We sometimes get asked about releasing personal information about, say, an employee or a customer, to the police, Trading Standards Officers etc.

On the face of it there is a conflict since we may want to assist the authorities but on the other hand personal data is generally confidential.

The Data Protection Act allows you to disclose only as much information as is necessary and if not releasing it would be likely to prejudice attempts to prevent crime or catch a suspect.

Obviously you need to check the person asking the questions is who they say they are, and if you have particular concerns you can require the enquirer to get a Court Order.