MPS Publication Scheme
Frequently Asked Questions
This page contains Frequently Asked Questions about the Publication Scheme required under the Freedom of Information Act.
Q. Why have a Publication Scheme?
It is only right that you should have access to information on the workings of the Metropolitan Police Service. Providing more information about the way we work and what we intend to do can only serve to build greater trust between the Metropolitan Police Service and all the communities we serve.
Including information in our Scheme that is frequently requested will also help us to reduce administrative costs and devote more resources to making London safer.
Q. What is a Publication Scheme?
A Publication Scheme is best thought of as a library catalogue. It is a list of material that the Metropolitan Police Service has chosen to make available to the public.
Q. Who approves the content of the Publication Scheme?
The Metropolitan Police Service Publication Scheme is approved by the Information Commissioner.
Q. What are 'Information Classes'?
The Freedom of Information Act requires the Metropolitan Police Service to publish information under certain headings termed 'classes'. These must be defined to ensure that only information that meet the definitions/descriptions are placed within the classes.
Q. Who decides what goes in the Publication Scheme?
It is for the Metropolitan Police Service to decide what goes in its Publication Scheme. However, in doing so we must take account of the public interest in our activity.
Q. How do people get to see our Publication Scheme if they haven't got access to the Internet?
Copies of the Scheme including the Publications List will be available in central libraries in London. Leaflets outlining the Scheme will be made available in Citizens Advice Bureaux and on request at any Metropolitan Police Station.
Q. How will information be supplied to the public?
It is intended that most information we publish will be supplied by e-mail. In some cases, the material will be available directly from our Website. The material can be supplied by post if required.
Q. What is the difference between the Metropolitan Police Service Publication Scheme and the current Metropolitan Police Service Website?
The Publication Scheme is a catalogue of information that we are making available to the public. Obtaining this information will not rely on access to the internet. In time, all information published on our Website will be included in our Publication Scheme.
Q. What if I want some information that is not included in the Publication Scheme?
Under the Freedom of Information Act, the Metropolitan Police Service is not obliged to supply information outside this Scheme until 1 January 2005. However, in the interim we will continue to endeavour to meet reasonable request for other information where possible.