I was wondering if it is legal to write a book about an event that happened years ago that involved the police

Answer 1

The only objection would be if you were in possession of confidential information as the result of working with the police or if your writing in some way interfered with an ongoing police investigation or defamed a person who has never been convicted of an offence. Otherwise, you would be one of a multitude of writers and television journalists who have written about matters involving the police. Many murderers whose names would have vanished into obscurity have remained in the public eye because they inspired writers looking for an attention-grabbing topic.

Answer 2

it depends.
if you are going to write it as non-fiction (a true story) then you must be 100% sure that it is completely factual.
the truth is valid defense against any claim of libel, slander or defamation, but if your story involves criminal activity as it likely does, other factors come into play:
are there minors involved?
is there an unresolved crime/outstanding suspects?
would the dissemination of information interfere with an ongoing investigation or potentially prejudice a local jury?

there's lots of questions to ask yourself before relying upon freedom of the press.

Answer 3

Of course its alright half the books in the shops involve the police and if it was published the publishers would soon put you right if anything was illegal.

Answer 4

1

Answer 5

Yes as long as you don't libel anyone living now and have solid proof for your conclusions or statements.

Answer 6

It is legal in the US

Answer 7

yeah of course it is as long as u dont incrimate anybody [ uk ]

Answer 8

Yes,if it is all true.