Police Banned From ‘Fishing Expeditions’ in Rape Cases

Metropolitan Police officers outside the Houses of Parliament, in London, on March 21, 2023. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

The police will no longer be allowed to request “unnecessary and invasive” access to rape victims’ personal materials such as therapy notes, under legislation put forward by the government.

Under an amendment to the government’s Victims and Prisoners Bill, police should only request material that is “absolutely necessary and proportionate” to ensure that vulnerable victims are not put off seeking vital support.