Written question asked by Lord Marlesford (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord West of Spithead (Labour) on Wednesday, 27 January 2010.

Crime: Suspicious Activity Reports

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will continue to allow local authorities direct access to the Elmer database of the Serious Organised Crime Agency; and what guidance has been given to local authorities about the purposes for which they should access Elmer.

Answer: No local authority has direct access to the Elmer database. However, accredited financial investigators at some local authorities have access through terminals housed in local police units. The Serious Organised Crime Agency provides guidance material to users and all users are required to attend training delivered by the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) or SOCA before accessing the database. Future access to Elmer by local authorities and other potential end users will be subject to review in 2010, as indicated in the action plan in the SARs annual report 2009.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1156; 716 c333WA
Session: 2009-10
Subjects: Access Databases Local government Organised crime Money laundering Serious Organised Crime Agency
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk