Afternoon All,
Police Forces hold lots of personal data including sensitive personal data
regarding crimes. Researchers often want to use it. Usually de-personalised
data is sufficient.
A situation has arisen where the researcher is adamant that although
anonymity, in the sense that no name detail is needed, exact locations,
time, date, and category of offence are needed for the research. The
research is for academic purposes (to improve investigations in the future)
and is not intended for the investigation of the offences themselves. The
value of the research and the necessity for detail are not in question.
The information, if disclosed, will include domestic violence and sexual
offences (amongst other less sensational stuff): quite clearly in the hands
of the data controller the information is sufficient when combined with
other information to identify the victim.
I am satisfied that the research will be overall DPA compliant - except so
far as subject information provisions are concerned. No victim has been
informed their data will be used for research. No work has started.
Disproportionate effort is being cited on the grounds of the vast numbers
concerned. I'm not convinced and following the 2001 incident in the West
country; I will take a lot of convincing.
As this is an academic mailing list and I've got an academic's problem,
perhaps an academic answer would help me!
Regards,
Michael Doherty
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