Every effort should be made to maintain confidentiality and to guard against publicity while an allegation is being investigated or considered. Apart from keeping the child, parents and the person against whom an allegation has been made up to date with the progress of the case, information should be restricted to those who have a need to know in order to protect the child, progress enquiries, and manage related disciplinary/suitability processes.
The Police will not normally provide identifying information to the press or media, unless and until a person is charged, unless there are exceptional circumstances, e.g. an appeal to trace a suspect. The reasons should be documented and partner agencies consulted before any press statements are released.
