Publication Scheme
Introduction to the Publication Scheme
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, public authorities have to produce a Publication Scheme. A publication scheme is a commitment to routinely and proactively provide information to the public. What follows is the Surrey Police Publication Scheme which follows the legally approved Information Commissioners Office (ICO) Model Publication Scheme.
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 will 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, Surrey 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. For a full list of exemptions and an explanation of their application please see the ACPO FOI Manual of Guidance.
The person responsible for the ownership of the Publication Scheme for Surrey Police is the Head of the Corporate Communications and Marketing.
The Information Access Manager within the ICT Directorate is responsible for the maintenance of the Scheme on a day to day basis.
Understanding Our Abbreviations
As a large organisation we often use abbreviations within our textual information. To assist the reader with interpreting these, an explanatory abbreviations list is included via this link.
Aim of the Scheme
The aim of the Publication Scheme is to set out:
- What information Surrey Police publishes or intends to publish as a matter of course;
- How we will publish this information;
- Whether the information will be available free of charge or on payment.
What is the Legal Framework for a Publication Scheme?
Publication Schemes are a novel and key feature of the United Kingdom's legislation on access to information held by public authorities. Their purpose is to be a means by which a public authority can make a significant amount of information available routinely, without waiting for someone to specifically request it.
Section 19(1) provides that it shall be the duty of every public authority to adopt and maintain a publication scheme, to publish information in accordance with its scheme and, from time to time, to review its publication scheme.
Section 19(2) of the Act sets out the requirements for a publication scheme. A publication scheme must:
- specify classes of information that the public authority publishes or intends to publish;
- specify the manner in which information of each class is, or is intended to be, published;
- specify whether the material is, or is intended to be, available to the public free of charge or on payment.
Section 19(3) states that "in adopting or reviewing a publication scheme, a public authority shall have regard to the public interest in allowing public access to information held by the authority and in the publication of reasons for decisions made by the public authority."