In a number of recent complaint cases, there was an observation that the allegations involved improper use of personal data collected by frontline officers during execution of official duties, such as investigation of a crime report or stop and question. Officers are hereby reminded of the meaning and scope of "misconduct", as well as the relevant provisions of the Police General Orders.

1. PGO 6-01(44) stipulates that "A police officer shall not use or transfer personal data collected during the execution of official duties for any purposes other than for which they were collected or a purpose directly related to that purpose, unless prescribed consent has been obtained from the data subject".

2. Police officers are not allowed to use the personal data collected during execution of official duties or investigations for any personal purpose. They are entrusted by the public with authority and discretions, and members of the public expect police officers to exercise this authority and discretion with integrity, fidelity and honesty. Any form of abusing of authority or misconduct will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary actions.

(This column is contributed by the Complaints and Internal Investigations Branch)