Publication Scheme
Aim
Under section 19(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, public authorities are required to produce a Publication Scheme.
The scheme sets out:
- The classes of information we hold
- The manners in which we intend to publish the information
- Whether a charge will be made for it
The Information Commissioner's Office in consultation with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) has issued a Classes of Information definition document for a new Model Publication Scheme for all 44 police services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The new scheme can accommodate the terminology used within the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Access to the publication scheme will be through this site or the quick link on our Freedom of Information page. The primary purpose of the PSNI scheme is to ensure that a significant amount of information on policing is readily available to the public.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland is committed to delivering an open and transparent service and it is our intention to publish information in our Publication Scheme that the public may have an interest in viewing. Our scheme will be subjected to regular updating and periodic review to ensure that the published information remains current / relevant.
However, as we are committed to protecting the communities we serve, and preventing and detecting crime, it must be recognised that certain information, in the public interest, should not be disclosed. Information concerning ongoing investigations, investigative methods, intelligence and the use of related operational techniques must be protected. They are central to the maintenance of a safe and just society. In this respect, the PSNI will, when appropriate, apply reasonable consideration of the exemptions afforded under the Freedom of Information Act. Data Protection and Human Rights legislation may also prevent us from releasing certain classes of information.
The information in the Publication Scheme will be free of charge unless we consider the cost to be excessive.
We are committed to providing equal access to information for everyone. Information will be made available on request in alternative formats, such as in Braille, large print and in other languages for those not fluent in english.
Safeguards are in place to ensure we do what we say we will do. An Information Commissioner, who regulates the Freedom of Information and Data Protection Acts, has approved our publication scheme and their staff monitor it to ensure that we comply with our obligations.
Archived information
We are only required to proactively publish information for a limited period of time. Please contact the Publication Scheme Manager at the address below if the information you seek is prior to the dates as published.
Contact us
If you have any queries, comments or complaints about our publication scheme please contact us.
Publication Scheme ManagerFreedom of Information Team
Corporate Development
Brooklyn
65 Knock Road
Belfast
BT5 6LE
