Dear Mr McDowall

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST REFERENCE NUMBER 0815/2009

I refer to your request for information dated 13 October 2009 which was received by Strathclyde police on that date.

Having now considered your request for information, I cannot identify exactly the information you seek. In order to progress your request further, I should be obliged if you could provide me with the information detailed below.

(1) Please provide copies of the training materials used to train Force Support Officers,

(2) Please confirm the full process if a member of the public calls to report a crime and the FSO does not feel that a crime has been committed, what stages does a call then go through and how is the issue escalated to a police officer for a decision?

With regards to question 1 above, unfortunately this question is too wide and it would be helpful if you could clarify if you are referring to training materials for Members of Police Staff within our Contact Centres and Uniform Bars at Divisions and specifically those who answer calls from members of the public wishing to report a crime or incident?

Your request will now be considered in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (the Act). You will receive a response within the statutory timescale of 20 working days as defined by the Act, subject to the information not being exempt or containing a reference to a third party. The 20 working days will commence upon receipt of the additional information requested from you. If, however, the additional information requested has not been received by 16 November 2009, I shall assume that you no longer wish to proceed with this request and will treat it as withdrawn.

In some circumstances, Strathclyde Police may be unable to meet the 20 working day deadline, however, if this is the case then you will be informed and given a revised timescale at the earliest opportunity. There may be a fee payable for the retrieval, collation and provision of the information you request. If this is the case, you will be informed and the 20 working day timescale will be suspended until we receive payment from you. If you choose not to make payment then your request will remain unanswered.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in Strathclyde Police. Should you require any further assistance concerning this matter please contact me directly on 0141 435 1215 quoting the reference number given.

Yours sincerely

Charlene Thomson

Analyst Researcher

Freedom of Information