Police used national database to check up on daughters' boyfriends
HUMBERSIDE Police officers have been abusing their positions to check up on their daughters' boyfriends, it emerged today.
Officers and civilian staff have also been using confidential police data to see if second-hand cars their friends are considering buying have been stolen, among other things.
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Deputy Chief Constable David Griffin
Since the force's Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) launched 10 months ago, it has investigated 32 individuals from across the force, including in Hull and the East Riding.
This includes seven who may have breached strict protocol governing the use of the police national computer.
The database, which contains more than 97 million records, including criminal records, driving licences and details on vehicles, gives officers 24-hour access to information essential for police work.
Today, Deputy Chief Constable David Griffin admitted “a small number” of the force's 4,000-plus staff were guilty of abusing the system, but stressed the vast majority are law-abiding and serve the public well.
He said: “Officers have been caught using the system inappropriately, including checking details of their daughters' new boyfriends, who they think are dodgy.
“Other examples are officers who have accessed systems to check cars, either for themselves or friends, in order to tell if they are stolen.”
Seven individuals have been investigated for alleged “criminal associations” after their colleagues spotted them talking to known offenders.
Of the total 32 police staff who have been investigated since the unit was launched, three officers have been sacked and three have resigned.
However, a spokeswoman for Humberside Police said she was unable to provide the Mail with a breakdown of the figures, which would show what punishment was given for each breach.
The Anti-Corruption Unit, which was set up in September 2007, is headed by a chief inspector.
Last month, it set up a phone line, called Bad Apple, so officers could report their concerns about any of their colleagues in confidence.
Humberside Police would not reveal how many people work in the unit, preferring to simply say it is “a small unit”.
Deputy Chief Constable David Griffin holds a quarterly meeting with officers from the unit to review their progress and discuss cases.
69 Comments
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by Jonathan, Hull
Tuesday, July 22 2008, 10:44PM
“Ian, it's NOT a perk of the job. Just because you have access to the database does not entitle you to view it, unless you need to do so to carry out your duties. Simply put, do not access, or attempt to access, any records without a legitimate business need to do so. The information is not yours, so it's not OK to do it.”
by Caleb, Cottingham
Monday, July 14 2008, 6:45PM
“Sorry xcalibr but you've read my posting incorrectly. I said in the rest of the civil service computer misuse is a dismissible offence, only last week the Daily Mail was reporting that 10 employees of the Inland Revenue were being dismissed every week.”
by Jon, Hull
Monday, July 14 2008, 11:08AM
“This just goes to show that the police are more dishonest than people they are meant to serve.
If we can't trust the police, who can we trust.”
by Quentin, Swanland
Monday, July 14 2008, 10:43AM
“Providing the police are only using the system for personal checks like cars etc I don't personally see the problem! They do a hard enough job, why not let them have some perks?”
by Steve, City til I die!
Monday, July 14 2008, 9:55AM
“We sign Boateng today people!”
by xcalibr, Hull
Monday, July 14 2008, 6:03AM
“Sorry Caleb. If you are implying that the Civil Service treat confidential information with respect try reading the paper or watching the news. Civil Servants treat confidential information with arrogance and contempt.”
by 1123425, C/O B wing Big House, Hedon Road Hull
Sunday, July 13 2008, 8:50PM
“Hey Colin Inglis, just signed on the old comp in the flowery dell (Cell) or to us regulars Apartments, free board and lodging mate and tv, anyway just managed to hack into the old PNC you know, bloody goodheard you had tea and bickies with a judge not long ago.
Seriously Colin if it the colin inglis (councillor) when you was chair of the Poice Fed didn't you get your mates to do any 'naughties' for you?”
by Caleb, Cottingham
Sunday, July 13 2008, 6:26PM
“Whilst I agree with DCC Griffin about the vast majority of the force, I am a little disturbed about the few who are misusing the PNC. I think it should be made clear to all serving officers and civilian staff that misuse of computer systems, no matter how seemingly innocent, is a dismissible offence, it is in the rest of the civil service.”
by barry, Hull
Sunday, July 13 2008, 4:49PM
“Buster, just goes to show not all coppers are BENT.”
by xcalibr, Hull
Sunday, July 13 2008, 2:45PM
“Dave what a pearl of wisdom. Is everone called Dave blinkered?”