South Yorkshire Police

What
Loss of personal data

How much
600 records.

Why
Personal data, relating to drug offences by 600 arrested individuals, was accidently included in a spreadsheet given to a journalist following a Freedom of Information request.

Regulator
ICO

Regulatory action
Undertaking issued to ensure that all responses to FOI requests are double checked, preferably by a manager, to ensure that no personal data is included. Written procedures should be implemented and staff must be training in following that policy.

Reason for action
The Commissioner felt that the likelihood of identification was reduced as the offender’s names were not included in the attachment. Formal assurances were received that the email and spreadsheet were promptly deleted. All staff members have since been provided with comprehensive training relating to FOI requests.

When
26 June 2012

Links
View PDF of the South Yorkshire Police Undertaking (Via ICO Website)

View PDF of the South Yorkshire Police Undertaking (Breach Watch Archive)