Released Under
Investigation
(RUI) UK Police Process Explained: What It Means, How Long It Lasts, and Your Rights (2026 Guide)
Quick Answer
What is RUI?
Released Under Investigation (RUI) means a suspect has been released from police custody without bail conditions and without a fixed return date, while the investigation continues. There is no statutory time limit for RUI, but police must still act proportionately and progress the investigation.
Procedural Context
1. What Does RUI Mean?
When someone is arrested, interviewed and then released without charge, police must decide how the investigation continues. RUI is one of three primary outcomes.
Charged
Formal accusation made; court date set.
Released on Bail
Released with conditions and a return date.
RUI
Released without conditions while enquiry continues.
RUI Functional Breakdown:
It is a procedural status — not a finding of guilt.
2. Why Was RUI Introduced?
RUI became common after reforms to the Bail Act 1976. Before the reform, police bail could last months or years, leading to "bail management" issues.
Reform Objectives:
- Reduce unnecessary bail
- Limit restrictive conditions
- Prevent disproportionate supervision
By removing the bail return dates, the reform created a scenario where RUI has **no fixed statutory time limit**, unlike bail which requires judicial oversight for extensions beyond certain points.
Direct Comparison
3. Bail vs RUI
Police Bail
- Return date set
- May include conditions
- Time-limited by statute
- Regular review required
RUI Status
- No return date
- No conditions
- No statutory time limit
- Internal admin review
No restrictive bail conditions.
No definite timeline for resolution.
Suspect Concerns
4. Is There a Time Limit?
The Legal Reality
There is **no fixed statutory time limit** for RUI. Unlike custody (24h) or bail (applicable limits), RUI is administratively open.
Article 6 Protections
Investigations must remain reasonable and proportionate under the Right to a Fair Trial. Excessive delay can undermine a later prosecution.
5. Why Choose
RUI Over Bail?
Police may opt for RUI where there is no operational need to manage the suspect's behavior via conditions. Factors include:
Common for:
6. While on RUI
The investigation continues behind the scenes. You are not required to attend a station unless contacted.
Police Actions:
7. Re-arrest Risk?
Yes, police can re-arrest while you are on RUI. This must still meet the PACE necessity test and is usually triggered by:
8. Can You Travel?
Generally yes. RUI carries no conditions. However, if your passport was seized as physical property under other powers, you must seek its return through legal channels.
9. Case Strength
RUI does not indicate a weak case. It simply indicates that the evidence review is incomplete. Many high-profile cases go through lengthy RUI periods.
10. What's Next?
Outcomes are: NFA (case dropped), Charge (court date), or Caution. Notice is usually given by letter, phone, or postal requisition.
11. Psychological Impact
The primary criticism of RUI is the "indefinite uncertainty" it places on suspects, affecting careers, travel plans, and mental health without a clear judicial deadline.
12. Public Criticism
Concerns regarding indefinite RUI led to recent amendments encouraging the use of bail where a timeframe is required for public confidence.
13. Terminology
"Released Under Investigation" is the formal status following an arrest. You can be "investigated" without being arrested, but RUI is specifically the custody-release status.
RUI FAQ
What does released under investigation mean?
It means you are released from custody without bail conditions while police continue investigating. You are not required to return to a station on a set date.
How long can RUI last?
There is no fixed legal time limit for RUI, although investigations must remain proportionate and reasonable. Some cases can last months or even over a year.
Is RUI better than bail?
RUI has no restrictive conditions, which many prefer. However, it also has no fixed timeline, which can lead to prolonged psychological uncertainty.
Can police re-arrest you on RUI?
Yes. Police can re-arrest if new evidence emerges, further interviews are required, or if arrest becomes necessary to protect a witness or prevent obstruction.
Do you have conditions on RUI?
No. Unlike police bail, RUI does not carry formal conditions. However, you remain under investigation and must follow general laws regarding witness interference.
Institutional Interlinking
Our repository applies regulation-led scrutiny to both officer frameworks and public policing powers.