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  4. How to make a FOI Request

How to make a Freedom of Information Request

  • How to make a FOI Request
  • Third Party Information Request
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This individual right of access to information came into effect on 1 January 2005. Individuals already have the right of access to information about themselves under the Data Protection Act 1998. As far as the Police Service is concerned, the Freedom of Information Act (and the 'Environmental Information Regulations 2004' – EIR) extends this right to allow public access to all types of information held.  

Under the Freedom of Information Act, the PSNI has a legal obligation to consider all requests for recorded information it receives and must:

  • Inform the applicant whether the information is held.
  • Supply the requested information subject to the application of exemptions contained within the Act.

The law is clear in that anyone who makes a request to a public authority for information must be told whether the information is held and must be supplied with that information unless the cost to provide it would exceed the cost limit set by the Secretary of State (currently £450). In general, a response must be provided within 20 working days.

Information can only be withheld under the FOI Act if certain exemptions are applicable, for example, requests for information about criminal investigations, past or present and about matters of national security.

The College of Policing's Authorised Professional Practice for the Freedom of Information Act and ICO guidance contains advice on making a request and explains the exemptions that may be applied to information.

Make A Request For Information Under Right Of Access

If the information you are looking for is not available on the PSNI website or in the Freedom of Information Publication Scheme and you wish to make a request for information under Right of Access you MUST do so in writing either by post or e-mail.

We need to know:

  • Your name
  • Your address for correspondence
  • A full description of the information you require

To send a request by post or e-mail download an application form and return it to us.

FOI application form - Electronic Version

If you are dissatisfied with how your request has been dealt, you should forward your complaint to the Corporate Information Manager in writing at the address shown.

Related Links

  • College of Policing
  • Information Commissioner's Office
Downloads

  • FOI Application Form - Electronic Version

Contact Us

Freedom of Information Team
Corporate Development
Brooklyn
65 Knock Road
Belfast
BT5 6LE
Email: foi@psni.police.uk
Tel: 028 9070 0164

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  • Modern Slavery Human Trafficking Unit
  • Organised Crime
  • Sexual Violence and Abuse
  • Sextortion
  • Theft
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Strategic Communications and Engagement

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Advice and Information

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  • Action Counters Terrorism
  • Advice for Landlords
  • Advice on Protests
  • Advice for Students
  • Air and Sea Ports
  • Animal Welfare and Wildlife
  • Body Worn Video
  • Business Crime
  • Child Protection
  • Child Sexual Exploitation
  • Christmas Safety Advice
  • Community Resolution
  • Complaints against the PSNI
  • Domestic Abuse
  • Chief Officers' Expenses
  • Drones - Unmanned Aircraft Systems
  • EU funded research projects
  • Freedom of Information
  • Firearms
  • Information About Yourself
  • Internet Safety
  • Mobile Phone Extraction (MPE)
  • Our Publications
  • Parades and Public Processions
  • Penalty Notices for Disorder
  • Policing and mental health
  • Project Servator
  • Protecting Your Home
  • Protecting Yourself
  • Roads and Driving
  • Rural Security
  • Safe Summer
  • Security Systems
  • Self Help Guides
  • Sexting
  • Sextortion
  • Sexual Consent
  • Stop and Search
  • The Law on Sex in Northern Ireland
  • Vehicle Purchase and Protection
  • Victim Satisfaction Survey
  • Victim Support
  • Winter Safety
  • Stalking and Harassment

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