In this era of 24 hour news, we know more than ever about what’s going on. When a major news story breaks, it doesn’t take long for news to spread if people are arrested. Names, photographs and details are splashed across the papers. If at a later date the suspects are released without charge, you’d think the matter was over and done with. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case, especially with DBS checks in the future.
Do police name suspects?
The decision about naming someone who has been arrested is down to the police. There are laws against disclosing the names of children under the age of 18. In other cases, the police might decide to keep quiet if the investigation is ongoing. Normally, the police don’t name arrested people. They might give out details such as “A 53 year old man from the Manchester area” but will be no more specific. Once the police charge a suspect, it is more likely that their name will be released to the press. In most cases, reporters also get free access to the courts and can report as many details of a case as they choose. Of course, that person might be found innocent in a court of law. But their name is still out there in the public domain and connected with a crime they didn’t commit.
Arrests and DBS Checks
If you are applying for a job which needs standard or enhanced DBS checks, then any prior arrests may come back to worry you. You may be asked to
apply for a DBS check as part of the application process for a wide range of jobs. The level of detail shown on the DBS certificate depends on what type of checks you are having done. The most detailed level of checking applies to people who want to work with children, in healthcare or with vulnerable adults. Enhanced disclosure checks show all convictions and cautions held on the police computer about you. It will also show up anything classed as “police intelligence” if it’s thought to be relevant.
So what does this all mean? Well, it means that each case is assessed on the circumstances. If you’ve been arrested multiple times on similar offences, charged but never prosecuted, then this could well be disclosed on your DBS certificate. On the other hand, a one-off arrest which doesn’t get to the stage of a caution or a charge is unlikely to be disclosed.
Social Media and Internet
It’s also a well-known tactic for employers to look at social media pages. They can also do Google searches on people who have applied for jobs. If you’ve been involved in a high profile case, your name could easily be found on a Google search. If the full details are given in the online articles, including the facts that you were never charged or convicted, then try not to worry. Employers are generally understanding. Look at your social media feeds too. There are many examples of people not getting jobs because of inappropriate posts on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
