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What to do if…
you are told your contact with certain people is being monitored as part of an investigation

Short answer

Stop discussing the investigation (or anything related to it) with anyone except a solicitor, and get legal advice as soon as you can. Assume anything you say or write could be shown to others later.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t “clear it up” by calling or messaging the people you’re told are being monitored, or by asking others to pass messages.
  • Don’t delete chats, call logs, photos, or documents “to be safe”.
  • Don’t post about it on social media, even indirectly (“vague” posts, screenshots, inside jokes).
  • Don’t confront the person who told you, or try to find out “who’s informing” or “what they have”.
  • Don’t ask friends/family to store your phone, take devices, hide items, or “sort evidence”.
  • Don’t assume switching apps/devices makes anything “safe”. Your safest move is to say less.
  • If you’re in prison or on remand, don’t discuss your case on ordinary calls/messages. Use the proper legal/privileged route.

What to do now

  1. Pause and narrow your communications immediately.
    For the next 24–48 hours, keep messages and calls strictly practical (“I’m safe”, “I’ll be late”) and avoid anything about the investigation, the people involved, locations, timelines, or explanations.

  2. Write down what you were told, exactly, while it’s fresh.
    Note the date/time, who told you, their exact words, and whether it sounded like (a) police, (b) prison staff/system warnings, (c) employer/third party, or (d) rumours. Keep this note private and factual.

  3. Get legal advice before you speak to police or investigators.

    • If you’re at a police station or being interviewed under caution, ask for a solicitor and say you will not answer questions until you’ve had legal advice.
    • If you’ve been asked to attend a voluntary interview, you can still speak to a solicitor first and arrange to be represented.
    • UK note: processes differ across the UK. In England & Wales, police detention/interview is governed by PACE and its Codes. In Scotland or Northern Ireland, still ask for a solicitor and do not be interviewed until you’ve had legal advice.

  4. If you are on bail / under conditions (or think you might be), check the paperwork now.
    Look for any non-contact conditions (named people, places, social media contact, indirect contact). If you don’t have the paperwork, ask your solicitor for the exact terms or for how to get them in writing.

  5. If you are in prison or on remand, protect confidential legal contact properly.
    Ask staff (or your solicitor) how to place a properly arranged legal/privileged call or set up a legal visit, and how to send legal mail. Don’t discuss case details until you’ve confirmed the communication is treated as legal/privileged (ordinary calls/messages are commonly recorded or monitored).

  6. Make a simple “do not contact” list for yourself.
    Include the specific people you were warned about, plus anyone closely connected. This is a safety step to prevent accidental replies, late-night messages, or “just checking in”.

  7. Use a “safe script” if someone presses you.
    “I can’t discuss that. I’m getting legal advice.” Repeat. Don’t justify.

What can wait

  • You do not need to figure out whether monitoring is lawful, how it’s done, or “how much they know” right now.
  • You do not need to write a statement, craft an explanation, or gather people to “get stories straight”.
  • You do not need to reset devices, change accounts, or hand your phone to someone else today.
  • You can wait to decide whether to complain, request records, or challenge anything—do that after legal advice.

Important reassurance

Being told something is “being monitored” is frightening and can make you feel trapped. A calm pause now—saying less, avoiding impulsive contact, and getting proper legal advice—can prevent mistakes that are hard to undo later.

Scope note

This is first-steps-only guidance to help you stabilise and avoid common self-inflicted harm. The right next move depends heavily on whether this relates to a police interview, bail conditions, prison communications, or a misunderstanding—your solicitor can tailor it.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. If you believe you are being investigated or may be arrested/interviewed, get advice from a qualified solicitor promptly. If you are in immediate danger or feel at risk of harm, call emergency services.

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