Releasing suspects without bail is often dangerous – the government needs to work on a solution

The Home Office has finally announced a review into pre-charge bail but there is still a lack of clarity over its scope, writes Bambos Charalambous

There has been a huge drop in the use of conditional bail in recent years (Britpix/Alamy)

One of the four options open to police releasing a suspect from custody is to release them under investigation. Release Under Investigation (RUI) came in under the Policing and Crime Act in April 2017.

It’s not bail – there is no time limit, no return date and no conditions. It was designed that way to be a distinct alternative to bail and in response to concerns raised around investigations such as Operation Yewtree. The sexual abuse investigation was criticised when some suspects were left on bail for long periods before being told they would not face charges.

Before the 2017 changes, suspects were remaining on conditional bail for long spells, causing concern about infringements to their liberty and hindering long-term plans.