How to Obtain Information
Under the Freedom of Information Act, a public authority must consider all written requests for recorded information it receives and must:
Inform the applicant whether the information is held; and
Supply the requested information subject to the application of exemptions contained within the Act.
This general right of access is afforded to anybody residing anywhere in the world.
The FOIA is fully retrospective and covers all information held in a recorded format.
South Wales Police is guided in its handling of FOI requests by the ACPO National Manual of Guidance.
The deadline for a public authority to respond to requests made under FOI is 20 working days, although there are some circumstances where this may be extended under the terms of the legislation. Occasionally, for example, if a request requires clarification, or is subject to the application of certain exemptions where there is a need to consider public interest factors, the 20 working day period may be extended.
Where clarification is required, South Wales Police will stop the 20 working day time clock until clarification has been received from the applicant and will close off the request completely if no clarification is received within 60 working days.
The cost limit for responding to FOI requests is £450 or 18 hours worth of work. Where it is estimated that the request for information is likely to exceed the statutory cost limit, the request will be refused by the force on the grounds of cost.
Compliance with the FOI is monitored by the Information Commissioners Office.
How to Obtain Information
To make a valid request under the Freedom of Information Act, the following criteria must be met:
The request must be made in writing
It can be made by letter, fax or email
It must contain your name and a return address (this can be an email address)
It must clearly identify the information being sought
It must be legible
Requests made to South Wales Police under the Freedom of Information Act should be sent to:
Freedom of Information Officer
South Wales Police Headquarters
Cowbridge Road
Bridgend
CF31 3SU
Telephone: 01656 306161 or 01656 869439
Fax: 01656 302176 (please address faxes to the Freedom of Information Office).
A valid FOIA request must contain your name and an address. The provision of any other contact details is optional, however any additional information you choose to provide will enable us to provide you with a faster and more efficient service.
Please note that if your request is for personal information held about yourself by South Wales Police, please follow the attached link to the
Data Protection Unit for consideration under the Data Protection Act.
