FOI 1089-2024/25 ANPR
Request
Thank you for your response to my Freedom of Information request (Reference: 0956.2024-25).
While I appreciate the information provided, I seek further clarification on the following points:
Q1. ANPR Policies and Procedures (Q1): The link provided directs to general ANPR policies. Could you confirm whether these documents include details specifically on vehicle stop procedures using ANPR, or if there are additional guidelines that may be available for public disclosure?
Q2. Manual Entry into ANPR (Q2): I understand that full disclosure of the instructions may compromise law enforcement operations. However, could you provide a summary of the manual entry process that does not reveal operational tactics but clarifies its oversight and compliance with relevant policies?
Q3. Self-Assessment Reports (Q4): Your response states that the results of the annual self-assessment against Surveillance Camera Commissioner principles are not available. Could you clarify whether:
- a) These assessments are not conducted,
- b) They exist but are classified, or
- c) They are publicly available through another avenue?
Q4. Retention Beyond Standard Periods (Q5): The response refers to National ANPR Standards (sections 6 and 6.1). Could you specify which exact legal provisions allow retention beyond the standard 7-day or 12-month period and under what specific circumstances data is preserved?
Extent and Result of Searches to Locate Information
To locate the information relevant to your request searches were conducted within North Yorkshire Police.
I can confirm that the information you have requested is held by North Yorkshire Police.
Decision
I have today decided to disclose the following information to you.
Q1. The ANPR Policy & Procedures does not cover the procedures officers should adopt when stopping vehicles. However, we can confirm that officers use various powers to stop vehicles. Examples of relevant legislation include but are not limited to S163 Road Traffic Act 1988, S1 Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, S23 Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and S43 Terrorism Act 2000.
Q2. When a request is received to enter a vehicle manually on to the ANPR system, the information received is assessed before placing the vehicle on ANPR to ensure it is for a lawful purpose, proportionate and necessary. If it is then details are entered on to the system and should contain sufficient information as to why the vehicle is of interest and action to be taken.
Q3. We can confirm that the self-assessments b) exist but are classified.
Q4. This information was provided by North Yorkshire Police by way of our response dated 28 January 2025. By way of clarification, North Yorkshire Police follows the National ANPR standards - GOV.UK (specifically sections 6 (ANPR Legislation) and 6.1 (ANPR Data: Legal Basis)):
- ANPR Legislation
ANPR operates under a complex framework of legislation of general application, including the Data Protection Act 2018, UK General Data Protection Regulation(UKGDPR), and Common Law.
The National Law Enforcement ANPR capability (NAC) is subject to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) regulatory provisions.
6.1 ANPR Data: Legal Basis
ANPR data from police forces is police information within the meaning of The Code of Practice on the Police Information and Records Management Code of Practice 2023 (MOPI)) made under the Police Act 1996 and Police Act 1997. It may be shared between LEAs in accordance with the provisions of that Code or any other document which applies similar standards in its place, including the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) Statement of Information Management Practice (SIMP).
Access to and the retention and management of ANPR data obtained by LEAs must be compatible and consistent with their relevant legal obligations, which include: The Data Protection Legislation (i.e. the General Data Protection Regulations (UKGDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA);
- ICO Code of Practice for Surveillance Camera Systems (ICO Code);
- College of Policing Approved Professional Practice – Information Management. (MOPI);
- Part 2 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (PoFA);
- The Surveillance Camera Code issued under Part 2 of PoFA.
- Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 and Code of Practice issued under Part II of that Act (CPIA);
Please note that systems used for recording information are not generic, nor are the procedures used locally in capturing the data. It should be noted therefore that this force’s response to your questions should not be used for comparison purposes with any other responses you may receive.