Letters to the Editor - Daily Telegraph

Re: The DPA wall
Date: 23 December 2003

Sir - The emergence of the Data Protection Act (DPA) as one of the culprits in failing to identify Ian Huntley (news, Dec 18) should be of no surprise to those who have to work within the auspices of this misunderstood and misinterpreted Act.

As a theft and fraud investigator for a large insurance company, I come up against the DPA wall every day. This Act has conveniently protected the criminal and enables the police to refuse to discuss anything about a crime with people who are investigating crime.

I am often refused information on the location of a stolen vehicle that has been recovered (I am depriving the vehicle of its "privacy") or if anyone has been arrested for a crime relating to a claim I am investigating. They even refuse to confirm a crime reference number connected to a claim.

It is no surprise that Humberside Police is using the DPA as a scapegoat. In my experience, any inquiry has resulted in a total blank. When claims come up in certain constabularies that may require investigation, there is no point in wasting a phone call. All you get is: "I cannot tell you anything due to the DPA.''

From: Richard Heritage, St Leonards on Sea, E Sussex