About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

UK Police Wrongly Brands 13,000 People as Criminals

by VR Sreeraman on November 15, 2008 at 3:38 PM
 UK Police Wrongly Brands 13,000 People as Criminals

Blunders by British police and the Criminal Records Bureau has led to at least 13,000 people being wrongly branded as criminals or accused of more serious offences, reports The Telegraph.

According to the paper the exact number of inaccurate criminal record checks is four times higher than the Home Office has previously stated.

Advertisement

The discrepancy in figures has occurred because the official statistics only include the errors made by CRB officials. Thousands more mistakes, made by other contributors to the checks, such as the police and education officials, have not been counted.

Some errors in the disclosure of so-called "soft information", such as police suspicions or when someone was questioned but released without charge, have also been kept out of the official statistics.
Advertisement

Reacting to this error, Shadow Home Secretary Dominic Grieve said: "The increase in the number of incorrect disclosures is disturbing. These are mistakes that risk ruining people's lives. It is especially worrying given the enhanced role of the CRB in support of the new ISA, which will vet millions of people, including teachers, volunteers and school bus drivers."

Others like Josie Appleton of the Manifesto Club described the statistic as shocking, but not surprising.

"The more the Government tries to solve a problem with a huge database and masses of information flying around the country, then the more errors there are going to be," he warned.

Over the last five years, according to figures obtained from the Home Office by the Conservatives, a total 12,255 disputes over inaccurate CRB checks have been upheld. For the last year, the official inaccuracy figure stood at around 680, but the new statistics show the true level of error was 2,785.

These include inaccurate or misleading details on cases where there was no conviction, such as someone being questioned for an alleged offence but never charged.

The figures only go back to 2003, but the CRB was set up in 2002, suggesting that the number of blunders could be much nearer 13,000.

Source: ANI
LIN
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest Lifestyle and Wellness News

What Really Happens to Your Skin After Cleansing?
The 'tight' sensation on your face after washing is explained by skin contraction in the outer layer.
Skin Hotspots in Ears & Toes - Safe Haven for Harmful Germs
The skin between the toes and behind the ears can harbor many harmful germs that can cause a variety of skin illnesses.
Work Breaks - Need of the Hour to Counteract Prolonged Sitting
Prolonged sitting among office goers, pose risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, and certain types of cancers.
Fear of Garlic Bad Breath? Try Deodorizing Effect of Yogurt
Yogurt's protein and fat content demonstrated its unidentified deodorizing properties against garlic's pungent odor.
Smoking Tobacco and Cannabis Tied to Depression Risk
People who smoke tobacco and cannabis have an increased risk of depression and anxiety than those who use either substance alone or not at all.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

UK Police Wrongly Brands 13,000 People as Criminals Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests