Contacting police without reporting

[DoesntLetUp]

I'm making an application for an injunction in the civil court. It would help if I included evidence of previous police call outs. Is it possible to ask the police for a record of this without making a statement to them? I contacted them the other day but they started grilling me about the circumstances (DV). I don't want a criminal investigation. I'm in a refuge. Told them because they asked for my address. They wanted to know why I was in the refuge. I realise now I could've just told them my normal address and there was no need for them to know? Does it have to be me that contacts the police or can I just give permission on the application for the court to contact them?

Do you have access to a support worker at the refuge that can help you and liase with everyone. If you're in a refuge they cannot disclose the address you give to anyone else as it would put yourself and other residents at risk so they cannot share that address other than contacting you.

Sorry I didn't explain it properly. I meant when I called the police, they asked for my name and address before they'd speak to me. I told them I was in a refuge but gave my normal address. The problem is they then started asking me why I was in a refuge, they kept saying there must've been an incident. They wanted me to tell them about it. I gave up on the call but it would really help to include the police call outs as evidence.
My refuge worker doesn't know. She says it depends on the police. I also spoke to the national da helpline and they told me they don't know about how the police or injunctions work. I would ask my refuge worker again but she's not in at weekends and I'm trying to get the application done over the weekend so it's ready for Monday.
I suppose I was hoping someone who's a police officer might read this and be able to help answer my questions but it's a long shot I know. Thanks anyway.

You need to speak to these guys: www.ncdv.org.uk/. I'm shocked the NDV helpline know nothing about injunctions - even if they don't deal with it, they should absolutely be able to signpost you.

If you need to make your own application to the police for data, you need to make an application. Here's Devon and Cornwall Police details for example: www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/your-right-to-information/data-protection-requests/requests-for-police-certificatesbasic-disclosure-and-sa-exemptions/.

I'm an ex copper, and I also did 999/101 call taking for 15yrs. I'm appalled the call handler was so clumsy. I'm sorry you're dealing with all this.

Thanks so much. That's really helpful.
I called NCDV but they're closed until Monday. The call centre answer but just to take your details for a callback on Monday. I'll try them if I can't get it done over the weekend. Didn't mean to make the helpline sound bad either. They helped me a lot in the past. They did signpost me sort of. Told me to get emotional support, which helps but doesn't answer practical questions. They also told me to ask the police.

I'll try and request the info online then. Do you know if I have to give a reason for my request? Do I need to tell them it's for court? I'm worried they'll start questioning me about everything and asking what's happened. They weren't horrible to me so sorry if I made the police sound bad. I suppose they were just trying to do their job and they wanted to know about any possible crimes. I don't suppose I can outright lie and say nothing happened as it's obvious from being in a refuge and making a court application, but maybe I'll be ok to just tell them I don't want to report anything and just want my info. I always feel nervous around the police. It's so official and takes the control away from me but I don't blame the police who are just doing their job. I do wish it was possible to report without charges though.

Don't apologise for someone else's behaviour :-)

The person at the call centre you spoke to had poor skills, and I'm sad you had to deal with that.

The other DV organisation clearly have huge gaps in the service they offer, which is a shame.

None of these things are under your control, so please don't worry.

In terms of an emergency injunction, you won't get any information out of the police in a few days I'm afraid - any subject access your request can take months unless court-ordered.

You only need to disclose what you need it for if asked. Most online forms will give you a list of what they need from you, so just follow their instructions.

Have a look at this as well www.gov.uk/injunction-domestic-violence and see if that makes it any clearer?

Thank you so much. It really helps to have an idea what to expect. I'll apply online but also think I may ask my support worker to contact the police. Maybe they'll give her the info sooner. I suppose the courts will contact the police too if they want to check. I'll write in the application that I give them permission to do that.
Thanks again. I feel very nervous about the injunction. He's going to go mad but I feel more confident when I have information about the process. I'm considering reporting to the police. I suppose it's easier then as they'd apply for a restraining order but I'm not sure I'm up to a court case. I'll talk it through with my worker next week.