Staffordshire Police Authority

Since 1 January 2005, the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 has given the right of access to recorded information held by public authorities, subject to certain exemptions.

The FOI Act applies to the vast majority of public authorities, including Staffordshire Police Authority.  If you ask us for information we will let you know in writing whether we hold information you have asked for and if we do, provide the information to you within 20 working days, unless it is subject to an exemption.

We also have a duty to provide advice or assistance to you or anyone seeking information (for example in order to explain what is readily available or to clarify what is wanted).

Under the FOI Act, public authorities, including Staffordshire Police Authority, are required to have a Publication Scheme which sets out the information that can be made routinely available to the public.  The Information Commissioner has approved a model scheme for police authorities which has been developed in conjunction with the Association of Police Authorities.  A link to the model scheme is attached (www.ico.gov.uk). 

Our Publication Scheme

The purpose of our Publication Scheme is to let you know what information is readily available from us without your needing to ask for it.  Most of the information is available on the Authority's website, although the information can also be obtained from us if you request it by letter, fax, e-mail or a telephone call.  Some types of information or documents may also be found in a local library.  A list of information provided by Staffordshire Police Authority is detailed on pages 9-11 of the Publication Scheme. 

A copy of the Authority's disclosure log, setting out requests made to the Authority under the FOI legislation for 2010/11 is published on the Authority's website.