It is still true that the new PCs are not "official", but according to an ACPO person we spoke to they have now updated the form and they have also been changed in terms of validity, so they are now valid for 12 months (they were not, a few days ago).
Apparently there will be a change over period until August where both checks will be accepted. After August, people wanting the old subject access requests will not be able to obtain them for migration purposes (apparently it is costing them over £20 to issue each one and they are running at a massive loss).
ACPO are currently based in Hampshire. Which is why the Hampshire Constabulary are really pushing the program.
They are willing to accept bank transfers in limited circumstances (she did not say what they were) but they do prefer cheques/banker’s drafts etc. Also, they are able to send them directly to the agent if the applicant includes a cover letter asking for that to occur.
At the moment they can only accept postal applications (and because they are at a PO Box address, they cannot accept couriers either), but they will turn the documents around in the stated time.
This update has come from ACPO and not DIAC, but the lady seemed to know what she was talking about.
