Police answer my FOI Request

In late November after posting this blog post I sent off a freedom of information request to my local police authority asking about all the forms that need to be filled in for an arrest. I finally got my answer today:

Dear Mr Blacklan,

I write in connection with your request for information dated 30 November 2006 concerning the forms completed by police officers on arresting a suspect.

I have listed below the forms required to be submitted for a full case file. It must be borne in mind that there may be numerous witnesses and in some cases multiple defendants so the forms are repeated. It is also of importance that you are aware that there are other forms to complete in certain circumstances.

In domestic violence situations there is a specific form to be completed, as with Child Protection issues. There is a search of premises form and also a use of force form if the officer has had to use force to effect an arrest.

Stolen property records have to be completed as do exhibit labels and forensic evidence forms if exhibits are required to be examined.

Initial Witness Assessment

Report to Crown Prosecutor for Charging Decision - Decision Log & Action Plan

Further Report to Crown Prosecutor for Charging Decision

Custody System Form Charges

Custody System Form Charges

Custody System Form Conditional Bail Grant/Variation

Custody System Form Request to Vary Conditional Bail

Custody System Form Surety/Security

Case Summary

Confidential Information

Police Officers' Discipline Record

Unused Material - Disclosure Schedule

Sensitive Material Schedule - not to be Disclosed

Police Schedule of Special Measures

Disclosure Officers Report

Initial Remand Application

Breach of Bail

Witness List

Custody System Form - Witness Non-Availability

Witness Statement Continuation Sheet

Witness Statement CCTV

Witness Statement - Comms

Witness Statement One Interviewer

Witness Statement Two Interviewers

Witness Statement Additional Interviewer

Witness Statement - Road Policing Unit

Witness Statement Telecomms

Exhibit List

Application for Order on Conviction

Record of Taped Interview

Evidence of Bad Character - Defendant

Other Offences (Taken Into Consideration)

Further Evidence/Information

Interpreter Information

Submission of Work for Scientific Examination

I think you will agree that is a lot of forms and it will be even more if there is more than one person arrested. No wonder our police are spending hours and hours doing paperwork.

This just conforms that we should be hiring more administrators in the police force. Police should not be doing administration