This content requires the Adobe Flash Player.
Get Flash
ACPO comment on the Data Communications Bill
ACPO lead for organised crime, Chief Constable Mick Creedon, comment on the Data Communications Bill
ACPO lead for organised crime, Chief Constable Mick Creedon, said:
“The impact of communications data on serious criminal investigations should not be underestimated: it is critical to the ability of the police service to protect the public. Data from landline and mobile telephone networks has proved invaluable in bringing successful prosecutions, for example against the serial killer Levi Bellfield, and it is imperative that this capability is maintained.
“What is becoming clear within police forces and organisations such as the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre and the Serious Organised Crime Agency, is that criminals have adapted to take advantage of the opportunities that social media and other new telecommunications networks and platforms have created. As the behaviour of criminals has changed, there is a need to look at how the police and law enforcement agencies can continue to investigate crime, save lives and keep pace with criminality. It is a matter for government to ensure the right boundaries are set so that our approaches are justified, necessary and proportionate.”
For more information contact
The ACPO Press Office can be contacted via 020 7084 8946/47/48 (office hours) or via 07803 903686 (out of office hours).
The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) is an independent, professionally led strategic body. In the public interest and, in equal and active partnership with Government and partner agencies, ACPO leads and co-ordinates the direction and development of the police service in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In times of national need ACPO, on behalf of all chief officers, co-ordinates the strategic policing response.
ACPO’s 311 members consist of 223 chief police officers from the home forces of assistant chief constable rank (commanders in the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police) and above, plus 60 senior police staff members from the 44 forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Non home forces such as British Transport Police have 25 chief police officer members and there are three members from the Service Police.