Police National Database just launched

There are questions still to be asked

The announcement of the Police National Database must be welcomed as a major step forward by the British government in centralising vital information on serious crimes within the UK. We have seen repeatedly that the siloing of information by security departments, ministries and agencies actually undermines efforts to reduce crime, while the integration of data positively aids in efforts to prevent crime and conduct investigations.

However, as with all such initiatives, there are some important questions to be asked. For example, how is the information within the database being monitored and overseen? And even if the central database is being monitored, it is just as important to monitor the individual data sources (i.e. the forces’ databases) and their integration. Logical rules will therefore have to be carefully designed to ensure that the replication of the data from the local databases into the central network does not cause conflicts, duplicates or even misinformation – even worse, poor data management will easily cause confusion in the field.

Furthermore, as with all central databases in any industry or sector, the more people or agencies who access it, the greater the likelihood of errors. Indeed, will there be auditable records of officers’ access and usage so as to be able to identify any accidental misuse of data?

In a similar vein, are there extensions planned that will regulate the data and its use so as to protect the innocent – certainly a concern that will be vocally repeated by privacy lobbies.

While there is certainly a long way to go before the ideal scenario of fully integrated and co-operative security agencies, this integration of county police forces’ data is a promising step forward, pending these important – and potentially emotive – questions being answered.

Peter Forrest
DPM Systems www.dpmsys.com
Managing Director

Posted by: Peter Forrest, DPM Systems  24 Jun 2011

Data accuracy

It's equally depressing that someone feels the need to comment! The data was sufficiently accurate to enable the job to be done. Anything more was a waste. For those who care, it's "policing", not "police" in NPIA.

Posted by: Mike Jackson  23 Jun 2011

So much for accuracy of data!

It's depressing that neither Computing nor even the BBC could get the NPIA's name correct - it's not the National Police Improvement Agency!

So when journalists start berating officers for factual mistakes...!

Posted by: William Old  22 Jun 2011