Once we have received your information, we will carefully assess and evaluate this to establish whether this is a matter that we can pursue or whether you need to contact a different authority within the criminal justice system.
It will then be analysed together with any related information we may already hold or which we may be able to acquire. The result of this may help us in an on-going inquiry or in developing a new inquiry. We may use this material to pass over to another law enforcement agency.
Information which includes any personal data (such as your contact details) will only be processed, retained or disclosed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 or court direction. Please rest assured that all information you provide will be handled professionally and with the sensitivity.
Sometimes we may need to contact you to clarify your information. However, don't be alarmed if we don't get in touch with you again. This doesn't mean that your information was not important. While we may value your contribution, because of the sensitive nature of criminal investigations, we may not (for operational reasons or because of legal restrictions) be in a position to discuss any detail of the action we have taken as a result of your information.
If the information you have provided us with concerns particular individuals you should be careful not to tell those people or anyone else that you have contacted the SFO, or to allow that information to reach them by any other means. To do so may put you at risk or hinder any further action we or others may wish to take.
However, once the investigation is in the public arena we will endeavour to keep you up to date on the progress of your case.
Here are some next steps that you can take:
- Ensure the police are informed of your case
- Seek independent legal advice or contact the Citizens Advice Bureau if you are worried. Free legal advice is available through the Community Legal advice on 0845 345 4345
- Victim Support for further dedicated support
- Track your case progress - If we take your case on and the information becomes public (sometimes legal restrictions will prevent us doing this) you can track our progress of your case in our current cases section.
- Read our Witnesses area - we might contact you about becoming a witness in the trial
