How long do the Police have to investigate a crime before pressing charges.

[fostercarer]

I have been advised to report the cover up of child abuse by social workers to the Police. We made a formal complaint to the Chief Constable and Detectives visited our home to examine the evidence. I do not know if the social workers have been interviewed. How long do the Police have to investigate and prosecute surely it cannot go on indefinitely.

Thank you in anticipation of your help.

[des8]

Re: How long do the Police have to investigate a crime before pressing charges.

I don't believe there is, nor could be a time limitation.
Police have to investigate promptly, timely and in an efficient manner.
In practice it may be more complicated.
Interesting blog here about duty to investigate violent crime http://ukhumanrightsblog.com/2014/03...ate-rape-cases

[wales01man]

Re: How long do the Police have to investigate a crime before pressing charges.

No statute of limitations in this country they must get evidence investigate and prepare it all for the CPS to decide whether to take it to court.

[Crazy council]

Re: How long do the Police have to investigate a crime before pressing charges.

Hi

If they have only just seen the evidence, i would imagin they will act early this week and check the alligations. Both police and social services are on there toes at the mo due to recent press in relation to them not investigating stuff

[Mabel]

Re: How long do the Police have to investigate a crime before pressing charges.

Hi
I imagine the police and social services ( CAFS ) Child and families ( if a child/ children are involved) will be already looking at the case,
You should have access to a police liaison worker/ police support worker. , it would be worth contacting them

[leclerc]

Re: How long do the Police have to investigate a crime before pressing charges.

I have been advised to report the cover up of child abuse by social workers to the Police. We made a formal complaint to the Chief Constable and Detectives visited our home to examine the evidence. I do not know if the social workers have been interviewed. How long do the Police have to investigate and prosecute surely it cannot go on indefinitely.

Thank you in anticipation of your help.

When you say cover up, can you explain more?

Social services do have a duty to protect the child. If the issue is about abuse then perhaps speaking to the NSPCC might be worthy of note. If there is a police investigation ongoing but you feel that there might not be enough evidence to prosecute then perhaps and email to the chief executive of Children's Services might be in order or chief executive of the council.


I do know one person who WOULD potentially be interested and that is the MP John Hemming who has a group called Justice For Families.