Understand the differences between bail, police bail, and Release Under Investigation (RUI).
Police Bail (Pre‑Charge Bail)
Also known as pre-charge bail, this is used when the police have arrested someone but aren’t ready to charge them yet. Instead of keeping you in custody, they release you with requirements, such as returning to the station or sticking to certain conditions.
Under PACE and updated by the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, these bail periods can now last up to nine months—initially up to three months, then extendable twice by three months each. If more time is needed after nine months, the police must go to court for approval.
Conditions might include:
- Reporting regularly to a police station
- Staying away from certain individuals or locations
- Not interfering with evidence or witnesses.
If you fail to comply with the conditions, it’s not automatically a criminal offence—but you can be re-arrested and potentially denied bail in future.
Release Under Investigation (RUI)
Released Under Investigation, or RUI, means you’re allowed to go home without any conditions and without a set date to return. The police may still be investigating, but there’s no formal timeline.
This became more common after 2017 reforms that limited the use of bail, although those changes caused frustration because:
- There’s no time limit or oversight on how long it lasts.
- There are no conditions, so nothing stops you from contacting people involved—though you should seek advice before doing so.
- It leaves both the suspect and the alleged victim in limbo, sometimes for months or even longer.
The Police Crime Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 aimed to correct this by encouraging more use of bail (when necessary and proportionate), to provide more oversight and structure.
Post-Charge Bail (Court Bail)
Once you’ve been formally charged, you can be released on bail by the court. This might be for your first hearing or while awaiting trial. Conditions can still apply, and you must appear in court on the set date.
Summary Table
| Situation | What It Means | Timeframe & Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Police Bail (Pre-Charge) | Released from custody but with conditions | Up to 9 months, conditions applied |
| Release Under Investigation (RUI) | Released without conditions or time limits | No time limits, no conditions; can feel indefinite |
| Post-Charge Court Bail | Released after charge while awaiting court | Set by court, conditions may apply |
Final Thoughts
- Police Bail gives structure and oversight, particularly useful when conditions are necessary.
- RUI avoids restrictions—but can leave you stuck without answers or guidance.
- Court Bail ensures you avoid unnecessary custody while waiting for your hearing.
If you’re unsure what your status means, or what to do next, getting legal advice early is always a wise move.