GMP fined after informants info stolen

Greater Manchester Police has today been fined and condemned by the Information Commissioner after confidential information about police informants was stolen on an unencrypted USB stick. 

Former policeman and Lib Dem Police Chief candidate, Matt Gallagher, is calling for the police to release the findings of their internal inquiry into the loss of highly confidential data to ensure personal information held by the Police is not at risk.

Matt Gallagher said that this was “deeply worrying” and raised serious questions about the security of information the Police hold on Victims and members of public. Matt said the police must release the findings of their own investigation to provide reassurance and protection to members of the public and to prevent a repeat incident. Matt has said he will raise this matter with the Chief Constable when they meet later in the month.

Matt Gallagher, who has 30 years experience of fighting crime in Greater Manchester, said: “As a former frontline Police officer I know that it is unacceptable and deeply worrying that this information has been allowed to get into criminal hands. I know how dangerous it could be if criminals held information about Police Officers, so we need to show the same concern to Victims of crime and Witnesses. I am concerned that information the Police hold about Victims and members of the public may be at risk.

"The Police need to show that they have learnt lessons from this incident and that robust measures are in place to prevent a reoccurrence. The public need that reassurance.

"I will be raising this matter when I meet the Chief Constable later in the month”