Google tells police, you'll have to take us to court
INTERNET giant Google has reacted to a Derbyshire police plea for help in solving a crime by telling officers: you'll have to take us to court.
Cameras used to take photographs for its Street View feature captured an image of a driver and a four-wheel-drive vehicle that detectives want to trace over the theft of a family's caravan.
The picture was spotted on the internet by the family's 11-year-old son months afterwards. It shows a man and his car on the drive of their home next to their caravan.
The caravan owners, surveyor David Soanes and wife Rebecca, believe the shot was taken just before the theft from their drive at Linton.
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However, in common with Street View's usual approach, the number plate of the vehicle has been blurred out.
And when police asked Google for a copy of the original, the company refused – unless the force could get a court order. Officers are now trying to do just that.
Exam invigilator Mrs Soanes said she thought the situation was crazy.
She said: "It does seem ridiculous that the information is available but Google is not forthcoming with it, even though it could be used to solve a crime.
"The 4x4 and the man may not even be involved but at least they could then be ruled out of the investigation."
Yesterday, a police spokeswoman said: "Google said the force would have to obtain a court production order before it could release the image and we are still in negotiations about this."
South Derbyshire MP Heather Wheeler said: "I am disappointed that Google's initial reaction is to refuse.
"It would be sensible for them to enter into a protocol with British police forces to receive and acquiesce to police requests. Of course, the police can get a court order but what a waste of public money in order to do that.
"I would urge Google to enter into a proper and professional relationship with our police forces to assist in the detection of crime."
A Google spoekman said: "It's very important to Google and our users that we only provide information if valid process is followed, as laid down by governments in law. We have a team specifically trained to evaluate and respond to requests when they are received, and we will of course co-operate with police requests as long as they are legally valid and follow the correct processes."
The Information Commissioner's Office said it could not comment on individual cases but a spokeswoman added that the Data Protection Act did not prohibit a company passing on information if it related to the investigation of a crime.
Mr and Mrs Soanes believe the Street View picture was taken at about the time of the theft because a neighbour told them afterwards that they had seen a man and a 4x4 on the drive, but thought he was a family friend.
Their Abbey Adventura caravan was taken from their driveway in Cauldwell Road in June 2009. Efforts to catch the thief were unsuccessful and the trail went cold until March when the couple's son, Reuben, stumbled across the picture.
The picture had been taken by one of Google's specially adapted cars that travel the world taking pictures. These are then uploaded to the internet, allowing users to see panoramic views of streets.
In November, police released the Street View image of the man and the vehicle but they have been unable to trace him. At the same time, they asked Google for a copy of the image with the registration plate visible.
MORE: Read the Derby Telegraph's comment piece on this story.
Comments
by Daniel Walker, Derbyshire
Friday, January 07 2011, 11:41PM
“The police: everyone wants them to be DCI Gene Hunt, until they're getting punched in the face, themselves, don't they? Yeah, the policeman is a hero, until he's stopping you from speeding. Those that resent the authorities are anti-aurthoritarian until the authorities start chasing you over parking fines. It's all fine until it starts being about you, isn't it?
The police should follow procedures, here, because if they don't, this guy will fling the civil liberties card at them before a jury gets to even see the evidence. And even when they do, he'll cite coverage, in news sources like this one, as evidence that he couldn't get a fair trail.
It starts with defending the civil liberties of people (like this one might well be) until we can prove where they have abused the rights of others. The liberties that thieves and villains try to take away from us can be defended without us having to surrender our own.”
by Christopher, Derby
Thursday, January 06 2011, 11:58PM
“David, there is no mention of Google refusing to provide a copy of the photo for the Police. They are asking that the correct legal process is followed. I have discussed the subject of photographic evidence with the Police and the council at some of our Police Liaison meetings, they did confirm that the procedure requires a court order. Failure to follow proceure in such a case could jeopardise the outcome for the prosecution or defence (whichever side is using the evidence). As I say, I am no legal expert, and do not pretend to be anything of the kind, but this was explained by the Police and a Council Legal Representative at a public meeting. The methods used to acquire evidence could prove prjudicial to a case. I would expect that once the legal representatives on each side of this issue have agreed on the details, the photo will be made available.”
by David Gale, Derby
Thursday, January 06 2011, 9:10PM
“If you or I (or an organisation) has information likely to be relevant to the detection of a criminal offence, we ALL have a legal responsibility to deliver that information o to the police. Period. Do not be swayed by the bureaucratic whinings of the clerks on this board.”
by Steve, Notts
Thursday, January 06 2011, 8:13PM
“Good for you Sarah, however I neither care for you or your opinions”
by Steve, Derby
Thursday, January 06 2011, 6:50PM
“The police don't seem to have an issue with Google's stance from the story, just Mrs Soanes and the MP (how did she get involved I wonder?) Maybe this is quite normal and the police have to get court orders all the time?”
by Sarah, Derby
Thursday, January 06 2011, 6:24PM
“No agenda, I merely asked you to qualify your statement. On a more serious note I do agree with your sentiments regarding Google's standpoint (don't faint, I have been known to agree with people occasionally ;) )”
by Roy, Derby
Thursday, January 06 2011, 6:19PM
“Lots of caravans along that road aren't there?”
by Steve, Nottingham
Thursday, January 06 2011, 5:12PM
“Thats exactly what I am saying Sarah. 1% of caravans are stolen by completely law abiding people. You are quite correct. The throught of you lying down with an image of me squirming makes me a little uneasy I have to say, but so long as I helped you feel good about yourself with your petty baiting and allowing you to "win", then I've achieved my good deed for today. Now I hope you put a clamp on your broomstick - someone will have it away if you are not careful. There are some right thieving beggars out there!”
by Steve, Notts
Thursday, January 06 2011, 5:05PM
“I'm just taking educated guesses here chaps so no firm proof she has a Norris from Corrie cowering in the kitchen waiting for more verbal berating - but I was on the nail about her being a rabble rouser, and she's gone on to prove that she has an agenda.
I agree with the sentiments regarding Google's standpoint. Look how many police have been convicted for using the PNC for both personal and criminal purposes. The law on phone tapping was tightened up years ago to prevent similar abuses, and now common sense prevails that the police cannot just demand information from Google, or MIcrosoft, or a police officer could gain access to your googlemail or hotmail email accounts for personal or criminal purposes just like has been done with the PNC.”
by Sarah, Derby
Thursday, January 06 2011, 4:59PM
“lmao - so by your account 1% of caravans are stolen by...law abiding citizens. The image of someone squirming to avoid committing their initial thoughts to print has had me in stitches - best go have a lie down now.”