Your rights to police information

A request for your personal information is called a subject access request. It does not cover criminal records checks for employment purposes. If it is required for your work, then your employer should explain how to apply for this. This guidance is for people who wish to make a subject access request.

How to make a subject access request?

You should make your request in writing to your local police force using standard application forms, available from the police. If you no longer live in the UK, contact the police force for the area where you last lived.

What will happen next?

You will need to provide the police with:

• a request in writing, or a copy of their form filled in correctly;

• a fee for £10 (this is the maximum fee and covers all information);

• proof of your identity;

• a photograph (only if you are requesting CCTV footage).

The police will fulfill your request only after they receive information, because they reasonably need to identify you and the information you want. The police application forms will explain what details they will need, also they will need to see what proof of ID. For example, they may ask you when you have been in contact with the police and why, and whether you have lived in another part of the UK.

Using the form will help the police to find all information and may therefore speed up your request.

Will the police be able to refuse any request?

The police do not have to release information to you if this ‘would be likely to prejudice the prevention or detection of crime’ in a particular case, ie., in situations where information relates to an ongoing investigation.

They may also have to edit the information they send you to remove information about other people.

How soon will there be a reply?

The police must deal with your request within forty days of receiving the request, the fee and any other information they need to identify you and find the information you have requested.

Keep a copy of your request. If they do not response within forty days, you should contact the police again. If they still do not respond, then you can contact us. Please explain clearly why you think the police have not responded properly. You can find a complaints form and guidance on our website.