Contact us 

Data Protection requests

Please click on the link below that is most appropriate to your enquiry.

• Request your criminal record or proof that you don’t have one.
• Request access to other information that we hold about you.
• Request information for family court proceedings.
• What is the Data Protection Act?
• What is the difference between the Data Protection Act and the Freedom of Information Act?
• Contact the Data Protection department.

Request your criminal record or proof that you don’t have one

• If your UK employer has asked you to provide a copy of your criminal record – or proof that you don’t have one – apply to Disclosure Scotland via the Disclosure Scotland website (opens new window) or 0870 609 6006. Responses take about two weeks from receipt of application and payment.
• If you are planning to visit or work/live in Canada, USA, Australia or New Zealand, and require a copy of your criminal record – or proof that you don’t have one – apply to Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Criminal Records Office for a police certificate - visit the Association of Chief Police Officers website (opens new window) or call 0845 601 3999. Responses take about two weeks from receipt of application and payment.
• If you are planning to visit or work/live in any other country, and require a copy of your criminal record – or proof that you don’t have one – please complete a subject access application form (PDF 55 Kb - opens new window). Please tick the top box on the form. We are required to respond within 40 days. You may also request that an application form is posted to you by calling 01865 846329.

Request access to other information that we hold about you

• Complete a subject access application form (PDF 55 Kb - opens new window) and tick the bottom box. You are entitled to apply for both sets of information by ticking both boxes.
• Please give as much information as you can on the form. This helps us in tracing the information that you require.
• You are only entitled to access your own personal information and any information relating to third parties will be removed.
• Certain information may be withheld – for example, if it is being used for the prevention or detection of crime, or the apprehension or prosecution of offenders.

Request information for family court proceedings

Thames Valley Police is often required to disclose information to parties involved in family court proceedings. Normally, requests for this information are made by the legal representatives of the child’s parents/guardian or a representative of the child themselves.

• Send a written letter to: Family Court Disclosures, Disclosures Bureau, Thames Valley Police Headquarters, Oxford Road, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 2NX.
• If you prefer, you can fax the request to 01865 293851.

What is the Data Protection Act?

The Data Protection Act gives you the right to know what information is held about you, and sets out rules to make sure that this information is handled properly.

For information about the Act and your rights, visit the Information Commissioner's Office website (opens new window).

What is the difference between the Data Protection Act and the Freedom of Information Act?

• The Data Protection Act deals with personal information that relates to living people – for example, crime reports or witness statements usually contain personal information.
• The Freedom of Information Act deals with public information, such as crime statistics and does not ordinarily allow access to personal information. You can make a Freedom of Information request via this website.

Contact the Data Protection department

We are happy to discuss any data protection queries that you may have.

• Telephone – 01865 846455 / 01865 846309 / 01865 846033.
• Fax – 01865 846424.
• Write – Data Protection, Thames Valley Police, Kidlington, OX5 2NX.
• Email the Data Protection department.