Firstly I would say its not really a "secret database" in the cloak-and-dagger sense-its the system they record their information on-to do their job.

 

Part of me also thinks "So....if I report a crime-yes I would expect to be recorded as an informant". Which kinda invalidates the Press statement about people not linked to crimes. Namely-if I report a crime, I will be recorded as an informant-so technically I am linked to it!

The crucial thing would be how the data is used. The Police response noted in a linked article (follow the link Ibrahim has provided and you will find more if you search under "innocent people") gives some context.

Getting bored with these horror stories! 

Iain Harrison
Information Governance Officer
Contracts & Governance Team,
Customer & Workforce Services,
Coventry City Council
Council House,
Earl Street
Coventry, CV1 5RR
 
Telephone No: 024 7683 3305
Fax No:          024 7683 3395
 
www.coventry.gov.uk 
 

From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Ibrahim Hasan
Sent: 12 August 2010 12:47
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [data-protection] Police Database

http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/8324612.Files_on_thousands_of_innocent_people_held_on_police_database/

TENS of thousands of people who have never even been linked with an offence are on a secret North Yorkshire Police database, The Press can reveal.

Details of more than 180,000 people are on the force’s information management system, despite only a fraction being even suspected of any crime.

Privacy campaigners have condemned the force, after an investigation by The Press found information on innocent informants was stored along with that of suspects and vulnerable complainants.

The database contains information on 38,259 suspects and 181,917 people who have simply reported information. 



Regards

Ibrahim Hasan

Solicitor and Trainer
www.informationlaw.org.uk

Follow me on Twitter @ActNowTraining









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