Giving someone's address to the police a crime?

jimbog

Here is an address next door to where my brother (Sparticus) use to live:

29 Elton Street
Harrow on the Hill

Lock me up

FreeBear

If the elder son is over the age of 18, then his name should be on the electoral roll. This information is freely available to anyone & everyone - If you have opted out of the open register, one can still view the full register at a council office or (some) libraries.

[Deleted User]

Nothing specified. I hate to say it but I think they were just trying to frighten my son and alter the dynamics of the situation i.e. everyone else is nuts and threatening except them.

They really are a very strange family. He can sort of see that, but like I said, is also very suggestive but I suspect anyone would be in that environment, they really know how to sound officious and knowledgeable but still speak a load of rubbish. Eternal students.

Now just got to calm my son down when he comes back. Poor thing has agreed for them to drive him back so its going to be one long tirade all the way. I did offer to meet him but he's chosen the other option.

I am going to look into housing options for him (supportive housing). I just can't help him anymore. Beyond my paygrade as an offical member of the general public and no more.

gingercordial

Let's say GDPR applied.

When your son gave you his address he was giving you his own address because he lives/lived there. That's his data to pass on as he wishes. Just because someone else lives there too doesn't mean it is not his own data. So no problem.

You then had legitimate concerns about his safety. You told the police about these. They naturally asked for the address to be able to check. There are various defences ("lawful basis") for using/passing on someone else's data (your son's address). Firstly if the person gives you consent to do so - so your son could have said it was OK to pass on his data, and in that case it's fine. These also include:

- Acting in someone's vital interests if their life is at risk, intended for if someone is unconscious and medical records needed for A&E, probably(?) a bit extreme for what you're describing.

- To comply with the law, so if the police had a warrant/court order requiring you to hand over the address, again not yet at that point.

- In the person or society's legitimate interests, which is really wide and would certainly cover you here as you had a genuine concern about him which you can prove and would override the need to keep his address private.

So if your son had said it was OK to pass on his address (generally) you'd be fine. Even if he hadn't, under "legitimate interest" you had a valid reason so you are totally in the clear.

In summary, he is always fine because it is HIS address to do what he likes with. You are fully covered because you had a genuine reason to be concerned.

This is all clearly stupid and intended to intimidate, so I've only written out the above as it might help your son to be less concerned if he sees in black and white there are also clear legal reasons why what you both did is perfectly OK.

Good luck with it all.

ethank

GDPR does not apply to people, it applies to organisations. Your son is fine.

Comms69

ethank wrote: »

GDPR does not apply to people, it applies to organisations. Your son is fine.

It can apply to people - if they are a data controller - but that's just pedantry

[Deleted User]

Yeah I know he's fine. I didn't think it was a valid comment but wanted to check just in case.

Yep I do agree., there is something a bit wrong with this family. Waiting for him to come back now. And will try and figure out how to deal with him depending on how he is when he gets back.

Durban

Of course it isn't a crime but out of curiosity , is this his gf's family by any chance?

[Deleted User]

Yes his gf's family. Never met them or talked to them. They thought I was abusive because I shouted at him (and he was talking to his Gf on camera) after umpteen times of asking him to bring down his dirty dishes. But nothing untoward was said. Shouldn't have shouted though.

I've never met or talked to his Gf, or her family.., they made it clear they were scared of me for some strange reason. No idea at all why. I've never even been up their street. If he was staying there (and he did for a few months) I'd meet him in a cafe. He moved back home two and a half months ago but has still been staying over weekends. His choice, I hoped things that made him move out were improved. But it looks like he's been persuaded I am a nasty person again. Honestly not done anything to cause this, been very careful to ask politely if I want him to do something. I don't ask often, it usually isn't worth it to be honest.

Can't believe he didn't laugh when they suggested I would actually send someone to attack them fgs but well, I won't give the comment any more dignity than it deserves. I must admit I have had enough though. Finally. There is a lot wrong with our relationship, obviously. Nothing else I can say.

Rosieandjim

Your relationship is taking its natural course. All children become adults, disabilities or no disabilities, and need their independence. Your son needs his own space so you were right when you said he need his own accommodation even if that is in supported housing.