Freedom of 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 for information must be informed whether the public authority holds that information and, subject to exemptions, supplied with that information.
If you would like to know more about Surrey Police, the way we operate, our structure, how we spend our budget, how we are performing, etc. then you should make a Freedom of Information Request.
Surrey Police receive approximately 800 FOI requests per year. We publish the vast majority of the responses on our Disclosure Log. You may want to browse through those responses or look at the information on the rest of the website before you make your request.
Access Rights
Individuals already have the right of access to information about them ('personal data'), which is held on computer, and in some paper files, under the Data Protection Act 1998.
As far as public authorities are concerned, Freedom of Information will extend this right to allow access to all the types of information held, whether personal or non-personal. That right came into effect on 1st January 2005.
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.
Information Commissioner's definition document for the Model Publication Scheme for police forces.
Information Classes
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.
Obtaining Information
This Publication Scheme has been designed to highlight information and publications that are currently available from Surrey Police.
Where information is available on the web site a hypertext link will direct you to the correct page on the web site. Where no online version is available, you should apply in writing, alternatively you can email or telephone the Information Access Team.
Data Protection
In this section you will find details of your right to access the information that we hold. The Data Protection Act 1998 provides individuals with a right of access to information that may be held about themselves.
ACPO FOI Guidance Manual
This manual has been created to give you a better understanding of your rights under the Act, how best to apply for information and an explanation of the exemptions that Surrey Police may use in certain cases. You can download the Freedom of Information Guidance Manual here.
FOI Manual of Guidance (PDF download - 665kb)
If you need help reading Acrobat Reader files, use Access Adobe.
If you don't have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, visit the Adobe web site for a free download. (These links will open in new windows.)