Requesting Information - the Freedom of Information Act

The Police Ombudsman's Office is committed to proving the public with as much information as it legally can about its work. We want the opinion of the public and police officers to be based on accurate information.

If you want information which you think the Police Ombudsman's Office has, you should ask us for it. If you are currently dealing with members of our staff as part of our normal business, then you should ask them for the information you want.

If, however, your request is not part of our normal business, or if you have asked for information and our staff has refused to give it to you, you can make a Freedom of Information request - this is simply a written request for information where you ask that it be considered under the Freedom of Information Act.

Under the Freedom of Information Act, public organisations have to release information to you, unless there are exemptions under the law which excuses them from doing so.

To make a Freedom of Information request you must:

• Make it in writing
• E mail it to us: info@policeombudsman.org or
• Post it to us: Freedom of Information Unit, Police Ombudsman's Office, New Cathedral Buildings, 11 Church Street, Belfast, BT1 1PG and
• Be as clear and specific as possible about the information you want

The Police Ombudsman's Office will consider your request and respond to it, normally within 20 working days.

We will try to ensure that you are not charged for the supply of information. If there is a cost involved, we will let you know about this beforehand.

If you are not happy with our response, you should appeal this to our Chief Executive - details of how to do this will be sent to you.

If after this, you still feel unsatisfied, you can refer the matter to the Information Commissioner's Office in Belfast. (It will also be able to provide you with more information on the Freedom of Information process.) ni@ico.gsi.gov.uk