IT contractors working with Kent Police may be subject to stricter confidentiality rules following a breach of the data protection act by the organisation.

An investigation by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) following the breach has revealed that Kent Police's policies and procedures concerning personal information transportation and storage was limited and needs further clarification.

Temporary chief constable of Kent Police Adrian Leppard has signed a formal undertaking to ensure staff with access to confidential information are provided with secure transportation and storage facilities.

All other staff will also be made aware of newly clarified personal and protectively marked information requirements.

ICO enforcement group manager Sally-Anne Poole said: "It is essential that police forces ensure the correct safeguards are in place when storing and transferring personal information, especially when it concerns highly confidential information."

It follows news that the ICO took enforcement action against the Independent Police Complaints Commission after it emerged that 69 freedom of information requests remain unresolved.