The Freedom of Information Act ensures Public Bodies publish
information as a matter of routine within their Publication Scheme,
in addition to that supplied when responding to information
requests, enabling a more consistant and proactive approach to
information provision.
As of 1st January 2009 the Information Commissioner introduced
to all Public Authorities an approved model Publication Scheme,
enforced by Section 19 of the Act, which sets out the statutory
requirements that each public authority must adhere to.
Suffolk Constabulary is committed to adopt the standard format
used by police services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In
doing so, information will be effectively managed within specific
classes at a high level and state the way information can be
provided and whether a fee applies.
The Scheme aims to make as much information as possible
available to the public on a continuous basis. Suffolk Constabulary
is dedicated to releasing more material in the future by being
proactive in the upkeep of the Disclosure Logs and to routinely
Published Information on our Guide to Information.
The model Publication Scheme specifies seven information classes
in which the majority of routinely published information will fall.
To maximise the release of information the categories have been set
at a high level. Most information that a public authority publishes
falls into the seven classes. Routinely published information
should be available as part of an authority’s normal business,
making it easy to access through a website or provided by a member
of staff.
For more information, consult the model publication schemes
section of the ICO website.
The scheme sets out the circumstances under which an authority
would not be required to make information routinely available.
These are when:
- the information is not held;
- the information is exempt from disclosure, for instance
personal data or commercial interest;
- the authority cannot easily access the information.
The Information Commissioner has also published a series of
Definition Documents, in consultation with ACPO, specific to each
sector and outlines what information each authority is expected to
publish. The Police Section document can be found on the
Information Commissioner’s Website.
Some police forces may not hold all the information listed in
the guidance and there is no obligation under the model Scheme to
create information solely for the purpose of publication. This can
lead to some variations between police forces in what information
is published.
The authority will indicate clearly to the public what
information is covered by this scheme and how it can be
obtained.
Where it is within the capability of the Constabulary,
information will be provided on its website. Where it is
impracticable to make information available on the website or when
an individual does not wish to access the information by the
website, it will be highlighted how information can be obtained by
other means and provide it by those means.
In exceptional circumstances some information may be available
only by viewing in person. Where this manner is specified, contact
details will be provided. An appointment to view the information
will be arranged within a reasonable timescale.
Information will be provided in the language in which it is held
or in such other language that is legally required. The
Constabulary will endeavour to translate information, where legally
required to do so.
Obligations under disability and discrimination legislation and
any other legislation to provide information in other forms and
formats will be adhered to when providing information in accordance
with this scheme.
Suffolk Constabulary strive to provide up to date information
routinely, ensuring that the contents of the scheme are reviewed
and where appropriate, updated within specified timeframes. To
ensure information can be accessed quickly and easily, the
Publication Scheme is maintained in accordance with ACPO and ICO
minimum standards.
We are continually looking to enhance our Publication Scheme and
value your comments. Please email information@suffolk.pnn.police.uk
to help us help you by letting us know if our Publication
Scheme has met your requirements.
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