Data-sharing and Crime Reduction: The Long and Winding Road

Abstract

The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 charges responsible authorities with devising and implementing strategies for community safety. Responsible authorities comprise police and local authorities, working as partnerships. Criteria for the permissible exchange of relevant data are to be found in the Act. In practice, partnerships have experienced difficulties in reaching agreement about datasharing. This paper looks at the legal background to data-sharing, its limitations, best practice, and the potential consequences of lowering barriers to information exchange.