Sharing information with the police

When a disclosure suggests that a crime has been committed, the standard practice of the Church will be to share this information with the police.

The Church has a duty to contribute to public protection.

Sometimes the survivor may be at risk of ongoing harm or another child or adult may currently be at risk of significant harm.

In the first instance, the survivor will be encouraged to share information with the police themselves. Where the survivor does not want to, or is not able to do this, the relevant Church department/council or The Church of Scotland Safeguarding Service will share this information.

But the survivor retains control – they do not have to speak with the police unless they want to.

The police will decide what to do with the information, for example note it for information or make further investigations.