Our Publication Scheme is the system whereby we make information about aspects of police work freely available to the public.

We are committed to delivering an open and transparent service and we want you to be able to easily find out about a range of issues including how we work, how we make decisions, how we police, and how we spend money.

However, as we are committed to both protecting the communities we serve and preventing and detecting crime, it must be recognised that certain information should not be disclosed. Information concerning ongoing investigations, investigative methods, intelligence and the use of related operational techniques must be protected, as must the personal data of individuals. They are central to the maintenance of a safe and just society. In this respect, Norfolk 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, Section 40 Personal Data and Section 41 Information Provided in Confidence.

The person responsible for the Publication Scheme for Norfolk Constabulary is the Superintendent, Head of Professional Standards Department.

The Freedom of Information Manager, also in the Professional Standards Department, is responsible for overseeing the Scheme and all other aspects of compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. There are individual points of contact in each part of the Constabulary who are responsible for maintaining the information published as part of the Scheme.

 

Explaining the Scheme
As of 1st January 2009 the Information Commissioner has introduced a new model Publication Scheme which applies to all public authorities. The scheme can be found on the Commissioner's website.

 

This document sets out the legal requirements each public authority must adhere to.

The model scheme includes a commitment from the public authority to:

• To proactive publish or otherwise make available as a matter of routine, information, including environmental information, which is held by the authority and falls within certain classifications.
• To specify the information held by the authority that falls within the classifications.
• To proactive publish or otherwise make available as a matter of routine, information in line with the statements contained within this scheme.
• To produce and publish the methods by which the specific information is made routinely available so that it can be easily identified and accessed by members of the public.
• To review and update on a regular basis the information the authority makes available under this scheme.
• To produce a schedule of any fees charged for access to information which is made proactive available.
• To make this publication scheme available to the public.

 

The Information Commissioner has also published a series of definition documents specific to each sector. The police sector document can be found on the commissioner's website.

This document provides guidance to police forces on the type of information they should consider publishing. The guidance represents an expectation from the commissioner of what information should be published and has been produced in consultation with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO). 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 Guide to Published Information
It is a requirement of the model scheme that public authorities publish a guide to direct the public to how and where information is published or made available, including whether a fee is charged.

Copies of this guide are available at the front desk in police stations throughout the county.

 

How to Access Published Information
Much of the published information can be accessed on our website by clicking on the links contained in the guide. Where information is historical, or is in an extremely large document it will be made available by telephoning or emailing the contact point shown in the guide. The contact point will provide the information by email or a paper copy by post. In some cases, a fee to cover photocopying and postal costs may be charged. Alternatively, arrangements could be made to view the information at a local police station.

 

General Enquiries about the Publication Scheme
If you have any general questions about the format or running of the publication scheme please contact the Freedom of Information Manager on 0845 456 4567 or use our Contact us form.