Indecent exposure & permanent record

[Oldmouse]

I reported an instance of exposure to the police but no charge has been made against the perpetrator at this time (very outing so can't go into details). The police officer told me that they have logged the matter on their system against the persons name so if he does anything again it'll flag up.

I have spoken to an retired officer who told me that the only way any future run ins would be seen is if he is charged with the crime this time around but isn't sure if systems may have changed.

Does anyone know if police systems have changed so they can log instances such as indecent exposure permanently on someone's record with them being charged with the crime.

Sorry to be vague but just can't say much more!

I’m not sure I understand. Are you saying that you want an accusation of indecent exposure to remain forever on someone’s record even though they weren’t charged or convicted?

I don't know anything about the machinations of the law but I would say that if you haven't been charged and convicted in a court of law, you sre innocent.
I'm sure someone will be along to correct me if I'm wrong

You likely mean intelligence. Police gather all manner of information as intelligence. It doesn't mean anything in itself and is confidential, but helps police see a bigger picture of concerns around a person/group/place, when needed.

Do you know why police have taken no action? After Wayne Couzens’ history became known I’d have thought they’d be more aware of how men indecently exposing themselves can progress.

That's what the police officer dealing with the matter told me is the case, that this will stay on the persons record without a charge or conviction....is doesn't seem right as I thought this would only happen if they are actually charged or convicted.

I will be pursuing a charge and conviction, I'm not happy with how it's been handled.

Yes, and I'm sorry to drip feed, but I can't say because it's very outing. I thought the same, there's no smoke without fire so to speak.

Maybe the officer meant on the police systems. Every incident is recorded which includes suspects. Those details remain on the system.

Would have been more useful than making it disappear for at least one woman.

That's what the police officer dealing with the matter told me is the case, that this will stay on the persons record without a charge or conviction...

Could this mean the man already has a criminal record? Sorry, I don’t have any answers I’m just appalled that men get away with this disgusting behaviour. And I’m sorry you had to witness this sorry excuse for a man.

Per other posters’ comments, I assume they mean intelligence on their records.

Permanently marking an individual as a sex offender when they haven’t been charged or convicted is a step too far, imho. Your allegation may be completely legitimate but what happens if there’s a case of mistaken identity or a malicious accusation?

As others have said it’ll be noted as intel

If you're in the U.K. it's not your choice to press charges.
I reported a threatening behaviour and aggressive person and he got 'spoken to', they seem very reluctant to charge seemingly 'minor' crimes.

it will be recorded against his name as something that was alleged, but no charge or conviction. But it does mean that if there are further reports, it will be seen and hopefully taken more seriously

I believe it will stay as what used to be called 'soft' intelligence.

(i used to work in the field of CRB checks, the precursor of DBS).

Pursuing a charge is not up to you, OP. If the police are not taking any further action it is likely because there is too little evidence and/or the CPS have advised against charges as the conviction rate would be too low.

They'll keep the intelligence on file in case he is reported again in the future. It builds a bigger picture.

Well what actually happened?

What do you mean you are pursuing it. Are you police or cps? Because if you’re neither you are not able to pursue such a thing, it is not your decision.

I will be pursuing a charge and conviction, I'm not happy with how it's been handled

Police, CPS and if necessary courts decide that.

I will be pursuing a charge and conviction, I'm not happy with how it's been handled

Assuming you’re in the UK you can’t pursue a charge and a conviction, because in this country the victim doesn’t get to decide on that. The police take any evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service and the CPS decides whether there is sufficient evidence for a realistic chance of a successful prosecution. The CPS then authorises the charge. You don’t have a say in whether this person is charged or not (and certainly not in whether they’re convicted of anything - that’s for the court to decide).

I'm not happy with how it's been handled so I'll be putting in a complaint via the relevant routes. It's shocking that a crime can be so easily brushed under the carpet.

I appreciate all of your comments.

Doubt it was brushed under any carpet op!

What happened?

It certainly feels that way.

I know it's irritating when the OP doesn't give the full story but I just can't. I'll update when I can 😌

Sorry this happened to you.

There is a victim right to review.https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/victims-right-review-scheme

There shoukd also be a charity with independent sexual violence advocates who should be able to help you. https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/support-and-services/advocacy-isvas/

@Treehotelcamp thank you, that's really useful 😌

Any sexual offence stays permanently on a record. Other offences expire after approx 7 years. You can apply to have certain offences expunged but i dont think that applys to sexual offences.