Report information and suspicions

You can report information and suspicions about exploitation and crime through

If you are concerned about someone’s safety or welfare report your concerns through the safeguarding referral flowchart

  • When should I report information?

    You should report information if you have noticed any signs or suspicious that exploitation may be happening. You do not need to be certain that someone is being exploited or about the circumstances of the situation.

  • What should I include in my report?

    You can provide any information you feel is relevant – for example information about a suspected victim, a person causing harm, or a situation that concerns you.

    Sensitive information such as names and addresses can be provided if strictly relevant. You have a duty to make sure the information you provide is accurate and corroborated where possible.

    You do not need to gain the consent of anyone that you make reference to  – doing so could prevent the police from acting on this information. The sharing of personal data for other purposes is managed by different consent and data sharing guidelines.

    Read some example information reports.

  • How are information reports used?

    The police use data from information reports to carry out their policing duties and responsibilities. This gives them a legal basis for collecting, evaluating, sharing and retaining information.

    Devon and Cornwall Police will ensure all identifying information in the report is sanitised. This will prevent personal information from being shared and will protect the person who supplied it.

    Further information can be found on the Questions and Answers and Privacy Notice on the Information Sharing Form.

    • Further support

      Find out how you can provide support after making an information report

    • Self help

      Find support if your work is affecting your wellbeing