§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when the updated guidelines on anonymity for those accused of historical sex abuse were sent to police forces; [148881]
(2) what the terms of guidelines on anonymity for those accused of historical sex abuse (a) were before and (b) are since recent amendments were put into effect. [148882]
§ Paul GogginsThe Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) has amended its guidelines to all police forces to give greater prominence to the rules that govern the release of information about anyone suspected of, but not yet charged with, an offence. The 1291W guidance underlines that suspects should not be named before charge and goes on to highlight the possible dangers of doing so, in that not only is there the risk of causing irreparable damage to a suspect's reputation, but also that unwarranted disclosure could leave a force open to civil proceedings. Updated guidance was sent to all police forces via the ACPO intranet in October 2003 and may be viewed on www.acpo.police.uk. We have asked that a copy of previous guidance be sent to my hon. Friend.