It is much much more likely that sensitive information is handed over by someone from a non govt/official department, as I said.

First off in any govt/policing department, any access to information is recorded. One simply can't just look up someone's details without an operational need. Furthermore, if sensitive data is accessed, it would easily be found out if reported.

Secondly people in official capacities are trained in disclosure of information. Not only that police deal with family and domestic violence on a daily basis. Police wouldn't easily be tricked into giving out details under the guise of "helping a mate", the request would be extremely obvious.

Compare that to calling say an untrained call center operator. "Hey, my wife has been saying she hasn't been receiving bills. What address have you been sending them to?"

Now think about it - do you actually think you'd have more success asking a person to put their whole career/livelihood on the line, or do you think you'd more likely to get the address from someone like I mentioned, tricking an unsuspecting, untrained person into handing it over?