They are not putting you in a very good position, it is wrong, immoral, and simply a huge abuse of the power they have. If your friend has no children, no access to children. You do not, and should not be forced to disclose. This is simply a method they use in order to share information with out getting in to trouble, they are looking out for their own best interests... not yours.
Now, that being said. Think about the situation this way. If it was you in your friends shoes, would you be more angry the fact the Police informed you than being told directly?
If you are being forced to inform your friend, it is far better coming from you than the Police. If you know someone else who knows of your conviction and continues to support you, have them there when you tell your friend. Start of by saying there is something important you must talk about, explain why you have been unable to tell friend sooner. Because of fear, doubt, anxious, embarrassment. Then explain you are being forced to inform friend of this before it comes from someone else. Then proceed with your disclosure, only down side is there is a chance police will still want a word to confirm you made the disclosure. In which case, if they inform your friend of something you did not.... might not go down well.
I was forced to disclose to someone who needed some DIY help, she had no kids under 18, insisted that I disclose to her the same day I informed probation of my plans to help out. She took it well and we are still talking after 4 years. What annoyed us both was the fact both my PPU and probation officer insisted they must visit my friend to "have a word". My PPU was livid with me for being there, but my probation officer said I could be there.
They sat her down, basically did everything they could to try and convince her not to let me help or even become my friend. She was far from impressed and was considering making complaints, but in the end it just is not worth it.
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