FOI 670-2025 / Jun 2025 / Custody
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST REFERENCE NO: FOI-670-2025
I write in connection with your request for information which was received on 30th June 2025. Please find your questions, and the Warwickshire Police responses, set out below:
Under the Freedom of Information Act, I am requesting the force's policy on the issue of custody photos of convicts. Specifically:
1) Are custody photos published on the force's web site? Do they remain there indefinitely?
Q1 response: Some custody photographs are published on the Warwickshire Police website when specific criteria are met (please see the response to Q3 for further information).
No, photographs do not remain on the website indefinitely. They are made available on our channels for up to 28 days, except where the individual is wanted and has not been located.
2) Are there restrictions on who custody photos are made available to? Can any member of the public request them? Can press organisations?
Q2 response: Custody photographs are made available to accredited journalists / press organisations where circumstances are appropriate. Custody photographs are not made available to members of the public other than those shared via our website and social channels (this is, of course, aside from an individual’s own custody image which, if held, can be requested via a Subject Access Request).
3) What criteria are used in determining the release/publication of a custody photo of a person charged with/convicted of an offence? Is there a minimum sentence length requirement for photo publication? Please include every requirement in your response.
Q3 response: The below principles are used, alongside the College of Policing guidelines, (Media relations | College of Policing, while assessing the circumstances of each case on an individual basis to determine whether releasing a custody photo serves a legitimate policing purpose, is proportionate, and is likely to increase public confidence in policing and the Criminal Justice System.
Custody photographs of suspects are not released/published at the point of charge. With the above in mind, we may release custody photographs when we are in possession of a custody photograph (the defendant has come through our custody system and had their photograph taken) and where the following applies:
- On conviction – if the crime is likely to carry a significant custodial sentence.
- On sentencing – if the defendant has received a custodial sentence of at least 12 months, or where the sentencing is in relation to a prolific/repeat offender that has caused significant impact to the community.
- When wanted – if the individual is wanted by police in connection with a crime or for breaching any conditions, restrictions or orders, and they present a significant risk to a victim or the wider community.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is as accurate as possible.
Your attention is drawn to the below which details your right of complaint.
Should you have any further enquiries concerning this matter, please write or email the Freedom of Information Unit quoting the reference number above.
Yours sincerely
Freedom of Information Officer
Freedom of Information Unit
Warwickshire Police
PO Box 4
Leek Wootton
Warwickshire
CV35 7QB