Freedom of Information Section

Information Compliance Unit

Information Department

Durham Constabulary HQ

Aykley Heads

Durham

DH1 5TT

Tel. No: (0191) 3752487

Fax No: (0191) 3752760

Web Site: www.durham.police.uk

E-mail: [email address]

Our Ref: CW/ICU/DC/FOI/14/09

Date: 21^st January 2009

This matter is being dealt with by Claire Wigham, Information Officer, Telephone No 0191 3752080

Dear Mr Jarman

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST REFERENCE NO: 14/09

I write in connection with your request for information, dated 1^st January 2009, which was received by Durham Constabulary on 6^th January 2009. I note you seek access to the following information:

  1) How many former officers of Durham Constabulary are currently in
    receipt of an injury award pension, as provided for in the Police
    Pensions Regulations 1987 and the Police (Injury Benefit)
    Regulations 2006?

    2) Do you operate a policy of reducing an injury award pension to
    the lowest permissible band when the former officer reaches the age
    of 65?

    3) In the years 2004 to 2008 inclusive, how many former officers'
    injury award pensions were reduced to the lowest banding upon the
    former officer reaching the age of 65? (A total figure only is
    requested, but I have no objection if you break the figures down by
    year)

    4) In the years 1987 to 2003 inclusive, how many former officers'
    injury award pensions were reduced to the lowest banding upon the
    former officer reaching the age of 65? (A total figure only is
    requested, but I have no objection if you break the figures down by
    year)

    5) In the years 2004 to 2008 inclusive, how many formal complaints
    have been made against officers of ACPO rank in Durham Constabulary
    regarding matters in any way connected with the administration of
    reviews of police injury awards? (A total figure only is requested,
    but I have no objection if you break the figures down by year)

I am required by the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to handle all requests in a manner that is blind as to the identity and motives of the requestor. Any information released as a response to a request is regarded as being published and therefore in the public domain without caveat.

Please note that Durham Constabulary's response to your request is unique and should not be used as a comparison with any other Force response you receive.

Following receipt of your request, searches were conducted with the Support Services Department and the Professional Standards and Legal Services Department of Durham Constabulary. I can confirm that the information you have requested is held by Durham Constabulary.

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full as follows.

In relation to question 1) - How many former officers of Durham Constabulary are currently in receipt of an injury award pension, as provided for in the Police Pensions Regulations 1987 and the Police (Injury Benefit)Regulations 2006?

As at 16^th January 2009, 116 former Durham Constabulary officers were in receipt of an injury award pension.

In relation to question 2) - Do you operate a policy of reducing an injury award pension to the lowest permissible band when the former officer reaches the age of 65?

Durham Constabulary does not currently operate a policy of reducing an injury award pension to the lowest permissible band when the former officer reaches the age of 65.

In relation to the following questions -

3) In the years 2004 to 2008 inclusive, how many former officers' injury award pensions were reduced to the lowest banding upon the former officer reaching the age of 65? (A total figure only is requested, but I have no objection if you break the figures down by year).

4) In the years 1987 to 2003 inclusive, how many former officers' injury award pensions were reduced to the lowest banding upon the former officer reaching the age of 65? (A total figure only is requested, but I have no objection if you break the figures down by year)

5) In the years 2004 to 2008 inclusive, how many formal complaints have been made against officers of ACPO rank in Durham Constabulary regarding matters in any way connected with the administration of reviews of police injury awards? (A total figure only is requested, but I have no objection if you break the figures down by year)

The response to the above questions 3) - 5) is nil.

I do hope that the information provided is sufficient for your purposes and is of assistance to you.

Your attention is drawn to the attached sheet which details your right to complain.

Should you have any further inquiries concerning this matter, please write or contact me on the above telephone number.

Yours sincerely

Lynne A Davidson

Information Officer

(Enc)

PERSONAL

Mr John Jarman

Whatdotheyknow.com

Email: [FOI #5327 email]

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Aiming for EXCELLENCE