Warwickshire Police has become embroiled in a row about “secret policing” after refuse to identify suspects once charged.The change in policy was announced in a police press release about a retired police officer who is charged with the theft of £113,000 from the former Warwickshire Police headquarters at Leek Wootton.It comes amid a national debate about whether police should identify suspects after their initial arrest.The move is understood to be the first by any police force in the country.Freedom of information campaigners have argued police should not be allowed to operate in secret with newspapers barred from naming those arrested.But the Warwickshire Force went a step further announcing its policy to refuse to identify suspects even when charged.Maurice Frankel, director of the Campaign for the Freedom of Information, said: “Everything about this has been done the wrong way round.“If they were going to consider such a policy they should explain what they are proposing, state the reasons and the arguments for and against and consult on the proposal.“The last thing they should do is announce it tagged on to a press release with no prior warning or discussion and appear to have devised it in order to protect the identity of a former police officer.“It gives the impression of policy put together to protect the officer rather than the result of a properly considered process.”The initial online press release about the 54-year-old former police officer from the Stratford area has since been named by the Crown Prosecution Service as Paul Andrew Greaves.The CPS has said it was always prosecutors’ policy to name suspects charged with any crime.After being charged, Warwickshire Police released a press release without Mr Greaves’ identity on Wednesday with an added a ‘Note to Editors’.It said: “Due to a change in policy we no longer release the name of an individual on charge. Journalists may request a surname for guidance the day before the first court appearance by calling the newsdesk (press office).”After a backlash on social networking website Twitter the force updated the online message removing all reference to a “change in policy”.On Thursday morning the press release about the officer was updated a third time.It said: “Following discussions which have taken place tonight over guidelines on naming on arrest and charge Warwickshire Police has released the following statement.“In keeping with national policy Warwickshire Police does not name suspects on arrest. The force may, however, name suspects on charge unless it is inappropriate to do so.“In the case in question it is inappropriate to name the person at this time. Following feedback over this issue tonight we will be reviewing our policy and will ensure that it is aligned to national guidelines.”Maurice Frankel added: “I don’t see how you can have a proper system of open justice where the name only becomes available the day before a court appearance.“The chances are the press will miss out on most significant cases.”A CPS spokesman said: “Paul Andrew Greaves has been charged with committing theft from his employer, Warwickshire Police, between June 2009 and September 2011.”
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