Understanding the RUI process, the emotions and how Olliers can support you throughout
Being released under investigation is one of the most anxiety‑provoking stages of the criminal justice process. Many people describe it as living in limbo, unsure of what comes next and frightened about how long everything will take. If you are reading this because you or a loved one has been released under investigation, it is completely normal to feel unsure, overwhelmed or even frightened. At Olliers we understand that the uncertainty is often harder than anything else, and we are here to guide you through it with clarity, compassion and expert legal support.
What does it mean to be Released under Investigation (RUI)?
From 3 April 2017, the police introduced significant changes to the way suspects were dealt with after interview. Instead of placing people on police bail with fixed return dates, many suspects began to be released under investigation.
Before these changes, suspects were usually given a date to return to the police station. Even though cases could drag on for months or even years, at least there was a timeline and a formal structure. After the law changed, many individuals found themselves released under investigation instead. This means:
- The police are still actively investigating you.
- They will contact you with the outcome only when they are ready.
- There is no return date.
- There are no time limits, no scheduled reviews and no guaranteed updates.
For many clients, this lack of structure makes the experience especially difficult. You may feel trapped in uncertainty without knowing when the investigation will end or what the future holds.
Why RUI Is Used Less Often Today
Release Under Investigation was introduced following the Policing and Crime Act 2017 to reduce the overuse of pre-charge bail and avoid keeping suspects on bail for long periods. It allowed the police to continue an investigation without time limits, conditions or court oversight, which made it easy for forces to adopt as a default option. However, this led to a surge in RUI and increasing concerns about lengthy delays and the lack of safeguards for both suspects and victims.
Over time, issues became more apparent. With no statutory timescales, individuals often remained under investigation for months or years, receiving little or no communication from the police. Victims were left with no protective conditions in place, particularly in sensitive cases such as domestic abuse or sexual offences. These problems prompted widespread criticism and highlighted the need for stronger oversight and clearer limits.
Reforms introduced through the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 shifted the balance back towards pre-charge bail by removing the presumption against bail and encouraging its use where necessary and proportionate. The updated framework includes defined time limits, improved accountabilityand a duty to consider victims’ views when setting bail conditions. As a result, police forces now rely far less on RUI and more on structured pre-charge bail that offers clearer protections and timelines for everyone involved.
What is the difference between police bail and being Released under Investigation?
Police bail (sometimes known as pre-charge bail) is used by the police to release suspects from custody when the police intend to impose certain conditions to which you must adhere. The police may only place you on bail for three months initially before either making a charging decision or applying to extend your bail.
The police may place someone on conditional bail if they have concerns that the suspect may commit another offence, fail to attend court or a police station when asked or attempt to pervert the course of justice such as intimidating a witness.
Usual conditions can include a condition of residence to live and sleep at a particular address, non-contact with the complainant(s) (usually directly or indirectly), non-contact with under 18s, not to go within a certain distance of an address or place, non-contact with co-defendants and a curfew to remain at home during particular hours. T
Why can the RUI process take so long?
The move towards releasing suspects under investigation has been closely linked with pressures on police resources. Police previously had to manage bail time limits, justify extensions and regularly review cases. Under RUI, this accountability is far less clear.
This means investigations can take:
- Weeks
- Months
- Sometimes far longer
Many people describe this waiting period as being more stressful than the allegation itself. The lack of communication can feel unbearable. You may check your phone constantly, worry about work or travel plans, or feel unable to move forward with your life. These emotions are completely understandable.
The personal impact of being Released under Investigation
Being under investigation affects every part of your life. Clients often tell us about:
Emotional strain The constant uncertainty can lead to anxiety, sleeplessness and difficulty concentrating. You may worry about the worst case scenario or feel that your life has been put on hold indefinitely.
Impact on work: Many people fear that being under investigation could affect their job. Not knowing whether anything will appear on a DBS check or when the matter will be resolved can feel incredibly unsettling.
Effect on relationships: It is common for partners, family members and close friends to feel the strain too. You might feel isolated, ashamed or unsure how much to tell people.
Loss of control: Perhaps the hardest part of RUI status is the sense that decisions are being made about your future without your involvement. The police will contact you when they choose. There is no timescale to rely on.
All of this can feel deeply unfair, especially when you simply want clarity and the chance to move on.
Watch Matthew Claughton discussing how Olliers Solicitors can help you if you have been released under investigation
At Olliers we’re frequently contacted by clients who’ve been questioned by the police and then released under investigation and they come to us not really knowing what’s going to happen next. This is the opportunity for them to take control of the situation. Are there witnesses who can support their version of events? Can they in any other way disprove what the police were alleging in interview?
Is their social media or Internet research that can be undertaken on their behalf? Alternatively other messages or electronic communication that can be presented to the police to support their case. At Olliers we will always look to make representations to the police as to why our clients should not be charged with a criminal offence. The message is don’t sit back .If there are proactive steps that can be taken on behalf of our clients we will always take them.
How Olliers can support you during an RUI investigation
At Olliers our approach is built on proactive communication, robust legal expertise and genuine care for the people we represent. We know that the investigation stage is often the most influential part of the entire criminal process. The work we do at this point can shape the outcome of your case and, in many situations, avoid a charge.
We communicate directly with the police
We contact the officer in the case, request updates and ensure that the investigation is progressing. This means you do not have to sit in silence wondering whether anything is happening. We become the line of communication you do not currently have.olliers
We investigate your case proactively
Our team advises on the law, speaks to potential defence witnesses and, where appropriate, shares relevant material with the police to ensure a balanced picture is presented. This early engagement can make a significant difference to whether a case proceeds to charge.
We protect your rights and your peace of mind
We explain every step, answer your questions and guide you through what can feel like an overwhelming process. We know how important it is to feel supported as well as represented.
We prepare you for every outcome
If a charge is brought, we will already be fully familiar with your case and ready to defend you. If the matter is discontinued, we ensure you understand what that means and what happens next.
You are not alone in this
Being released under investigation can feel like everything you value is on hold. The waiting, the silence, the fear of the unknown, the impact on your family and career, the constant sense of dread each time your phone rings. These feelings are valid and completely normal.
You do not have to manage this alone. At Olliers we take your concerns seriously and treat you with respect, empathy and discretion. We will support you throughout the investigation, keep you informed and work tirelessly to protect your future.
If you or someone you care about has been released under investigation, our specialist team is ready to help.
Some frequently asked questions
Being released under investigation means the police are still looking into the allegation but have not placed you on bail. There is no return date, no time limit and no scheduled updates. The police will contact you only when they are ready to give you an outcome.
If you are released on bail you are no longer held in custody, however certain conditions are placed on you upon release. These conditions may include restrictions on persons you may contact or a fixed address at which you must stay.
Alternatively, you may be released under investigation, this is where the police suspect you of committing a criminal offence but do not have sufficient evidence to meet the charging standard. As they cannot charge you they must release you, whilst they investigate the matter further.
If you are released on under investigation, you are not subject to the conditions that may be placed on you if you are released on bail. You are not required to attend the police again whilst released under investigation.
This can leave you in limbo and not receive any update for an indefinite period.
RUI is not a criminal conviction. However, people often worry about what may be disclosed on employment or DBS checks while an investigation is ongoing. The level of disclosure can depend on the type of check and the nature of the allegation.
If you have been released under investigation this will not show on a basic or standard DBS Check. There is potential for it to show on an enhanced DBS Check.
The situation is that when someone is applying for an enhanced DBS check, any information can be disclosed in the ‘other information’ section. This is at the discretion of the police. It depends on various factors including the relevance to the offence, whether it is proportionate to disclose, and various other matters. It is also to a certain extent dependent upon how long it has been since the arrest.
The usual position is that if the police are considering disclosing the information then they write to the applicant to afford them the opportunity to make representations as to why the information should not be disclosed. The police do not have to do this but in the majority of situations where an investigation is finalised and it would not prejudice anyone to afford the opportunity to make representations then the police would invite them to make representations. For more information please contact our DBS department.
Yes. Olliers proactively communicate with the officer in the case, request updates and ensure the investigation is progressing. This helps reduce uncertainty and keeps you better informed throughout.
Often, yes. Olliers can gather relevant defence material, speak to potential witnesses and present information to the police where appropriate. Early, proactive engagement can influence the investigation and may help avoid a charge. We don’t wait for events to unfold – we take control. As experts in pre-charge representation, Olliers’ proactive approach ensures we are on the front foot from the outset. We preempt issues and build a robust defence strategy from day one. We take control and ensure our clients are in the best possible position.
If you are charged, Olliers will already have a comprehensive understanding of your case, the evidence and any issues raised during the investigation. This means we can act immediately to protect your position. The proactive work carried out at the precharge stage places you in a far stronger position than if you had waited until charge to seek advice.
Once a charge is issued, we will explain the next steps in clear, straightforward terms, including what the charge means, whether you will be required to attend court and what to expect at your first hearing. We will begin preparing your defence strategy without delay, gather any further material needed, and advise you on the best way forward.
Our priority is to ensure that you feel supported and fully informed throughout the process. With Olliers already acting for you, there is no break in continuity and no need to repeat information. You are represented from the very outset, which allows us to respond quickly, challenge any issues as they arise and secure the strongest possible footing for the case ahead.
If you are contacted by the police, it is important that you seek legal advice before engaging in any conversation. You do not have to attend a voluntary interview or provide information without first speaking to a solicitor. Contact Olliers as soon as possible and our team will guide you through exactly what to expect and how to respond safely.
Our specialist pre‑charge and police station team will explain your rights, assess the situation and advise you on the best approach before any interview or further contact takes place. If you are asked to attend the police station, we can arrange representation and ensure you are not interviewed without proper legal support.
Early advice is critical. The guidance you receive at this stage can make a significant difference to the outcome of your case. Olliers’ experienced solicitors are available to assist throughout the investigation, protect your position and ensure that your rights are upheld at every stage.
Since the police no longer have to comply with bail time limits or formal review processes, delays are more common. Reduced police resources also contribute to longer investigations, and without a bail structure in place, cases can continue for extended periods without communication. You will be informed about the result of the investigations into you eventually but there is no specific timeframe for how long this could take.
This can cause significant anxiety and stress as the police do not have any time limits on how long they can investigate you for. It will depend on the complexities of the matter including the police obtaining witness statements. If the case is less serious you may expect to hear from the police within a few monthsbut in more serious or complex cases it could take multiple months or possibly up to a year or longer.
At Olliers we make frequent contact with the police, and continue to ask for the police to provide us updates on their investigations.
The police are able to seize your belongings to use as potential evidence to assist in their investigations. The police are able to keep your property for the duration of their analysis of that particular item or for the duration of their overall investigation into you, should they require to. The police may need to send your property to be forensically tested or if electronic devices to be analysed. The items that may be seized could include mobile phones, laptops, documentation, vehicles or clothing.
If you instruct Olliers Solicitors we will make frequent contact with the police in order to try to have your belongings returned to you, or determine if the police do not intend to return your property imminently.
Contact our Investigations Solicitors
You do not have to face this uncertainty alone. If you have been released under investigation and feel anxious, overwhelmed or unsure about what happens next, our experienced pre‑charge team is here to support you. We provide confidential, empathetic guidance from the very beginning and take a proactive approach to protecting your future.
Reach out to us today and speak with a specialist who will listen, understand your concerns and guide you through every step of the process with care and clarity.
If you would like to discuss how we can proactively assist you in relation to your case at the pre-charge stage, contact us by telephone on 0161 834 1515 (Manchester) or 020 3883 6790 (London) , by email to info@olliers.com or complete the form below and we will contact you.
We are here when you need us. You do not have to go through this on your own.
Complete the form below and we will contact you
Manchester
Head Office
- 0161 8341515
- info@olliers.com
- Fourth Floor, 44 Peter Street, Manchester, M2 5GP