police record requests (request to mods)

[mr_colt]

Hello All,

 

With regards to the number of requests for info on how to get copies of police records from users over the past few years; I was wondering if we could put up a sticky concerning the subject in the General shooting matters forum? I have recently posted a reply on the subject if that would be any good:

 

If it's your record you wish to gain a copy of; a CRB check is not necessary to get it.

 

Under the Data protection Act you have the right to a copy of the information held on you with a few minor exceptions. These exceptions would normally only apply if you were currently under investigation for a crime etc, so there should not be a problem.

 

You need the appropriate form from your police for a "subject access request." You can usually get it from your local police station, it may be worth calling them to check they have some in stock though. Otherwise you could contact the main Police headquarters for your area.

 

You need to pay a £10 fee for the request on application either by cheque or postal order, you will also need some ID to validate that it is your record you want to access. A driving license (photocard and paper part together) plus a birth cert/passport was enough for the forces I have requested info from. You may wish to check with your force before you go down though to save a wasted trip. If you apply in person at the counter, you will not need to send photocopies of the documents off with the application. The officer manning the desk will mark the form that he has checked the originals and they match. You also save postage costs this way normally.

 

Otherwise you can apply via the post to the provided address on the form. If applying this way I suggest you send it by recorded delivery. If doing it in person then it is best to ask for a receipt from the officer at the desk. Just in case the paperwork gets misplaced in the internal police mailing system.

 

On the form you should ask for a copy of your PNC (national) record and copies of data from any local force databases, the fee is the same regardless so you may as well get the lot. The processing time varies but most forces usually get it done within a fortnight. It may help if you can provide rough dates/years but this is not crucial if you are requesting all data held. You will probably get a response first directly from the PNC people in London first with a copy of your national record, followed by your local police records shortly after.

 

It may look complicated, but is a fairly easy process to go through these days. But it also enables you to see exactly what the police hold on your files, and challenge any mistakes in the rare occasions they do happen such as records on your file of someone with the same name.

 

Many Thanks,

 

mr_colt.

Edited April 25, 2009 by mr_colt

[Beardo]

here's a link to the Hertfordshire form, just go onto your local police website and do a search for "subject access form" saves all the hassle....

http://www.herts.police.uk/subject_access/...tion%20form.htm