Policy Statement

The effective management of records in Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is necessary to:

• Protect the public;
• Manage the risks posed by offenders;
• Provide evidence of decisions and actions;
• Store information to assist with future decision making;
• Comply with legal requirements;
• Be accountable.

Managing and using the Force's records effectively will ensure that GMP gains the maximum benefit from this information, not only in the fight against crime, but also in supporting the organisation in the conduct of its business. 

This policy and procedure supports the Information Security Policy and aims to protect and maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all information received, created, and stored by GMP. This is crucial in supporting operational policing, building public confidence and maintaining the Force’s reputation.

As part of the wider management of the Force's records, GMP must also manage personal data within these records. Records which contain personal data must adhere to strict data protection principles which ensure that personal data is used appropriately, with the data subject at the forefront of any processing that the force undertakes. More information regarding the data protection principles can be found in the Data Protection Policy and Procedure.

Aims

The aims of this policy and procedure are to:

• Establish and outline responsibilities of individuals and Information Asset Owners (IAOs);
• Exercise best practice when it comes to managing records, including ensuring that records can be used as authoritative evidence, and appropriate use of metadata;
• Identify and make provision for the preservation of records of long term and historic value, REDACTED
• Assist the Force to comply with legal obligations that apply to its records.