The Data Protection Act 1998 was brought into force on 1st March 2000 and works in two ways. It gives individuals certain rights. It also says those who record and use personal information must be open about how the information is used, and follow the eight  principles of good information handling.

Data Protection

The Data Protection Act 1998 operates in two ways. It gives us all certain rights. It allows us to find out what information is held about us on a computer, and some paper records. This is known as a "Right of Subject Access".

It also states that those who record and use personal information must be open about how the information is used and they must follow the eight data protection principles. Anyone processing 'personal data' must comply with the eight principles of good practice. These state that data must be:

• Processed fairly and lawfully
• Processed for limited purposes
• Adequate, relevant and not excessive
• Accurate and up-to-date
• Not kept longer than necessary
• Processed in accordance with the data subject's rights
• Secure
• Not transferred to countries outside EEA without adequate protection

Subject Access

The Subject Access provisions of the Data Protection Act give an individual the right to have a copy of any personal data held about them, subject to certain exemptions. 

Should you wish to know what information (if any) Cumbria Constabulary holds about you, or you would like confirmation that you do/do not have a prosecution/conviction history; you must complete a Subject Access form - (please click here). Payment of a £10 fee, proof of identity and sufficient information to allow us to locate your personal data must accompany a completed application form. 

Application forms and further guidance are also available by post from: 

Data Protection Section
Professional Standards Department
Police Headquarters
Carleton Hall, Penrith
Cumbria. CA10 2AU 

Tel: 01768 217127 

Email: subjectaccess@cumbria.police.uk 

What happens next

Once we have received your completed application, the process to provide you with your information can take up to 40 days. If you live abroad and need proof that you do not have a criminal record you should make a Subject Access enquiry with the police force where you were last resident.