FOUR Dorset Police officers were convicted of crimes involving data breaches in less than five years, with officers and staff inappropriately accessing and disclosing personal data.

A report by the group Big Brother Watch, has revealed the number of data breaches at police forces around the UK.

While the report states that there were 81 data breaches at Dorset Police between June 2011 and December 2015, the eighth highest in the UK, this is not the case. But several convictions have taken place, with officers also having their contracts terminated.

For Dorset Police, the figures from the five questions that Big Brother Watch asked should not be added up as a total as the figure in one question may also be included in the figure for another question as well.

The group asked for the number of Dorset Police officers convicted over a data breach, the number who had their contracts terminated, the number who were internally disciplined, the number who resigned during disciplinary procedures as a result of a data breach as well as the number of data breach incidents where no disciplinary action took place.

The figures show that four officers were convicted for data breaches during that time period, as well as one member of police staff. 

Dorset Police did not reveal details of any of these cases but stated each incident was “inappropriate access and/or disclosure of personal data to a third party”.

Alongside the four convictions, three officers and one member of police staff had their contracts terminated for a breach of the Data Protection Act, seven officers and 13 staff were internally disciplined for a data breach and eight officers and two members of police staff resigned during disciplinary procedures. 

On top of this, there were 30 incidents where officers were not disciplined for a data breach as well as 12 for police staff. 

However, some of these incidents may overlap meaning it is incorrect to tally these up, as some may refer to the same incident. 

In response to the figures, Dorset Police has said that it takes any data breach very seriously. 

Tim Whittle, head of complaints and misconduct at Dorset Police, said: “Dorset Police takes a very proactive approach to data breaches. We have a robust audit system in place to monitor the use of police systems and as such the statistics will reflect this.

“All officers are subject to the standards of professional behaviour set out in the Police Conduct Regulations. 

“These regulations are very clear and state that police officers must be honest, act with integrity and do not compromise or abuse their position. 

“Officers hold a position of trust, with privileged access to data and systems, and they have a positive duty to demonstrate that trust to the communities we serve.

“Police staff are also expected to adhere to the same high standards.

“All employees receive training and advice in respect of the treatment of confidential data. The Professional Standards Department not only monitors the use of police systems, but also assists supervisors and staff in case of any concerns or queries regarding the Data Protection Act.

“When conduct falls below the expected standards, there will be an investigation into what has occurred and, if the allegation is proven, then the Force will take appropriate action. 

“Dorset Police treats breaches of the Data Protection Act very seriously.”