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Data protection

Your rights under the Data Protection Act

The Data Protection Act 1998 gives you the right to know if an organisation holds information (personal data) about you. You also have the right to request a copy of the information held - this is known as a subject access request.

The Act also makes sure that those organisations who keep and use personal information comply with the law. This includes making sure that:

  • all personal data must be processed fairly and lawfully
  • all personal data must be processed for a lawful purpose
  • all personal data must be adequate and relevant for purpose
  • no personal data may be kept for longer than necessary

 

How we handle personal information at Kent Police

Find out how Kent Police obtains, holds, uses and discloses information about people; the steps we take to ensure it is protected; and the rights individuals have in regard to their personal information handled by Kent Police.

 

Police National Computer

The police may hold information about you on the  Police National Computer (PNC) which contains information on:

  • impending prosecutions
  • convictions
  • cautions
  • final warnings
  • reprimands

The PNC is a system shared by all forces across the UK.

 

        Make a subject access request

        If you are thinking of making a subject access request you need to be aware that Kent Police has the right to refuse access to information in certain circumstances. Find out more about our right to refuse information.

         

        Making an application

        To make an application to see a copy of the information held on you must send in a completed (and signed) application form. You can:

        • download a form - this should be completed, signed and returned to headquarters (do not return electronically, your application must contain your original signature)
        • email a request for a form to be posted - an application form will be sent out in five working days
        • leave a voicemail requesting an application form on 01622 652669 (UK) or +44 1622 652669 (from outside the UK) - a form will be sent out in five working days
        • request an application form by post - write to: Data Protection Officer (SA), Kent Police Headquarters, Sutton Road, Maidstone, Kent ME15 9BZ - a form will be sent out in five working days following receipt of your letter.

              Proof of identity

              As well as a signed application form, you will need to provide two copies of proof of identity. Approved identity documents include: passport, driving licence, utility bill or similar. At least one of the documents must bear your signature and at least one contain your current home address.

              Fee

              It costs £10 to make a subject access request for each person. If you request information from both the Police National Computer and from local sources, the fee remains £10 for each person.

              Payment methods

              Please pay by debit/credit card by filling in your card details on the application form.

              If you can't pay by card, we can accept a cheque or postal order. Cheques should be payable to Kent Police.

              Response time

              We have up to 40 days to give an official response from the date we receive the request. If 40 days have passed and you haven't heard anything, please call 01622 652669 (or +44 1622 652669 if calling from outside the UK). If there are any problems with your request, we will contact you immediately. You should receive acknowledgement of your request within two weeks of making your application.

              There is no fast track service and it is not possible to check on the progress of applications.  

               

              Police checks for employers

              Employers and organisations wanting to make sure that potential employees are safe to work with children or vulnerable adults should contact the Criminal Records Bureau (not the police).

               

              Employees - have you been made to do a police check?

              Employers who do not qualify to use the Criminal Records Bureau often require new recruits (and, on occasions, existing staff) to make subject access requests to reveal any criminal history and then show them the report.

              Kent Police do not support unjustified requests but have no jurisdiction to who you show the report. For more information, visit data protection FAQs.