HMICFRS and the Freedom of Information Act

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI Act) gives anybody the right to access information held by public authorities.

This means you can file a Freedom of Information Act (FOI) request to us.

Note: the FOI Act covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland. For information on FOI in Scotland, please see the Scottish Information Commissioner website.

How to ask for information

Follow the advice and tips below to ensure your request for information is dealt with as quickly as possible.

First, it’s a good idea to check and see if the information you’re looking for is already on our website. You can do this by checking our:

If you can’t find the information using either of those methods, you can send requests for information by letter or email.

To help us deal with your query, please:

  • tell us clearly what information you want; and
  • include your name and either a postal or email address

Please send your request to:

HMICFRSFOI@hmicfrs.gov.uk

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services
FOI – Request
23 Stephenson Street
Birmingham
B2 4BH

Complaints

If you are unhappy with the way in which your FOI request is handled, or the response you receive, you have the right to complain.

If you do complain, the issues you raise will be considered first – as part of an internal review process – by officials not involved in the handling of your original request.

When submitting a complaint please provide the reference number of your FOI request and explain why you wish to complain.

Complaints should be submitted no more than two months after you receive a reply to your FOI request. You will receive a response no more than 20 working days after your complaint is first received.

Complaints should be sent to:

HMICFRSFOI@hmicfrs.gov.uk

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services
FOI – Appeals
23 Stephenson Street
Birmingham
B2 4BH

Should you be dissatisfied with HMICFRS’s response to your complaint, you have a further right of appeal to the Information Commissioner.