 Explaining the Scheme
As of 1st January 2009 the Information Commissioner has introduced a new model Publication Scheme that applies to all public authorities. The scheme can be found on the Information Commissioner's website.
This document sets out the statutory requirements that each public authority must adhere to.
The model Scheme includes a commitment from the public authority to:
- To proactively publish or otherwise make available as a matter of routine, information, including environmental information, which is held by the authority and falls within the classifications below.
- To specify the information held by the authority that falls within the classifications below.
- To proactively 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 proactively 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 Section document can be found on the Information 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 Information Commissioner of what information should be published and has been produced in consultation with the Association of Chief Police Officers. 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.
How to Access Published Information
Much of the published information can be accessed on our web-site 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.
Understanding Our Abbreviations
As a large organisation we often use abbreviations within our textual information.
To assist the reader with interpreting these, an explanatory abbreviations list is included.
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 Officer on 03000 111 222 ext. 2355 or via email at freedomofinformation@northants.police.uk | See also:
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Contact Us
Northamptonshire Police,
Freedom Of Information Officer,
Information Unit,
FHQ,
Wootton Hall,
Northampton,
NN4 0JQ
Email: FOI Team
The ICO is the UK's independent public body set up to promote access to official information and protect personal information by promoting good practice, ruling on eligible complaints, providing information to individuals and organisations, and taking appropriate action when the law is broken.
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