Gerry, the form used by many police forces (originally agreed for use with
ISPs but adopted more generally and updated) states that the form must be
signed by the requesting officer and countersigned by a senior officer of
rank no lower than Inspector.
From personal experience I would not accept a request from a civilian
employee - I have had experience of a civilian employee trying to make a
request in order to conduct her own investigation into a crime against her
father (identified before the request was granted)!
I can't seem to find an up to date version of the form - the original
template (albeit in its DPA 1984 guise) is here to give you an idea...
http://duncan.gn.apc.org/DPAFORM.htm. I think the more up to date versions
include a confirmation that failure to provide the information would be
likely to prejudice the investigation (to give you assurance under the
S29(3) requirements for disclosure).
Don't forget though that any such request is no more than that ..a
request..and you are not obliged to comply.
Chris
-----Original Message-----
From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Gerry Dane
Sent: Friday, January 06, 2006 3:00 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [data-protection] Section 29(3)
Have received a Section 29(3) request form.
Question: Does a civilian employee of the police have any powers of
investigation in relation to crime? ie Can they properly leverage the
exemption via this device, or does it have to be a warranted officer?
I'm intending to get the thing countersigned by a senior officer - but
once again can it be a senior civilian officer or does it have to be a
'proper copper'.
Thanks,
Gerry.
Mr.G.Dane
University of Newcastle
Email: [log in to unmask]
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