PSNI urged to explain implications of lost data
DNA and histories of arrests wiped from police databases across the UK
POLICING Board members have urged the PSNI to disclose what impact a “technical issue” that led to 150,000 records being deleted from police databases will have on investigations here.
It comes after 150,000 fingerprints, DNA and arrest history records were accidentally wiped.
Policing minister Kit Malthouse said the deletion from the Police National Computer (PNC) related to people who were arrested but released without further action, adding that officers are “working at pace” to recover the data.
But SDLP Policing Board member Dolores Kelly told the Belfast Telegraph: “We need to quickly ascertain whether any of the deleted data has any repercussions for investigations here both current and legacy.
“I will be expecting a report at the earliest opportunity to the Policing Board,” she added.
“It is also imperative that the Justice Minister Naomi Long seeks clarity from the British Home Secretary Priti Patel and if necessary make a statement to the Assembly.”
Fellow Alliance board member John Blair added: “It is essential that the Policing Board receives an update as soon as possible.”
The error, first reported in The Times, could allow offenders to go free because evidence from crime scenes will not be flagged.
The Times said crucial intelligence about suspects had vanished because of the blunder, and Britain’s visa system was thrown into disarray with the processing of applications being suspended for two days.
PSNI Chief Superintendent Melanie Jones confirmed that the force is “aware of an incident relating to data held on the Police National Computer”.
“We are liaising with colleagues across the UK in relation to this matter,” she added.
Labour has urged the Home Secretary to take responsibility for the “extraordinarily serious security breach” that “presents huge dangers for public safety”.
The shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-symonds said: “The Home Secretary must take responsibility for this serious problem.
“She must urgently make a statement about what has gone wrong, the extent of the issue, and what action is being taken to reassure the public. Answers must be given.
“This is an extraordinarily serious security breach that presents huge dangers for public safety.
“The incompetence of this shambolic Government cannot be allowed to put people at risk, let criminals go free and deny victims justice.”
Priti Patel’s junior minister said the records were deleted during a “standard housekeeping process” that runs on the PNC.
“A fast time review has identified the problem and corrected the process so it cannot happen again,” Mr Malthouse said.
“The Home Office, NPCC (National Police Chiefs’ Council) and other law enforcement partners are working at pace to recover the data.
“While the loss relates to individuals who were arrested and then released with no further action, I have asked officials and the police to confirm their initial assessment that there is no threat to public safety.”