§ Harry CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many updates of the Police National Computer took place in each of the last three years; how many people are authorised to insert, delete1440W or change data on the Police National Computer; what checks are in place to ensure the accuracy of (a) data changes and (b) the data held; and if he will make a statement. [148414]
§ Ms BlearsThe number of updates of the Police National Computer for the past three years is as follows:
Number 2001 14,733,611 2002 15,185,975 2003 15,194,333 I regret that information on the number of people authorised to insert, delete or change data on the Police National Computer is not available. It is the responsibility of the Chief Officer of each police force to make the necessary arrangements.
It is also the responsibility of Chief Officers to have in place checking processes to ensure the accuracy of the data held and any changes that are made to it. All the Forces are inspected by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary to ensure compliance with the Association of Chief Police Officers and Police National Computer Compliance Strategy. The Chief Constables' Council agreed the strategy on 27 April 2000. The Compliance Strategy sets a number of standards that forces are required to meet, in particular the entering of data on to the Police National Computer in a timely manner.