Immediate danger or crime in progress?
Call 999 if there is immediate danger, serious risk of harm or a crime in progress requiring an emergency response.
CALL 999Safety, Crime Reporting, Rights & Support
This hub keeps the detailed information from the original Right First Time UK Police & Crime section and reorganises it into clear public-help routes. It covers emergencies, crime reporting, safeguarding, victims, police powers, complaints, domestic abuse, fraud, hate crime, modern slavery, courts, public protection, community safety and rehabilitation.
Report a non-emergency crime
Use Police.uk or contact your local police force. 101 can also be used for non-emergency police contact where appropriate.
REPORT A CRIMEVictim or witness needing support?
Find practical and emotional support, rights information and recovery services.
VICTIM SUPPORT & RECOVERYProblem with police conduct?
Find information about complaints, accountability, reviews and independent oversight.
POLICE COMPLAINTSUseful Current Routes — 2026
Police complaints
The IOPC oversees the police complaints system in England and Wales. Most complaints are handled first by the relevant police force; the IOPC independently investigates the most serious and sensitive matters.
IOPC COMPLAINTSDomestic abuse — emergency help
Government guidance says to call 999 in immediate danger. If you cannot speak on a mobile 999 call, the Silent Solution can transfer the call to police if you press 55 when prompted.
DOMESTIC ABUSE HELPPrevent as safeguarding
Home Office guidance published in 2026 describes Prevent as an early safeguarding intervention for people considered susceptible to radicalisation to terrorism.
PREVENT PRINCIPLESNo matching guide was found. Try a shorter search term.
Emergency Help, Reporting & Victim Support
Emergency Help & Reporting Crime
Use 101 when police assistance is needed but there is no immediate danger.
OPEN GUIDEVictim Support & Recovery
A victim is generally considered to be anyone who has suffered harm as a result of criminal conduct, including:
OPEN GUIDEPolice, Crime & Safeguarding Support Directory
Victim Support offers free and confidential help to people affected by crime, whether or not the crime has been reported.
OPEN GUIDEChildren, Families & Safeguarding
Child Protection & Young People's Safety
Children are protected by a range of laws designed to safeguard their welfare and wellbeing.
OPEN GUIDEDomestic Abuse & Family Safety
Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, domestic abuse can include:
OPEN GUIDEVulnerable Adults & Adult Safeguarding
Care Act statutory guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/care-act-statutory-guidance/care-and-support-statutory-guidance
OPEN GUIDEDisability Protection & Safeguarding
Disabled people should be involved in decisions affecting their lives wherever possible.
OPEN GUIDESafeguarding in Care & Support Services
Care home residents should receive safe, compassionate and person-centred care.
OPEN GUIDEAbuse, Exploitation & Serious Harm
Hidden Harm, Abuse & Exploitation
Hidden harm refers to abuse, neglect, exploitation or criminal activity that may not be immediately obvious to others.
OPEN GUIDEModern Slavery & Human Trafficking
Modern slavery is an umbrella term covering situations where individuals are exploited and unable to leave because of:
OPEN GUIDEViolence Prevention & Community Safety
Carrying a knife can place both the carrier and others at significant risk.
OPEN GUIDECommunity Safety, Hate Crime & Online Harm
Community Safety & Anti-Social Behaviour
Community safety is often delivered through partnership working between agencies and residents.
OPEN GUIDEHate Crime & Discrimination
A hate crime is any criminal offence that is perceived by the victim or another person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a protected characteristic.
OPEN GUIDEOnline Safety & Cyber Crime
Online safety means protecting yourself, your family, your devices and your information when using:
OPEN GUIDEFraud, Scams & Financial Crime
Fraud occurs when someone deliberately deceives another person or organisation for financial gain or personal benefit.
OPEN GUIDEPolice Powers, Complaints & Justice
Police Powers & Your Rights
Police powers are subject to legal safeguards and oversight.
OPEN GUIDEPolice Complaints, Accountability & Advocacy
Complaints may usually be made directly to the relevant police force.
OPEN GUIDECourts, Justice & Legal Processes
The criminal justice system should operate according to principles including:
OPEN GUIDEProtection Orders & Legal Protections
Different orders apply in different circumstances and may be available through criminal, family or civil courts.
OPEN GUIDEMental Health, Prevent & Public Protection
Mental Health & Public Protection
Mental health difficulties can affect anyone at any stage of life. Most people experiencing mental health challenges are not a risk to others and deserve compassion, support, dignity and…
OPEN GUIDERadicalisation, Extremism & Prevent
Radicalisation is the process by which a person may become increasingly influenced by extremist ideologies, beliefs or individuals.
OPEN GUIDERoads, Workplace & Rehabilitation
Road Safety & Motoring Offences
Dangerous driving occurs when driving falls far below the standard expected of a careful and competent driver.
OPEN GUIDEWorkplace Safety & Harassment
Workplace bullying involves repeated behaviour that may undermine, intimidate, humiliate or negatively affect someone at work.
OPEN GUIDEPrison, Probation & Rehabilitation
Prisons are secure institutions where individuals may be held:
OPEN GUIDEPolice Data, Inspections & Information Hubs
UK Police Data, PCCs & Crime Inspections
Police governance and inspection are different across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and specialist policing.
OPEN GUIDERupert Lowe Inquiry Information Hub
This page contains links to third-party websites that are not owned, managed or controlled by Right First Time UK .
OPEN GUIDE