Data Protection
The Data Protection Act 1998 works in two ways. It gives individuals certain rights. It also states that those who record and use personal information must be open about how the information is used and must follow the eight principles of 'good information handling'.
Anyone processing personal data must comply with the eight enforceable principles of good practice. The Act states that data must be:
- Processed fairly and lawfully
- Processed for limited purposes
- Adequate, relevant and not excessive
- Accurate and up-to-date
- Not kept longer than necessary
- Processed in accordance with the data subject's rights
- Secure
- Not transferred to countries outside European Economic Area without adequate protection
The Subject Access provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998, gives an individual the right to apply for a copy of any personal data held about them.
Section 7 of the Data Protection Act 1998, states that a 'data subject' (the person about whom the personal data refers) is entitled, upon written request, to be informed whether or not personal data is held or processed about them.
If you require further advice or guidance in respect of the subject access procedure, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Data Protection Officer
Police Headquarters
Cornwall Mount
Dumfries
DG1 1PZ
Telephone: 0845 600 5701
Textphone: 01387 250701
Email us
Please read the guidance notes carefully and note that proof of identity must be included with the application form, together with a £10 fee.
When you have completed and returned your application, and the Chief Constable is satisfied as to your legal right to access the information, you will receive, within 40 days, a copy of any personal data the Chief Constable is obliged to release under the terms of the Act.
