Following pressure from domestic abuse campaigners, Police Scotland has agreed to share data on dangerous offenders, such as those who commit domestic abuse, in order to protect future victims.
Senior officers at Police Scotland, had stopped sharing intelligence it had on offenders with charities, councils and the NHS, to prevent GDPR breaches and to adhere to the regulation’s rules.
Marsha Scott, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, was one of the people campaigning for Police Scotland to share the data, claiming they (the police) had wrongly interpreted the GDPR rules.
Campaigners approached the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in a bid to get clarification on the data that the Constabulary could provide without leaving themselves vulnerable to repercussions as a result of GDPR.
The ICO looked into the matter, and concluded that officers can share informational lawfully, if it is necessary to provide a core service or function. As a result of this, Police Scotland will be writing to third sector organisations clarifying the new rules, and explaining when they will disclose offender data.
On hearing the news, Marsha Scott, commented:
“Its been a long process but that can sometimes be the case with big organisations like Police Scotland.
“We are pleased this matter has been resolved.”
Do you think police releasing offender information which could protect future victims, is this a breach of GDPR?
