Dear Mr Perrin,

With reference to your recent request for information received on 25^th January 2010 regarding Pedlar's Certificates, I would advise as follows;

Although requirements across the force vary, these variations are based on previous experience and the needs for a particular area, The Act states that the issuing officer must be 'satisfied' that the applicant is:

Sussex Police cannot be 'satisfied' on any of the above issues unless proof is supplied. e.g. we cannot prove good character if we do not have a date of birth. and proof of address.

Similarly, we cannot be 'satisfied' a person is over 17 years of age without a copy of a passport, driving licence or similar identifying document.

Therefore, we believe it is proportionate and necessary for Sussex Police to require additional documentation to verify information that is required under the Pedlars Act 19871.

The above is based upon the requirements of Section 5 of the Pedlars Act 1971, which states the following regulations shall be made with respect to the grant of a Pedlar's certificates:

1 Subject as in this Act mentioned, a Pedlar's certificate shall be granted to any person by the chief officer of police for the police area in which the person applying for a certificate has, during one month previous to such application, resided, on such officer being satisfied that the applicant is above seventeen years of age, is a person of good character, and in good faith intends to carry on the trade of a Pedlar.

In terms of that part of your request referring to information/documentation/communications in respect of the application form and the implications of the Data Protection Act 1998, I can confirm Sussex Police hold no documents/records specific to that part of your request. I have therefore determined the information is not held by this force.

Yours sincerely

Roger Brace

Freedom of Information Disclosure Officer

To Mr P Perrin

By e-mail

Right of Appeal

Sussex Police provides you the right to request a re-examination of your case under its review procedure. If you decide to request such a review and having followed Sussex Police's full process you are still dissatisfied, then you have the right to direct your comments to the Information Commissioner who will give it consideration.

Copyright

The Sussex Police in complying with their statutory duty under sections 1 and 11 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to release the enclosed information will not breach the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. However, the rights of the copyright owner of the enclosed information will continue to be protected by law.  Applications for the copyright owner's written permission to reproduce any part of the attached information should be addressed to Chief Constable, Sussex Police Headquarters, Malling House, Church Lane, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2DZ.