PNC Access Auditing
The Police Service should re-examine the rigour of the auditing process and the frequency of the conduct of audits in relation to access to the Police National Computer (PNC). Additional consideration should also be given to the number of people given access to the PNC and the associated rules which govern its usage.
- HMICFRS inspections of individual police forces regularly assess information management and PNC access controls as part of their PEEL (Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy) inspections (HMICFRS, PEEL inspections).
- No published evidence of a specific national-level review of PNC audit rigour and access restrictions in response to the Leveson recommendation has been identified to March 2026.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe Prime Minister stated on 29 November 2012: "Lord Justice Leveson makes a number of recommendations that are designed to break the perception of an excessively cosy relationship between the press and the police and we support these recommendations." The College of Policing published Authorised Professional Practice on Media Relations in May 2013 implementing the police recommendations. Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/david-cameron-statement-in-response-to-the-leveson-inquiry-report
Published Evidence
Published assessments of progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Source type badge indicates whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
PNC access auditing has been strengthened since Leveson. The College of Policing and individual forces have tightened controls. However the extent and frequency of auditing varies by force and systemic improvements have been gradual.
View detailed findings
PNC auditing has been strengthened but implementation varies across forces.