Module 4.6

4.6 Handling Information and Protecting Confidentiality

Children involved in police cases whether victims, witnesses, missing children, at-risk children or those in conflict with the law  have a right to privacy and dignity. Mishandling information can expose children to stigma, retaliation or further harm.

Protecting confidentiality is a legal and ethical duty of every police officer under national child-protection and criminal-justice laws.

Core Standards

• The identity and personal details of children must always be protected. This includes names, addresses, photographs, school details and family information.
• Case files and records concerning children must be stored securely and shared only with authorised officers or agencies who need the information for protection or legal purposes.
• Children’s identities must not be disclosed to the media or the general public under any circumstances. Officers must refuse such requests and refer media enquiries to authorised channels.
• When speaking with community members, elders or other parties, officers should share only the minimum information necessary, ensuring that the child’s dignity, safety and privacy are preserved at all times.

Guiding Principle

Protecting confidentiality protects the child  and strengthens trust in the police and criminal justice system.