Hello all,
I have been listening to al these conversations with interest.
What everyone seems to have overlooked is the question of balance and
proportionality.
Yes the Police should have access to individuals records for policing
purposes.
Yes individuals have the right to privacy
The line between these is obvious. As a former Police Data Protection
Officer, the standard practice is only to enquire where there is a
policing purpose ie under s29 - where to NOT disclose would prejudice
the investigation/prevention of crime. These s29(3) forms should be
signed by an inspector or above.
Even so, this only empowers the other oprganisation to disclose, it
does not oblige them to. If the organisation still feels it is too much
of a risk to disclose, a court order should be sought by the police. My
view is surely we should have enough trust in the law enforcement
agencies to be as helpful as possible.
As to looking at authenticating these requests, look first at the
inspector's signature, the originator number on the fax print, and if
still not satisfied phone the relevant Force's FIB or Data Protection
Office. Copies of officer ID can be siught to verify signatures.
Please note that in general fax is not a secure form of communication,
and should be treated with caution, used only in urgent matters.
I appreciate this is an essay, but I hope this clarifies the situation.
This is only my personal viewpoint.
Ralph T B O'Brien
Data Protection Officer
020 8829 8070
[log in to unmask]
Metropolitan Housing Group
Views expressed may be those of the sender and do not reflect
Metropolitan Housing Groups policy.
>>> Roland Perry <[log in to unmask]> 25/03/2004 14:21:31
>>>
In message <9DB7A7F0B0A5D4119E5500508BE7667801553755@EXCRIN>,
"Kitching,
Susan" <[log in to unmask]> writes
>Any other ideas?
Ask the police to get a court order. If it's an important murder
enquiry
surely that won't be a problem.
--
Roland Perry
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