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Freedom of Information

Freedom of Information Act 2000
Durham Constabulary Publication Scheme (ACPO model)
Submitted March 2003

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Freedom of Information Act Publication SchemeAdobe PDF(223 KB)

Please email freedomofinformation@durham.pnn.police.uk with any enquiries regarding Freedom of Information.

Introduction

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, sets out exemptions from that right and places a number of obligations on public authorities. Any person who makes a request to a public authority for information must be informed whether the public authority holds that information and, subject to exemptions, supplied with that information.

Individuals already have the right of access to information about themselves under the Data Protection Act 1998. As far as public authorities are concerned, the Freedom of Information Act will extend this right to allow public access to all types of information held. This individual right of access to information will come into effect on 1st January 2005.

Public authorities will be required to adopt and maintain a publication scheme setting out the classes of information it holds, the manner in which it intends to publish the information, and whether a charge will be made for the information. The purpose of a scheme is to ensure a significant amount of information is available, without the need for a specific request. Schemes are intended to encourage organisations to publish more information pro-actively and to develop a greater culture of openness. The police service is required to have an approved Publication Scheme in place by 30th June 2003.

The Act will be enforced by the Information Commissioner (the "Commissioner"), a post that combines regulation of both the Freedom of Information and Data Protection Acts.

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, public authorities have to produce a Publication Scheme. The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) set up a National Team to develop a Model Publication Scheme for all 44 Forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to follow. In consultation with these forces, key areas of information that the public may require, were identified and form the basis of our different classes of information. Durham Constabulary has also adopted the legally approved ACPO Model Publication Scheme.

We are committed to delivering an open and transparent service whenever possible and it is our intention to publish information in our Publication Scheme that the public have an interest in viewing. However, as we are committed to protecting the communities we serve, preventing and detecting crime, it must be recognised that certain information, in the public interest, should not be disclosed. Information concerning ongoing investigations, investigative methods, intelligence and the use of related operational techniques must be protected. They are central to the maintenance of a safe and just society. In this respect, Durham Constabulary will, when appropriate, apply reasonable consideration of the exemptions afforded under the Freedom of Information Act: particularly; Section 30 (Investigation and proceedings conducted by public authorities); Section 31 (Law enforcement); and Section 41 (Information provided in confidence).

The person responsible for maintaining the Publication Scheme for Durham Constabulary is the Head of Support Services.

Aim of the Scheme

The aim of the Publication Scheme is to set out:

Understanding Our Abbreviations

As a large organisation we often use abbreviations within our textual information.

A glossary is appended to assist the reader with interpreting these abbreviations.