You can report information to Devon and Cornwall Police through their secure Partner Agency Information Sharing Form. Please see below for guidance on submitting a report.
You can report information anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 0800 555 111
Information reports should not be used to report concerns over someone’s safety or welfare. If you are concerned about someone’s safety or welfare you must consult our safeguarding flowchart.
When should I submit an information report?
You should submit an information report if you have any suspicions that exploitation is happening. You do not need to be certain that someone is being exploited, or about the nature of the exploitation.
You should also submit an information report if you have noticed anything else suspicious or concerning – a single piece of information may provide a missing link, confirming that exploitation is taking place or providing information about the person responsible for exploiting others.
What should I include in an information report?
Information can take many forms, including first-hand observations or third-party reports. Any relevant information about a suspected victim, perpetrator, or exploitative situation can be included. Everyone submitting information has a duty to ensure that the information they provide is accurate and corroborated where possible.
The amount of information shared in an information report will vary. Sensitive information such as names and addresses can be provided, but only where strictly relevant.
You do not need to gain someone’s consent before submitting an information report. Doing so could compromise the police’s ability to act on this information. The sharing of personal data for other purposes is governed by different consent and data sharing guidelines.
The details of the person providing the information must not be placed in the main body of the text, but must instead be entered as instructed in the referral form. This will prevent their personal information from being compromised.
Read some example information reports.
How are information reports used?
The police use data from information reports for the purposes of policing – protecting life and property, preserving order, preventing offending, bringing offenders to justice, and acting upon statutory duties and responsibilities. This provided a legal basis for the collection, evaluation, sharing and retention of information.
Devon and Cornwall Police will ensure that all identifying information contained within an information report is sanitised. This includes the names of organisations and professionals. This will prevent personal information from being shared within or across organisations and will ensure that the source of the information is protected.
For further information please refer to the Questions and Answers section and Privacy Notice located below the Information Sharing Form.