POLICE are so under- resourced they cannot meet legal requirements to tell members of the public what information they have on them.

Sussex Police have acknowledged that due to “unforeseeable critical staff shortages” they are experiencing delays in replying to Subject Access Requests (SARs).

One man told The Argus police warned him to expect a delay of up to six months, although police refute this.

Anyone can make a SAR to any organisation which holds information about them.

The right, protected by the terms of the 1998 Data Protection Act, is often used by employees in industrial disputes or those seeking clarity on their credit rating. There is usually a small fee.

Under the terms of the Act, organisations must reply within 40 days. Failure to do so can lead to financial penalties being imposed by the Information Commissioner’s Office.

People who believe their request has not received an adequate response can appeal. Court orders may eventually be imposed on the organisation required to respond.

Nick Thompson, whose car was crushed by Wealden District earlier this year, claimed he was told to expect a significant delay.

The cleaner from Bexhill, said: “I sent in my £10 and I asked for my information but they told me there were delays and I should expect to wait six months.”

A spokeswoman for Sussex Police acknowledged the team was experiencing delays but said Mr Thompson’s request received a reply just six days over the time limit. She said delays were due to “unforeseeable critical staff shortages within the team over recent months”.

Force information manager Marcus Potter said that recruitment was under way and in the interim, each request will be dealt with based on urgency.

He said: “We apologise to anyone who has had a check of this kind delayed and can reassure that all requests will be dealt with and answered as soon as possible. This issue has been flagged to the Information Commissioner’s Office. “

He said until recently Sussex Police’s record in this field has been good and the force had responded to 2,665 information requests last year.