New national record-keeping standards introduced by College of Policing
The College of policing has published a new code of practice setting out national standards for police information management, including record keeping and data sharing.
It replaces the Code of Practice on the Management of Police Information (MoPI), and has been updated to apply to corporate governance records as well as records such as case files.
It is being supported by authorised professional practice (APP) on archiving records in the public interest.
The college said it developed the code in partnership with the Home Office, key stakeholders and policing experts to improve transparency and ensure information obtained by the police is consistently:
- Treated ethically;
- Follows appropriate privacy measures; and
- Complies with information management regulations.
Dave Hudson, policing standards manager for information management, said: “The way we handle information and data underpins all aspects of policing, from busy operational command centres through to offices where staff carry out administrative and clerical work that supports officers to carry out their duties.
“The public, when they provide us with information and intelligence, rightly expect the police will treat it carefully and respectfully. We encourage chief officers to work with their data protection and information management teams to begin implementing the new code and guidance.
“Ensuring consistency, accountability and transparency in the management of police information will help to make sure that policing is better able to handle data and support post-event inquiries without adding to the pain and suffering of those involved.”