PanicStation.org
UK USA
uk Legal, police, prison & official contact police ask where someone is • police asking whereabouts • police call about someone else • police contact about third party • asked to locate someone • where are they right now • police looking for someone • request for current location • welfare check request • missing person enquiry • outstanding warrant concern • police identity check • police impersonation scam • unexpected call from police • pressured to answer police • worried about getting in trouble • should i speak to police • can i refuse to answer • asked to give address now

What to do if…
police contact you about someone else and ask where they are right now

Short answer

Pause and verify it’s really the police, then do not guess or lie. If you’re unsure what you can safely say, ask to speak to a solicitor before answering.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t lie, “fill gaps”, or guess their location to get off the phone.
  • Don’t share personal info (your address, workplace, bank details) just because the caller sounds official.
  • Don’t consent to searches of your phone or devices just because you feel pressured; ask whether you’re being required to do something or being asked to agree.
  • Don’t let yourself be rushed into letting officers into your home without understanding their legal basis (police can have lawful powers to enter without a warrant in limited urgent situations, but you can still ask what power they’re using).
  • Don’t start coordinating calls/texts about this while you’re stressed and unclear what’s happening; it can escalate risk and drag you into the situation.

What to do now

  1. Check you’re speaking to a real officer (this is step one).
    Ask for their name, rank, collar number, force, and an incident/log reference. End the call and dial 101 yourself to verify (or use a publicly listed switchboard number for that force). If you feel in immediate danger, dial 999.

  2. Work out what they’re actually asking of you.
    Calmly ask: “Is this about welfare/missing person, or something else?” and “Am I being asked as a witness, or am I suspected of anything?”
    If they suggest you’re suspected, or they want a formal statement/interview, move to step 6.

  3. If you genuinely don’t know where the person is, say that clearly and stop there.
    “I don’t know where they are right now.”
    Do not speculate (“maybe at…”) and do not provide “best guesses” under pressure.

  4. If you do know where they are, slow it down before you answer.
    You can say: “I need legal advice before I answer questions about someone else’s location.”
    If they keep pressing, repeat it. Then ask: “Can you give me a reference number—I’ll call back via 101 / the switchboard.”

  5. If officers arrive in person, keep the interaction safe and controlled.

    • Speak through the door first if you want to.
    • Ask to see a warrant card/ID and verify via 101 if you’re unsure.
    • Ask: “Do you have a warrant, or what power are you using to enter?”
    • Police can have lawful powers to enter without a warrant in certain urgent circumstances. If they say they are entering, don’t physically block them—step back and calmly ask for the incident reference and a record of what is happening.

  6. If you are detained, arrested, or asked to attend an interview, ask for a solicitor immediately.
    Say: “I want legal advice. I want the duty solicitor.” (In the UK, legal advice at the police station is available.)

  7. If you think someone is in immediate danger, treat that separately from the “where are they?” pressure.
    If there’s a real and immediate risk to life/serious harm, call 999 and report the risk as plainly as you can. (You can still avoid guessing details you don’t know.)

  8. Make a quick written note while it’s fresh.
    Time/date, what was asked, what you said, names/collar numbers, incident reference, and any threats/pressure used.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide right now whether you “should cooperate fully” or “say nothing forever”.
  • You do not need to argue about the person’s character, explain your relationship, or provide a long story on the spot.
  • You do not need to hand over devices, passwords, or documents in the moment just because you feel intimidated.

Important reassurance

It’s normal to feel panicky and pressured when police ask for an immediate location. Taking a minute to verify identity, avoid guessing, and ask for legal advice is a sensible way to protect yourself while keeping things safe.

Scope note

These are first steps for the initial contact. If this becomes a formal investigation, interview, or search, you’ll likely need tailored legal advice.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. Police powers and your options depend on the situation and where you are in the UK. If you are unsure what you can safely say, get advice from a solicitor—especially before answering questions about someone else’s whereabouts.

Additional Resources
Support us