US EditionPolice ordered to consider revealing ethnicity of suspects
New interim guidance aims to improve transparency by allowing police to disclose suspect ethnicity and nationality in high-profile cases to combat misinformation, says the National Police Chiefs' Council.
- The National Police Chiefs' Council and College of Policing issued interim guidance on 2025-08-13 requiring forces to disclose suspects' ethnicity and nationality when charged in high-profile cases with a policing purpose.
- This guidance follows public concern and misinformation from recent incidents like the 2024 Southport murders and protests after two Afghan asylum seekers were charged over a rape in Warwickshire.
- A senior police communications leader highlighted the importance of updating law enforcement procedures to keep pace with the rapid spread of information on social media, aiming to reduce the risk of harmful misinformation affecting public safety.
- The guidance allows disclosure only with a policing reason such as reducing public safety risks, countering misinformation, or serving significant public interest, while immigration status verification remains the Home Office's duty.
- Authorities expect the guidance to improve transparency and public trust, with the College of Policing planning a broader media relations review and public consultation later this year.
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UK police can disclose suspects’ ethnicity to curb misinformation
British police have been told they can release details of a suspect's ethnicity and nationality in high-profile and sensitive cases to prevent the spread of false information on social media.
·Johannesburg, South Africa
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources22
Leaning Left5Leaning Right7Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution44% Right
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources lean Right
44% Right
L 31%
C 25%
R 44%
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