A vulnerable Weston-super-Mare woman was left “horrified” when she discovered that her police records featured incorrect medical information including a fictitious diagnosis of ‘split personality, violent when not medicated’ and false claims about her health and personal life.
The woman, known as Miss A, who is autistic and has conditions including ADHD, contacted Avon and Somerset Police in February 2019 to make a subject access request. This process allows individuals to review the information that organisations hold about them.
She said she was "completely horrified" when she saw the information on the records and after lodging a complaint with the force, went on to instruct lawyers and data experts at Hayes Connor to investigate.
They helped her secure a settlement of £5,500 from Avon and Somerset Police regarding the problems, while the references in question have also been removed.
The incident marks the second time that Miss A has successfully taken action against the force. In 2019, Hayes Connor helped her secure £7,000 after officers breached data regulations on three separate occasions.
The issues followed an incident in which Miss A was a victim of a hate crime. She said lessons must be learned from her experiences.
"I was very conscious that the police would be using this data when interacting with me, so wanted to ensure that it was correct as some elements were just completely untrue," she added.
“It was a very stressful time, particularly with this coming so soon after my previous case. Securing the settlement is great news, but my only hope is that no one else has to face such problems and that lessons are learnt by the police. These issues cannot be allowed to happen again.
“I strongly recommend that anyone who has ever had any contact with police, whether as a victim, witness or offender, checks what information police hold about them.”
James Kelliher, associate at Hayes Connor said: “Our client has endured an incredibly difficult few years and it is very worrying that she has now faced several different data issues linked to Avon and Somerset Police. Organisations have a responsibility to ensure that the information they hold on individuals is accurate – and this is particularly important when it comes to police records. Our client was understandably upset when she saw this information and we were committed to helping her every step of the way.
“While nothing will change what has happened, we hope that the settlement will help her look more positively to the future. It is also vital that these issues are not repeated. We would urge police forces up and down the country to ensure they follow best practice when it comes to data.”
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police told Somerset Live: "We can confirm that we have settled a claim to cover damages and legal costs, without accepting legal liability, following a complaint to the Information Commissioner. We’re unable to comment further as the complaint is not yet finalised."
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