Make an FOI request
We are committed to being open, honest and accountable and do this by publishing all previous Freedom of Information (FOI) requests on our website.
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) gives you the right to access recorded information held by public-sector organisations.
The Information Commissioner’s Office provides more information about how to access information from a public body.
Before you make a request
Check if the information you want is already available or can be accessed without submitting a FOI request:
- See our proactive publications
- View our previous Freedom of Information requests
- Check our publication scheme which contains details about our priorities, how we make decisions and our expenditure
- Request access to personal information held about you
The information you are looking for may also be available from external sources, such as:
- Police performance statistics from Police.uk
- Authorised Professional Practice through College of Policing
- Police workforce figures from GOV.UK
- Our finances and expenditure from the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner
Public interest
Consider if your request is vital to the public’s interest. If it is not vital we ask you to delay submitting your request as providing a response may divert police officers away from their regular duties.
Submit a FOI request
If the information you need is not already available online, you can make a request:
- online – fill in our make a Freedom of Information request form
Make sure you include:
- Your name and contact details
- The information you would like to access
If you use AI tools to prepare an FOI request, review our guidance on using AI to request information about the police.
Request an appeal or internal review
If you are unhappy with the response to your request for information, you can appeal against the decision within 40 working days and request an internal review.
For information, read our Freedom of Information internal review procedure.