Police complaint

[diane1]

I was wondering if anyone out there knew if it is proper for the police to hand out someones address with out that person knowing? this happened very recently to me a relative who did not have my address, for good reason, went to my local police station and was literaly handed my address. This is the second time this has happened, you can choose your friends not your family! I would like to complain and ask them to stop doing this but not sure how to go about it any help would be great.

[ANUSHIKA]

As far as I was aware this is against the data protection act unless a crime has been commited but even then the police would visit you themself.The only other thing is that this relative has fed them a total sob story saying how they need to see you but even then they shouldn't do it if I were you I would start of by putting a complaint in and then seek legal advise

[coggles]

I'm not surprised you are angry. The saying 'you can choose your friends, not your family' is one I use myself. I have lots of relatives, most of which are wonderful people - but a couple of them could disappear off the face of the earth and I wouldn't be concerned (in fact, I would probably throw a party and celebrate!) I have deliberately not let them know my new address and it should be down to me, and me only, if I ever feel the need to tell them....as if that's ever gonna happen! I really sympathise and hope you complain strongly. You could go to the C.A.B. and speak to them in confidence and get advice. Also, some solicitors offer an hour, one to one, for �20 (approx) then after that hour you can decide whether it is worth pursuing or not. Hope this helps, good luck.

[coggles]

I should have said 'and me alone' !!

[parkhead]

Pop into the police station that gave out your address and ask them for an explanation as to why they did so. You could also lodge a complaint with them for doing so in the first place, but if you hear why they did this form the horses mouth ( so to speak) then you will know where you can go from there.

[FTVS]

Ha! and the police refused to let me know what was happening with my own mother (she is mentally ill) when I was informed she had been arrested as it woul be a breach of the DP act!