Our commitment to you
The Police Service of Northern Ireland seeks to set a high standard in all our communications with the public and we will act in a professional manner in dealing with your enquiry and manage your enquiry to the following standards.
Our Standards
i) Respect the confidentiality of all correspondence.
ii) Whether the information is available or not (subject to policy). We will aim to send a written acknowledgement within 15 days
iii) We will be as informative as possible, using clear and precise language.
Your Obligations
i) The Police Service of Northern Ireland will not disclose information unless you have the express permission to obtain it and you have completed the relevant application form.
We will not directly contact the subject of the request to provide such permissions if not already given.
ii) Always provide a ‘lawful purpose¹' for which the requested information is required. Information sought without this will not be disclosed.
iii) Fully complete the appropriate forms.
iv) Submit the appropriate fee with you request.
¹ A lawful purpose –There is a legal basis for sharing the information such as Section 35 of the Data Protection Act, which allows for disclosure of personal data where there is a requirement to do so by or under any enactment, by rule of law or Order of a Court or in connection with any legal or (including prospective legal proceedings), for obtaining legal advice, or establishing, exercising or defending its legal rights.
Further details on Section 35(2) –DPA can be found at Data Protection Act 1998 and detailed guidance is available from the Information Commissioner's Office.