Information

Introduction

The FOI Act 2000 gives a right of access to information held by public authorities.

Legislative Compliance

This document has been drafted to comply with the principals of the Human Rights Act. Proportionality has been identified as the key to Human Rights compliance, this means striking a fair balance between the rights of the individuals and those of the rest of the community. There must be a reasonable relationship between the aim to be achieved and the means used.

Equality and Diversity issues have also been considered to ensure compliance with current Equality Legislation and policies.

In addition, Data Protection, Freedom of Information and Health Safety issues have been considered. Adherence to this policy or procedure will therefore ensure compliance with all legislation and internal policies.

Policy Statement

Any person who makes a Freedom of Information request is entitled:

• To be informed in writing as to whether we hold the information requested and
• To have the information we hold relating to the request communicated to them usually within 20 working days.

In writing to:

The Office of the Northamptonshire Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner

Darby House,

Darby Close,

Park Farm Industrial Estate,

Wellingborough.

NN8 6GS

 

Email submitted to commissioner@northantspfcc.gov.uk

Phone requests – 01604 888113

A request cannot be accepted unless:

• It contains a name (this must be their real name and not a pseudonym);
• It contains an address either email or postal to respond to;
• It adequately describes the information sought (no reason for the request needs to be supplied)

There may be circumstances where the information is not supplied and an exemption is applied. The FOI team will determine if an exemption is applicable.  It is not a requirement of the act to complete a form to make a request.

• The ICO website provides guidance: www.ico.org.uk
• The Cabinet Office provide a FOI code of practice: www.gov.uk
• The College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice provides guidance: www.app.college.police.uk

The timeframe for responding to a FOI request is as soon as reasonably practicable and in any case within 20 working days and there is no charge for providing the information.

Monitoring and review

The senior owner will review the content of this guidance annually to ensure that this is relevant and up to date. The author has agreed that this document will be reviewed within 12 months of the effective date.