Obtaining personal information

How to request personal data - Data Protection Act 1998

The CPS holds personal data within criminal case files. If you require access to your own personal data held within these files, it is not provided under the FoIA, but under the Data Protection Act 1998 subject access principles. Subject to certain prescribed conditions, and the limitations set out in the exemptions in Sections 27 to 39, individuals have rights of access to their own personal data, but not to personal data relating to other people. To request your own personal data, you will need to complete an application form, which will be available on the CPS website, and enclose identifying documents as requested and send them directly to:

The Data Protection Officer
CPS Headquarters
50 Ludgate Hill
London EC4M 7EX

Subject access application forms are now available from all regional offices and on the CPS website. If you have difficulty obtaining a copy, please write to the above address and a form will be sent to you directly. The CPS will charge an advance fee of £10 from 1 June 2003.