Data quality causes bureau launch worries

MPs have criticised the timetable for the launch of the Criminal
Records Bureau as too ambitious.

Members of the House of Commons home affairs select committee
said the launch date in July was too soon because of concerns about
the quality of data on the national police computer from which much
of the bureau’s records would be drawn.

MPs cited a report by the chief inspector of constabulary last
year showing criminal record error rates of between 15 and 65 per
cent, as well as substantial delays in updating records by some
police forces.

“If the underlying data is inadequate the Criminal Records
Bureau will never be able to operate effectively,” says a committee
report. It recommends giving priority to the effective operation of
the bureau, rather than opening earlier and risking inadequate
performance.

The bureau will operate in England and Wales to provide criminal
record checks for those working with children or vulnerable
adults.

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