Legal Reference & Compliance Framework

1. Legal Framework

Wanted People UK ("WPUK") operates within the legal framework of England and Wales, with particular reference to the following areas of law and regulation. This document sets out the legal context in which WPUK functions, and forms the basis for all policies and procedures published on this platform.

2. Ownership of CCTV & Imagery

WPUK does not own, operate, or control any CCTV systems. All imagery published on the platform is sourced from UK police forces and law enforcement agencies, or from publicly available appeals. WPUK acts as a republisher of information already in the public domain or released for the purpose of identification.

3. Lawful Capture & Use

All CCTV footage and images published by WPUK are assumed to have been lawfully captured by the originating body (e.g. a police force or licensed operator) and released for public identification purposes. WPUK relies on the authority of those bodies to confirm that publication is appropriate and lawful.

4. Storage & Retention

Published content is retained on the WPUK platform only for as long as it is necessary for the purpose of aiding identification. Once a case is resolved, content is archived or removed in accordance with WPUK's data retention schedule and in consultation with the originating law enforcement body.

5. Domestic CCTV Systems

WPUK does not accept or publish imagery submitted directly by members of the public from domestic or privately operated CCTV systems. All published imagery must originate from or be verified by a UK police force or recognised law enforcement agency.

6. Sharing & Distribution

Content published on WPUK may be shared by users on social media and other platforms. While WPUK encourages responsible sharing to aid identification, it does not accept liability for how content is used once shared beyond its platform. Users are reminded that sharing content for the purpose of harassment, vigilantism, or defamation is unlawful.

7. WPUK Submission Requirements

All case submissions to WPUK must meet the following requirements:

• Originate from or be verified by a UK police force or law enforcement body
• Include sufficient detail for responsible publication (e.g. offence type, location, reference number)
• Not include information subject to court-imposed reporting restrictions
• Be suitable for public viewing and not contain graphic or distressing material

8. Publication Criteria

WPUK applies the following criteria before publishing any case:

• The individual is actively wanted or sought for identification by a UK police force
• The appeal has been publicly issued or authorised for wider publication
• There are no known legal restrictions preventing publication
• Publication serves a legitimate public interest in crime prevention or detection

9. Lead Information

Leads submitted through the WPUK platform are treated as confidential and are forwarded to the relevant police force for assessment. WPUK does not investigate leads itself and does not share lead information publicly. The identity of individuals who submit leads is protected in accordance with WPUK's Privacy Policy.

10. Witness Protection

WPUK recognises the importance of witness safety. No information that could identify a lead submitter is published on the platform. All communication between WPUK and law enforcement regarding leads is conducted through secure channels.

11. Accuracy of Information

WPUK takes reasonable steps to ensure that information published on its platform is accurate and up to date. However, WPUK relies on the accuracy of information provided by law enforcement agencies and cannot independently verify all details. If you believe any published information is inaccurate, please contact us immediately.

12. Liability Disclaimer

WPUK publishes information in good faith and for the purpose of assisting law enforcement. WPUK does not accept liability for any loss, damage, or harm arising from the use of information published on the platform, including but not limited to misidentification, reputational harm, or reliance on outdated information. Users are advised to report information to the police and not to take any direct action based on published content.

13. Community Purpose

WPUK exists to support community safety and assist law enforcement in the identification and location of wanted individuals. The platform is not intended for entertainment, speculation, or public shaming. All users are expected to engage with published content responsibly and in accordance with the law.