Back in the summer of 2019, police officers attended a residential premises to execute a search warrant against an individual suspected to be in the local Organised Crime Group and involved in the supply of class A drugs. During the course of the search, one officer left behind a key document, a “subject profile” which included sensitive police intelligence about that individual. That intelligence included information provided to the police by my client, Andrew.
Several days later, a member of the Organised Crime Group contacted the Force to confirm that they were in possession of the missing subject profile.
The Force reported itself to the Information Commissioners Office and reviewed a copy of the subject profile to identify any individual put at risk because of the loss.
On review, it was determined that my client faced a high likelihood of “detrimental impact” and that “he might suffer distress or become the victim of a crime” i.e. that the criminal gang might seek revenge against him as a ‘grass’. In the circumstances, my client was contacted and informed.
Although the Force took some measures to help re-locate my client and install additional security measures to his family home, Andrew and his family considered that the preventative measures taken were wholly inadequate. As a result, Andrew had to relocate to another part of the country and his family who stayed behind in the area, remain on high alert and feel in danger on a daily basis.
The relevant force quickly admitted liability and following negotiations, agreed to pay my client substantial compensation and his legal costs.
All names have been changed.
Also read: Police Data Breach puts lives at risk.
