The guidance on this page is intended for North Yorkshire Police officers and staff only. To get the latest news from North Yorkshire Police visit our News page.

Appeals for witnesses and information on social media and in the local press can play a crucial role in many investigations.

The following decision tree will help you find the best way to publicise your appeal.

Volume crime / low-level incidents

For low-to-medium level incidents, such as thefts, criminal damage, burglary and assaults, complete the Local appeals form.

Consider also using North Yorkshire Community Messaging and local social media accounts.

CCTV appeal

May show someone under 18

You will need a Superintendent’s authority.

CCTV footage must be circulated internally on Briefing Manager Video Stills for two weeks before an appeal can be published externally.

Complete the CCTV appeals form.

Does not show anyone under 18

CCTV footage must be circulated internally on Briefing Manager Video Stills for two weeks before an appeal can be published externally.

Complete the CCTV appeals form.

Wanted person

Complete the Wanted people appeal form.

If this is an urgent appeal, during office hours, contact the Corporate Communications Newsdesk on 01609 643333 or email newsdesk@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk. Outside office hours, contact the Force Control Room, who will consider calling out the duty media officer.

Missing from home

For high-risk missing people, during office hours, contact the Corporate Communications Newsdesk on 01609 643333 or email newsdesk@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk. Outside office hours, contact the Force Control Room, who will consider calling out the duty media officer.

Media appeals are not routinely issued for low- or medium-risk missing people.

RTC witness appeal

Non-injury or minor injury RTC

Complete the Local appeals form.

Consider also using North Yorkshire Community Messaging and local / RPG social media accounts.

Serious RTC

During office hours, contact the Corporate Communications Newsdesk on 01609 643333 or email newsdesk@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk. Outside office hours, contact the Force Control Room, who will consider calling out the duty media officer.

Major or critical incident

There is a media officer on call, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for serious, critical and major incidents. The on-call media officer can be contacted via the Force Incident Manager in the Force Control Room. Any member of NYP can contact us for general advice.

Any other incident

During office hours, contact the Corporate Communications Newsdesk on 01609 643333 or email newsdesk@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

Outside office hours, contact the Force Control Room, who will consider calling out the duty media officer