The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000 came into force on 01 January 2005.  The Act gives the right to anyone, anywhere in the world, to request copies of any recorded information from a public authority including South Yorkshire Police.

Individuals already have the right of access to information about themselves under the Data Protection Act 1998.  The Freedom of Information Act will extend this right to allow the public to request access to all other types of recorded information held.

The FOIA places two distinct responsibilities on public authorities:

1. The duty to confirm or deny whether the requested information exists; and
2. The duty to communicate the requested information.

South Yorkshire Police will endeavour to comply with all requests for copies of recorded information made under the Freedom of Information Act, subject to exemptions applying under the Act.

Additionally, public authorities have an obligation under the FOIA to routinely publish information on a Publication Scheme (Section 19 FOIA).  The purpose of the scheme is to ensure a significant amount of information is available, without the need for a specific request.  Schemes are intended encourage organisations to publish more information pro-actively and to develop a greater culture of openness.

To make a request for copies of information about yourself, please click here and follow the links to the Subject Access Application Form.

South Yorkshire Police's Publication Scheme.

Make a request for any other recorded information not held on the Publication Scheme.

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 will be enforcement by the Information Commissioner (the "Commissioner").  The Information Commissioners Office regulate both the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Data Protection Act 1998.