Categories of wanted individuals

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.22.023242

I note you seek access to the following information:

In a previous FOI request the MPS provided data on individuals wanted by police

You have helpfully broken down the numbers of the 'category' under which each individual is wanted. However many of the descriptions are not easy to understand for outsiders.

Could you therefore, for each category, provide a short explanation of what it means, including common scenarios and examples of how/when it might be used, together with any relevant internal policy documents, standard operating procedures, and legislation.

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

Below I have provided explanations of what the warrants are for from the list you sent into the MPS. I have been advised that it is not possible to provide you with scenarios in relation to each of these as there could be a multitude of reasons for different warrant types being issued. In addition, some warrants are issued due to the decisions made by other agencies.

1st Instance - two types: (a) a warrant obtained by Police on application to a Court to protect a charge which relates to an offence subject to a Statutory Time Limit (STL) and the suspect cannot be located. (b) A warrant issued by a Court when an offender fails to attend Court in response to a Postal Charge Requisition.

Absconder/Escapee – a person who has absconded from a prison having been sentenced to a term of imprisonment.

Asset Warrant – Warrant Asset means any equity purchase warrants or similar rights convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any equity interests received by the Borrower as an “equity kicker” from the Obligor in connection with a Collateral Obligation.

Bench – A warrant issued by a Crown Court.

Breach of court bail – An Arrest Circulation relating to an offender who has appeared before a Court and been Bailed with Conditions awaiting a further hearing; the offender subsequently Breaches the Conditions imposed.

Breach of police bail – for a person who has breached bail conditions.

CPBW – Community Penalty Breach Warrant (Probation).

DNA docket - A Wanted circulation for an identified or named suspect wanted by Police regarding an investigation and where initial Officer actively has failed to locate and detain the Offender.

Extradition warrant – issued for a person overseas that is wanted in the UK.

Failure to appear – a warrant issued by a Magistrates Court for an offender who fails to appear at Court having been charged/summonsed by the Police/CPS.

Fingerprint Docket - A Wanted circulation for an identified or named suspect wanted by Police regarding an investigation and where initial Officer actively has failed to locate and detain the Offender.

High risk CPBW - Community Penalty Breach Warrant (Probation).

Image Docket - A Wanted circulation for an identified or named suspect wanted by Police regarding an investigation and where initial Officer actively has failed to locate and detain the Offender.

Non Police Warrant – a warrant relating to a local council, RSPCA etc.

Out of Force Warrant – a warrant owned by another police force.

Recall to Hospital - Section 42 MHA 1983 allows a patient who has been detained on a restricted hospital order (section 37 or section 41 MHA 1983), to be conditionally discharged to receive community care. However, during this period of conditional discharge, patients are liable to be recalled to hospital. Recall to Prison - A Home Office Revocation Order is issued for an offender who has been released on Licence Conditions from Prison and is recalled for breaching the conditions imposed.

Suspect/Power of Arrest - A Wanted circulation for an identified or named suspect wanted by Police regarding an investigation and where initial Officer actively has failed to locate and detain the Offender.

Wanted Offender – Equality Impact Assessment -
https://www.met.police.uk/SysSiteAssets/foi-media/metropolitan-police/policies/strategy--governance---wanted-offender-management-equality-impact-assessment

Please find attached some documents in relation to warrants and wanted individuals, including the MPS’s policy statement which you find of some interest.