Freedom of Information FAQs
What sort of information will I be able to access?
Any recorded information held by the Scottish Police Services Authority. Some information may be subject to an exemption under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 but may still be released if disclosure would be in the public interest.
Can I get access to personal information?
Individuals already have the right to apply for information held about them under the Data Protection Act 1998.
Will I be able to obtain personal information about other people under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002?
Personal information relating to identifiable third parties may be disclosed under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, providing the data protection principles are not breached.
What can I do if I have any comments or suggestions or problems getting information from the publication scheme?
You can contact SPSA with your comments, suggestions or complaints. You may also contact the Scottish Information Commissioner.
Who oversees the implementation of Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002?
The Scottish Information Commissioner is responsible for the regulation of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 and is contactable at:
The Office of The Scottish Information Commissioner
Kinburn Castle
Doubledykes Road
St Andrews
FIFE
KY16 9DS
Tel: 01334 464610
enquiries@itspublicknowledge.info
Who decides if I can have the information that I want?
There will be an identified individual responsible, within the SPSA, for making decisions relating to formal requests for information.
What happens if I am unhappy with their decision?
If you are unhappy with their decision, there will be an internal appeals procedure where the decision will be reviewed by a senior officer / official. Their determination will be intimated to you and if you are still dissatisfied, there is a right of appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner.
Can I make a request for information held about me and more general information that may be related at the same time?
Yes, but they would have to be dealt with separately under the Data Protection Act 1998, and the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.
Is the Act fully retrospective?
Yes, but authorities will have a records Retention Policy as part of their information management strategy, so some information will only be retained for a certain amount of time. The Act only applies to recorded information held by the authority.
Who can make an application for information under Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002?
Anyone, whether an individual or a corporate body. They do not have to be UK citizens or residents but will normally be 12 years of age or older. They only need to supply the authority with sufficient details to process the request and reply.
How quickly will my request be dealt with?
The request must be dealt with within 20 working days.