Can someone give me a simple answer, or link to an authoritative source for the answer.

If a serviceman is a suspect in a civilian criminal case, at what point is it a requirement to inform the Chain of Command?

For the puposes of this discussion, an alleged incident, in the UK, by a UK based serviceman, off duty, not on military property and not involving military property or other military personnel. In other words, no military involvement. The individual was interviewed under caution and let go but told that he might be charged with an offence.

Is it a requirement, as I suspect, to notify the Chain of Command at the point a formal charge is made (assuming that it goes that far)?

Once an incident is formally reported to the Chain of Command, what procedures should be followed. I am a little rusty on this subject and need to bring myself up to speed.

Serious replies please, by PM if you prefer.

Notify once charged, at the latest, and brace oneself for more interviews and charges of bringing the army into disrepute methinks.

Rank is relevant. WO/Commissioned = big trouble.

Mate at the very least go and speak to your ssm so he's in the loop for when the rozzers ring your adj.

ADSOL. Not sure there is any grounds for a charge of bringing the Army into disrepute.

There is an allegation of a crime, that is denied, circumstancial evidence only and a history of malicious allegations by the claimant. The police are obliged to investigate and, even if a charge is eventually made, the individual will still be innocent until proven guilty (which seems highly unlikely). The alleged offence is relatively minor and stems from a "neighbour dispute" (Private, not MQ patch). It is not fraud or a sexual/violent offence and I would find it difficult to justify a charge of bringing the Army into disrepute even if a guilty verdict was returned (although, clearly, there would be other concerns at that point).

Obviously the most important piece of advice is "don't accept a caution".

If this is some pain in the arse getting nasty leading to the police then fair enough. However, I would get the news out soonest, inforrmally for now, with the hierarchy.

Does the hierarchy know about the neighbour already ? Is there evidence of an ongoing problem ? If so use it early to set the scene.

ADSOL, I tried PM but it didnt go through, trying again.

Anyone else having trouble with the PM system lately?

Does the hierarchy know about the neighbour already ?

Apart from me , no, its a private matter and has been dealt with as such up to now.

Is there evidence of an ongoing problem ? If so use it early to set the scene.

Yes, plenty. Record going back over 2 years, and, fortunately, including letters written to the police to complain about behaviour etc. but, unfortunately, no conclusive evidence - its all a bit "he said, she said", which is why the plod have been reluctant to take any clear action up to now (and may yet drop the case as "insufficient evidence to proceed").

Originally Posted by Blokeonabike

Obviously the most important piece of advice is "don't accept a caution".

I would qualify that with the phrase "without first seeking legal advice".

A caution requires an acceptance that you are guilty of the offence, and will be recorded on your "record", ie on the police national computer.

However if it transpires that there is, in fact, sufficient evidence to put you at risk of a guilty verdict in a criminal court, then you will have a decision to make as to the benefits of accepting the caution (avoiding a conviction) as against the possibility in court of being found not guilty, as against the risk of being convicted.

For that you would need legal advice.

I would tend to agree that it is better to keep the chain of command "in the loop" so they cannot get any nasty surprises at a later date. Also they may be able to offer invaluable advice and support.

CoC should be informed ASP, at AFC whilst Coy Comdr, the RMP were informed by CIVPOL as soon as one of our Juniors was lifted.