FAQs
How can I get in touch with you?
If you
need to get in touch with us regarding subject access you can
contact an Information Officer in one of the following ways:
• Complete the Contact us form
• E-mail datafoi@essex.pnn.police.uk
• Telephone 01245 452647 and ask for an Information Access
Officer (office usually manned 08:00 - 16:00 Monday to Friday)
• Write to Information Access Officer at Data
Protection/Freedom of Information, Essex Police HQ, PO Box 2,
Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6DA
How long will it take to receive
information?
The law requires that you should be
given details of any personal data held about you within 40 days of
the receipt of a request.
However this period cannot start until the necessary information
has been received.
Incomplete applications will be rejected in their entirety
Once checked, applications will be forwarded to the
ACPO Criminal
Records Office (ACRO) who will write back
to you with the information requested.
Applications are dealt with on a first come first served basis
and cannot be fast tracked.
Essex Police is also unable to chase up applications with
ACRO until
the 40 day period has elapsed.
Individuals may call ACRO direct on 0845 601
3999 themselves if the 40 day period is exceeded.
How can I pay for the
application?
Applicants are advised that cash
payments will delay their application due to special procedures the
police must adopt for handling cash.
To avoid this you are encouraged to pay by cheque or postal
order made payable to Essex Police.
We are only able to accept postal orders raised in the UK. The
preferred payment method for overseas applicants is a bank
cheque.
How do I prove my identity?
If you apply
by completing the printable version of the A96 form, you will need to provide us with one or
more original official documents that together confirm your full
name and current address. These may include your driving licence,
birth certificate, passport or a utility bill.
Photocopies of documents are not acceptable unless certified by
a notary public or equivalent.
A notary public is defined as a designation authorised by law
and administered by the Government, allowing a designated person to
verify and certify signatures and copies of documents. This usually
means a Justice of the Peace, magistrate or solicitor.
If you want to send copies of your documents you must enquire
locally to find a notary public who can witness your originals,
make the copies and seal the copies with an official stamp.
Sometimes these services can be found for free but you can usually
expect to be charged a small fee.
How will my identity documents be
handled?
Once we have received your application we
will return your identity documents to you within one or two
working days by first class post. If you would prefer them returned
via recorded post, please provide us with a completed recorded
delivery slip and a stamped, self addressed, recorded envelope of
suitable size and quality. We are unable to return documentation by
courier services and take no responsibility for items being lost in
the post.
If you hand your application in at a police station you will be
able to take your documents home with you once they have been
checked.
When do I need to get a
countersignature?
If you apply using the printable
form you will be required to provide a countersignature unless you
use an original or certified (see notary public above) copy of your
passport as your confirmation of identity document.
How do I submit my application to Essex
Police?
You can submit your application in one of two
ways:
- Post it to Information Access Officer, Essex Police HQ, PO Box
2, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6DA
- Hand it in at any main operational Essex Police station,
excluding Police headquarters in Chelmsford. Applications submitted
at headquarters may be delayed in the internal mail
system.
Can I use Subject Access to get hold of someone else's
record?
No. The Subject Access process is purely
between the individual and the Police.
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