Refuse to file a report? Discover your rights!

Questioner

Can an officer refuse my report? The officer said that he didn't think it was necessary to prosecute someone from 2011... It's been too long. Collection agency says it has not expired because they have been sending letters all this time. (My details were used in 2011 and now I am being sent all sorts of collections)

Lawyer

The police are required by law to record the report of a criminal offence. If they do not do this, you can file a complaint with the force. Incidentally, the police do not have to record a report if it is known in advance that it is not a criminal offence and there is no doubt about this.