Part 1

Policing

Information and inquiries

Disclosure of information and holding of inquiries
29
1
After section 76 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (c. 32) insert—

Disclosure of information and holding of inquiries
76A
1
For the purposes of sections 33A, 59 and 66, the grounds on which information ought not to be disclosed are that—
a
it is in the interests of national security;
b
the information is sensitive personnel information;
c
the information would, or would be likely to, prejudice proceedings which have been commenced in a court of law.
2
For the purposes of section 60, the grounds on which an inquiry ought not to be held are that—
a
it is in the interests of national security;
b
any matter into which inquiry is to be made is a sensitive personnel matter;
c
the inquiry would, or would be likely to, prejudice proceedings which have been commenced in a court of law.
3
“Personnel information” means information which relates to an individual’s holding of, application for or appointment to a relevant office or employment.
4
“Personnel matter” means a matter which relates to an individual’s holding of, application for or appointment to a relevant office or employment.
5
An office or employment is a relevant office or employment for the purposes of subsections (3) and (4) if the holder of it is under the direction and control of the Chief Constable.
6
It is immaterial for the purposes of subsections (3) and (4) that the individual no longer holds the office or employment.
2
Subsection (1) has effect for the purposes of section 59 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 in accordance with section 10(5) of this Act.
3
Subsection (1) has effect for the purposes of section 60 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 in accordance with section 11(5) of this Act.