Greater Manchester Police - Freedom of Information

[Paule]

Ok,

I know a few people have asked on various sites, Can you SAR the Police?

So I have detailed Greater Manchester Police Freedom of Information Policy.
Most other forces will operate similar to this:

Freedom of Information

Right of access
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.
Individuals already have the right of access to information about themselves under the Data Protection Act 1998. As far as public authorities are concerned, the Freedom of Information Act will extend this right to allow public access to all types of information held. This individual right of access to information came into effect on 1st January 2005.
Public authorities are required to adopt and maintain a publication scheme setting out the classes of information they hold, the manner in which they intend to publish the information, and whether a charge will be made for the information. The purpose of a scheme is to ensure a significant amount of information is available, without the need for a specific request. Schemes are intended to encourage organisations to publish more information pro-actively and to develop a greater culture of openness.
The Act is enforced by the Information Commissioner (the "Commissioner"), a post that combines regulation of both the Freedom of Information and Data Protection Acts. More information about the role of the Information Commissioner can be found at http://www.ico.gov.uk/eventual.aspxLegal Framework


What is the legal framework for a publication scheme?
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(2) of the Act sets out the requirements for a publication scheme as follows:

1. Specify classes of information that the public authority publishes or intends to publish;
2. specify the manner in which information of each class is, or is intended to be, published; and,
3. 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".

1. 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.
   
   Individual Rights of Access
   
   
   Types of information
   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 (see next page). 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.
   This right came into effect in January 2005.
   The Act does, however, set out some exemptions to this right and it also places a number of obligations on public authorities about the way in which they provide information. Subject to the exemptions anyone making a request has the right to be told whether information exists and the right to receive the information. In general, a response must be provided promptly within 20 working days.
   There is also a duty on public authorities to provide advice or assistance to anyone seeking information (for example in order to explain what is readily available or to clarify what is wanted).
   To see what information is available on our publication scheme please go to 'Classes of Information'.
   If the information you require is not available on this site please make a request, details are given on the 'how to obtain information' page'.
   
   Data Protection
   
   
   Introduction
   It gives individuals certain rights. It also says those who record and use personal information must be open about how the information is used and must follow the eight principles of 'good information handling'.
   Principles
   Anyone processing personal data must comply with the eight enforceable principles of good practice. They say that data must be:
2. Processed fairly and lawfully
3. Processed for limited purposes
4. Adequate, relevant and not excessive
5. Accurate and up-to-date
6. Not kept longer than necessary
7. Processed in accordance with the data subject's rights
8. Secure
9. Not transferred to countries outside EEA without adequate protection

Applying for Personal Information
Please see Subject Access page under Associated Pages

GMP Publication Scheme


In conjunction with all the other police forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, key areas of information that the public may require, were identified and form the basis of our classes of information.
Greater Manchester Police 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, 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, Greater Manchester 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.
The person responsible for maintaining the Publication Scheme for Greater Manchester Police is the FOIA Coordinator who is situated within our Information Management Unit (email- freedomofinformation@gmp.police.uk ).
Aim Of The Scheme
The aim of the Publication Scheme is to set out:

• What information Greater Manchester 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.

How to obtain information


information and publications
Where information is available on the Force's website a hypertext link will direct you to the correct page on the website. Where no online version is available, you should apply to:
Freedom of Information Act Coordinator,
Information Management Section,
Greater Manchester Police Headquarters,
PO Box 22 (S West PDO),
7th Floor,
Chester House,
Boyer Street,
Manchester.
M16 0RE.
Or alternatively email:
freedomofinformation@gmp.police.uk
When requesting information included in this scheme please include the following details:

• Your name and address
• The information or documents you would like to access
• The way you would like the information to be sent to you

• (e.g. hard copy, via email).

how long will it take
We will provide information listed in the Publication Scheme promptly and in any case within twenty working days.

Classes of Information


introduction
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.
In addition to these classes of information we intend to provide details of information relating to current and topical issues. This area will be constantly reviewed and updated.
Please click on the Classes listed below to view the information we publish:

Subject Access


Subject Access
Section 7 of the Data Protection Act 1998 states that a "data subject" (the person about whom the personal data refers) is entitled, upon written request, to be informed whether or not personal data is held or processed about them.
Should you wish to know what information (if any) the Greater Manchester Police holds about you, or you would like confirmation that you do, or do not have a prosecution/conviction history, you are required to make such a request in writing. For your convenience Greater Manchester Police have devised a standard subject access form which can be printed off.
Once you have printed and completed your application form, please either post to the address below or take it into a police station in the Greater Manchester area (please note, these forms will not be accepted at stations outside of Greater Manchester). Payment of a £10.00 fee and 2 documents of identification must accompany your completed Greater Manchester Police subject access form.
Application forms are also available from:
Information Management Section
Greater Manchester Police Headquarters,
PO Box 22 (S. West PDO),
7th Floor,
Chester House,
Boyer Street,
Manchester.
M16 0RE.
Tel: 0161 856 2534
Alternatively, you can email the unit at subjectaccess@gmp.police.uk to obtain an application form or click on the PDF in associated documents.
Please note that once we have received your completed application the process to provide you with information can take up to 40 days.


I hope this helps someone and I will post further details regarding Police policies.

Also this information is in the Public domain and is freely available to anyone who requires it.
I will not be posting any confidential or operational information relating to any Police Forces.

[Paule]

Re: Greater Manchester Police - Freedom of Information

I have the following details to publish when i get chance.

These are what I feel are the main issues, but feel free to ask for others and I will try and source them
(ie If you are interested in Number plate thefts I can get that info..pmsl)

Anyway I have the Following at present:

• Accident Investigation Procedures - Response
• Speed Camera Devices and Approval
• Activation of Safety Cameras by Police Officers
• Calibration of Safety Cameras
• Revenue generated by specific Speed Cameras-Response
• Enforcement of Speeding Offences
• PCSO Powers - Response
• Penalty Notices Issued by PSCO's
• Removal of a Vehicle - Policy
• Removal of a Vehicle - Response
• Vehicles Parking on Pavements - Policy
• Vehicles Parking on Pavements - Response
• Police Vehicle Accidents - Response
• Police Vehicles

[Paule]

Activation of Safety Cameras by Police Officers

Information Management Section
Criminal Justice Division

12th April 2007

Dear XXXX

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST REFERENCE NO: XXXX

I write in connection with your request for information dated 12/03/2007, which was received by Greater Manchester Police on 12/03/2007. I note you seek access to the following information:
• In the year 1/1/06 to 31/12/06 on how many occasions did police officers whilst driving police vehicles on duty activate a speed camera or red traffic light camera? Please provide a breakdown of how those activations were dealt with, ie. no further action, caution, prosecution etc.
• In the year 1/1/05 to 31/12/05 on how many occasions did police officers whilst driving police vehicles on duty activate a speed camera or red traffic light camera? Please provide a breakdown of how those activations were dealt with, ie. no further action, caution, prosecution etc..

Following receipt of your request searches were conducted within Greater Manchester Police to locate information relevant to your request. I can confirm that some of the information you have requested is held by Greater Manchester Police.

Greater Manchester Police has adopted a very robust and transparent approach to dealing with police vehicles being driven through speed cameras in excess of the limit. The increased use of roadside cameras to detect speeding and other offences highlighted the need for us to review the way we deal with these matters and particularly the manner in which we apply the exemptions under Section 87 of the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984 (speeding) and the various exemptions under the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002.

Considerations taken into account are whether the officer was lawfully exceeding the speed limit as per Section 87 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. If it was shown that the speed was necessary for the police to be carrying out specific duties. The Act states: “No statutory provision imposing a speed limit on motor vehicles shall apply to any vehicle on an occasion when it is being used for fire brigade, ambulance or police purposes, if the observance of that provision would be likely to hinder the use of the vehicle for the purpose for which it is being used on that occasion”.

These would include issues such as attending an emergency call, gaining on a vehicle ahead which they intended to stop and a multitude of operational issues. It does not state within these regulations that Police Vehicles have to use their blue lights when exceeding the speed limit. Blue lights are used to try and warn other motorists of the police vehicles pres-
Information Management Section, Criminal Justice Division, Police Headquarters, 8th Floor, Chester House, Boyer Street, Old Trafford, Manchester M16 0RE Tel: 0161 856 2702/2292/2668, Fax: 0161 856 2535, Minicom: 0161 872 6633, Email: freedomofinformation@gmp.police.uk
ence when traffic conditions require it, but these can hinder operations such as attending burglaries in progress at night where the lights can be seen from a long distance. We have been very strict in our interpretation of the legislation and once a Notice of Intended Prosecution has been generated we identify where the vehicle concerned is located and require the driver at the relevant time to submit a written report to his/her divisional/departmental commander in order to ascertain whether it is appropriate to claim an exemption.

The reports submitted by the police drivers are closely scrutinised before the decision as to whether a fixed penalty or summons will result and offences involving police vehicles will only be exempted from proceedings where fully justified and authorised by law and the authorisation is signed by a police officer of at least superintendent rank. Any case of doubt will be referred to a more senior officer. The authorising officer must be satisfied that the law permits waiving proceedings in these circumstances and be able to account to a court or discipline tribunal on the action he or she has taken.

January – December 2006
Total no caught 342
Cancelled 277
Enquiry stage 1
Conditional offer stage 2
Paid 44
Summons 2
Internal affairs enq 16


The figures for the year 2005 are not held by Greater Manchester Police.

Yours sincerely,
Information Management Section,
Criminal Justice Division,
Police Headquarters,
8th Floor,
Chester House,
Boyer Street,
Old Trafford,
Manchester
M16 0RE
Tel: 0161 856 2702/2292/2668,
Fax: 0161 856 2535,
Minicom: 0161 872 6633,
Email: freedomofinformation@gmp.police.uk