Subject Access Requests

You have the right to ask an organisation whether they are using or storing your personal information. You can also ask them for a copy of your personal information. 

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The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has a guide on how to make a Subject Access Request, which includes an online tool to help you through the process.

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Accessing information held by the criminal justice system

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The ICO has also published specific guidance on accessing information held by the criminal justice system.

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Examples of the sorts of things you may like to ask for include:

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• Your interview statements
• Footage of you captured through CCTV/ other recordable devices
• Custody records
• Correspondence between the police and other organisations, such as those providing support to you

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Police Scotland also provides Tips for Applicants to help in making a Subject Access Request.

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When the right to access might not apply

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• The police might remove information that relates to other people
• The police may restrict what they give you if they feel it is necessary for the “prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of criminal offences” or the “execution of criminal penalties”
• A judge’s notes
• Anything that forms part of a court case must be accessed under the Criminal Procedure Rules
• If the request is considered to be manifestly unfounded or excessive (this means that the request has to be for genuine purposes and that it is asking for a realistic amount of information)

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Accessing information in order to travel abroad

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If you need a copy of your criminal record because you want to apply for a visa to travel abroad, it is likely that you will need to contact the ACRO Criminal Records Office.

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Our Travel page provides more information on foreign travel.

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Accessing health records

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NHS inform have produced a guide on accessing your health records.

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Each organisation must be contacted separately. For example, your GP and a hospital must both be contacted separately. 

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It should be free to receive a copy of your health records. However, if you need additional copies, they may charge. 

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