suspects’ names, dates of birth, and addresses upon charging without reference to ethnicity, nationality, or immigration status. This new interim guidance, taking effect immediately, will be incorporated into a broader review of the College of Policing’s authorized professional practice for media relations, subject to public consultation later this year.

A Home Office spokesperson stated, “Public trust necessitates transparency and consistency from the authorities that serve them.”

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