Introduction to lawful data processing
As of 25 May 2018, the Data Protection Act 2018 (opens in new window) became the new data protection law within the United Kingdom and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (opens in new window) also became enforceable throughout the European Union (EU).
The Data Protection Act 2018 applies the EU’s GDPR standards for the processing of data considered as general data, this is data which is processed for a reason not involving law enforcement or national security. How organisations should process general data can be found in Part 2 (opens in new window) of the new law.
The processing of data for law enforcement purposes can only be done by an organisation which is considered as a competent authority. Law enforcement purposes are the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties, including the safeguarding against and the prevention of threats to public security. The description of a competent authority is laid down in the Data Protection Act 2018, it includes but is not limited to, organisations such as police forces, the Financial Conduct Authority and the Information Commissioner (opens in new window). How organisations should process data for law enforcement purposes can be found at Part 3 (opens in new window) of the law.
Data controllers
Bedfordshire Police, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Constabularies are part of a strategic alliance which deliver joint capabilities through some collaborated units.
The Chief Constables of Bedfordshire Police, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Constabularies are Data Controllers for their respective forces, and as such have overall responsibility for the lawful processing of all personal data by their force.
The Data Protection Officer for BCH is Andy Gilks, who can be contacted using the details below.
Contact data controllers
The details of the data controllers and data protection officer for Bedfordshire Police, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Constabularies are;
Data Protection Officer for BCH
Andy Gilks
Head of Information Management
Bedfordshire Police Headquarters
Woburn Road
Kempston
Bedford
MK43 9AX
Email: dataprotection@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk
Data Controller for Bedfordshire Police
Garry Forsyth
Bedfordshire Police Headquarters
Woburn Road
Kempston
Bedford
MK43 9AX
ICO Registration Number: Z4882156
Data Controller for Cambridgeshire Constabulary
Nick Dean
Cambridgeshire Constabulary Headquarters
Hinchingbrooke Park
Huntingdon
PE29 6NP
ICO Registration Number: Z4882190
Data Controller for Hertfordshire Constabulary
Charlie Hall
Hertfordshire Constabulary Headquarters
Stanborough Road
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6XF
ICO Registration Number: Z4894869