Police national computer misuse allegations (FOI)

​​​Request

My request relates to the misuse of the Police National Computer (PNC).  I would like the following information:

The number of allegations of PNC misuse recorded against police officers for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and for 2015. For each allegation, I would like the following information:

A.

The year the allegation was recorded.

B.

A description of the allegation. For instance, “Neglect or failure in duty”, “Improper disclosure of information”, “Corrupt practice”.

C.

The ranking of the police officer involved.

D.

Whether the police officer was arrested for the misuse.

E.

Whether the police officer was suspended for the misuse.

F.

The result of the investigation into PNC misuse.

G.

The action taken following the investigation into PNC misuse.

H.

And whether formal action followed the investigation. For instance, “Dismissal without notice”, “First written warning”, “Final written warning”.

I would like the information presented in an Excel spreadsheet. Please enclose any additional material that would help to explain the data disclosed. If you feel that a substantive response to this request is not possible within a reasonable time frame, or the request is too broad or too vague, I would be grateful if you could contact me by email or by phone and provide assistance as to how I could refine the request.

Response

The information held by the Professional Standards Department indicates that during the timescale indicated within your request no allegations of misuse of the Police National Computer were made.

The Police National Computer (PNC) is a national database of information available to all police forces and law enforcement agencies including the States of Jersey Police. Its use is governed by Data Protection legislation, Computer Misuse Legislation and the PNC Guidance. Access to the PNC within the States of Jersey Police is currently via nominated ‘users’ working within the Force Control Room and by other specifically nominated officers and staff.

The States of Jersey Police follow a strict PNC usage audit regime which is monitored externally by the PNC.

We [The States of Jersey Police] conduct a number of checks daily to ensure full compliance with UK National PNC use guidelines. All staff are aware of these checks and are regularly challenged to justify individual PNC transactions.