Received: 1 November 2022

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018) and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) does not prohibit individuals from making recordings for personal use either overtly, or covertly. 

In the Home Office Guidance, “Police Officer Misconduct, Unsatisfactory Performance and Attendance Management Procedures”, it states that: 

3.18 In any unsatisfactory attendance case it is essential that managers and the force ensure compliance with their obligations under the Equality Act. 

3.19 Compliance with other statutory obligations including the Data Protection Act 1998 must also be ensured. 

Has the Police Federation issued any guidance to the Police Service regarding the recording of appointments by police officers undergoing the ill health retirement process? 

In these circumstances, does the Federation consider that any overt, or covert recording of an appointment by the police officer concerned for their own personal, to be a breach of discipline? 

Responded: 29 November 2022

The Police Federation of England and Wales have consulted with one of our internal Ill Health Retirements specialist and can confirm that there has been no written guidance provided to any Forces in relation to your question about recording. 

It is our understanding that recordings of Hearings are not permitted and that no electronic devices are allowed.  We therefore can provide no response to your second question.