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Your right to information

Freedom of information and data protection

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities. 

The act defines:

  • what information must be made available
  • what may be withheld (exemptions) 
  • how public authorities must respond to anyone making a request for information.

 

Data protection - information we may have about you

People already have the right to personal information about themselves under the Data Protection Act 1998. The Freedom of Information Act simply extends this right to all types of non-personal information. Find out more about how you can find out what information we may hold about you and also how we obtain, store and use personal information PDF (798kb)

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Freedom of Information - information about the force

Key principles of Freedom of Information are that anyone requesting information must be:

  • told whether the authority holds the information
  • supplied with the information (subject to exemptions) 

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Information available online

Public authorities must make as much information as possible available through a publication scheme. The scheme sets out the classes (or types) of information available, how the information will be published and whether any charges apply.

You can also view some of the responses given to previous Freedom of Information requests.

 

Enforcement of the Freedom of Information Act

The Information Comissioner (an independent government official) is responsible for making sure that all public authorities comply with the Act, including the police. The aim the Information Commissioner's Office is to promote public access to official information and protect personal information held about you.

Visit the Information Commissioner's website for more information.

 

All police forces follow a model drawn up by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO). For further information view the ACPO Freedom of Information Manual pdf 716kb