HC Deb 19 November 1984 vol 68 c7W
Mr. Cohen

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the private acquisition by a Metropolitan police police officer of a computer for use in Bethnal Green police station, indicating what information will be held on the computer, who will have access to it, and who now owns the computer; and whether any other privately-purchased computers are being used by the Metropolitan police.

Mr. Giles Shaw

I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that a constable working in a unit in Bethnal Green charged with analysing burglaries with a view to improving the deployment of police officers, has used a microcomputer, which she owns, to assist her work. The computer holds information about the type of premises burgled, the time of the burglary, the method of entry, the property stolen and other relevant details, but does not hold personal data about victims. Only her colleagues in the unit have access to the computer.

I understand that there are eight other privately-owned computers in use in the Metropolitan police for statistical and administrative purposes.

Mr. Cohen

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when it is intended to replace the Metropolitan police "C" department computer with new hardware.

Mr. Giles Shaw

I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the matter is under consideration.

Mr. Cohen

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the criminal information system for the Metropolitan police will be operational.

Mr. Giles Shaw

The Metropolitan police is currently considering its operational requirement for a computerised crime reporting system and final decisions have not yet been taken to procure such a system.

Mr. Cohen

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Metropolitan police "C" department computer has been used during the current miners' strike; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Giles Shaw

I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the computer facilities dedicated to "C" department have continued to be used normally during the period of the current dispute; no special modifications have been made because of the dispute.