It would seem to me to be a D.P issue ,in that:
a) The letter was addressed to the "Occupier", which means anyone could have opened the letter, lets just imagine the person who caused the criminal damage lived in the same household and was not aware that the other person had gone to the police, this might of lead to a serious incident. Or maybe they just didn't want anyone to know you had gone to the police.
b0 The fact that the letter stated, it had "been sent to a number of people "and was in connection with a certain type of crime "disorder and anti-social behavior" indicates that that person was targeted from a certain category.
Asking for an optional name and address at the bottom of the letter, for further research still does not equate, as they must have targeted the person from their name and address in the first place!!!, no point asking for further consent, if they had not given initial consent!!!
Paula Leon
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>>> Krissy Welsh <[log in to unmask]> 30/01/01 10:44:50 >>>
Just wondered if anyone would like to comment on the following scenario:
Individual rings up local constabulary to report an incident concerned with
criminal damage. They provide their name, address and details of the incident and
are told to report any further incidents straight away (at which point a patrol car
will be sent out).
Approximately 4 weeks after the incident, individual receives a research
questionnaire addressed to 'The Occupier' which states 'Our records show that you
recently contacted the police about an incident of disorder or anti social
behaviour. The purpose of this questionnaire is to obtain your views about the
quality of the service you received from an officer who visited you shortly after
you reported the incident. The questionnaire has been sent to a number of people
and is anonymous'.
At the end of a questionnaire is a tick box that states 'if you would like to take
part in further research do not forget to leave your name, address and telephone
number'.
I am sure that the purpose of this research is to improve the service that the
police provide and perhaps I am either highly cynical, highly suspicious or just
can't get away from the world of data protection but I would be interested to know
if anyone has any thoughts on this (that's the above scenario, not my state of
mind)!
Thanks
Krissy Welsh
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