In providing this information Northamptonshire Police is following the legally approved ACPO model publication scheme.

The Freedom of Information Act requires a Publication Scheme to specify the classes of information the public authority already publishes or intends to publish. Our intention is to publish as much information as possible on subjects where there is known to be public interest. However, exemptions under the Freedom of Information Act may prevent some information from being released.

Northamptonshire Police publishes, or intends to publish information under the Classes of Information listed in the Guide to Published Information.

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 must be informed whether the public authority holds that information and supplied with a copy of that information. The Act includes a range of provisions that exempt certain information from the right of access.

Public Authorities are 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.

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 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, Northamptonshire Police 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 Act is enforced by the Information Commissioner (the "Commissioner"), a post that combines regulation of both the Freedom of Information and Data Protection Acts.

The person responsible for the Publication Scheme for Northamptonshire Police is the Superintendent, Head of Professional Standards Department.
 
The Freedom of Information Officer, 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 Northamptonshire Police who are responsible for maintaining the information published as part of the Scheme.

Advice & Assistance

There is also a duty on public authorities to provide advice or assistance to anyone seeking information (for example in order to explain what is readily available or to clarify what is wanted).

Download the FOI Manual of Guidance. This contains advice on making a request and explanations of the exemptions that may be applied to information.