Police broke data laws in pursuit of London gangs

THE Metropolitan Police’s controversial “Gangs Matrix” database broke data protection law, a report has found in a development that could result in the force facing compensation claims.

An investigation by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) concluded that Scotland Yard had committed multiple and serious breaches when it collated information in the wake of the 2011 London riots.

The database, which holds about 3,200 names, was used to record intelligence on alleged gang members across the capital and was seen by many officers as a vital tool in the fight against violent crime. But the ICO concluded that while there was a valid purpose for the database, the information had not always been used lawfully and may have jeopardised the futures of thousands of youngsters.

However, there are concerns that dismantling of the database could impact the fight against violent crime.

John Sutherland, the former Met Chief Superintendent, said: “The first principle of policing should be to protect lives. There is nothing more important and we must be careful that we do not lose sight of that principle.”

The report found information about suspected gang members was sometimes shared among local authorities, colleges and housing bodies, leading to problems for those named.

It also concluded that in some cases the Gangs Matrix made no distinction between the perpetrators of gang related crime and their victims.

There have also been a number of alleged leaks of material contained on the database, which could lead to claims in the civil courts.

However, it decided against ordering the force to cease processing data through the Gangs Matrix. The watchdog instead issued an enforcement notice that requires the Met to overhaul the system within six months.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Duncan Ball said the force would continue using the Gangs Matrix in its work to reduce gang violence.

He added: “We have already started work to ensure that we improve our data handling and information sharing with partners.”