FOI Request: 'Paedophile Hunter' / Vigilantes

The request was successful.

Dear Public Prosecution Service Northern Ireland,

In a social media posting, a group of 'paedophile hunters' have claimed to have received information from a member of the PPS in terms of how they operate.

In light of this, I'm requesting the following information.

1. Have PPS staff met with 'paedophile hunters' to discuss their actions and how they can provide more credible evidence.

2. Did a PPS member of staff speak with any individuals involved in 'paedophile hunting' whilst discussing a case and issue guidance on the collection of evidence and procedures to be followed.

3. In light of claims these claims, what information has been exchanged and could I be issued with a copy.

For your information, some of the questions above have been asked to the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

A Stevenson

Info, Public Prosecution Service Northern Ireland

Mr Stevenson,

I acknowledge receipt of your email below.

Your request will be dealt with under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and a response will issue in due course.

Regards,

PPS FOI Team

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Info, Public Prosecution Service Northern Ireland

FOI 1659 -17/18
Via email: [FOI #458651 email]

19 February 2018

Dear Mr Stevenson,

I refer to your email dated 20 January 2018 in which you requested information regarding 'paedophile hunters'.

Your request has been dealt with under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Freedom of Information Act 2000

The Freedom of Information Act creates rights of access for any person making a request for information to a public authority. The rights of access are twofold. First, to be informed by the public authority if it holds information of the description specified in the request, and if that is the case, secondly, to be provided with that information. These rights are subject to important limitations, which are designed to achieve a proper balance between the right to know and considerations of law and policy in the broader public interest.

You had asked for the following:
1. Have PPS staff met with 'paedophile hunters' to discuss their actions and how they can provide more credible evidence.
2. Did a PPS member of staff speak with any individuals involved in 'paedophile hunting' whilst discussing a case and issue guidance on the collection of evidence and procedures to be followed?
3. In light of claims these claims, what information has been exchanged and could I be issued with a copy.

In response to question 1 and 2, I can advise that no member of PPS staff has met with a so-called 'Paedophile Hunter' at any time.

With regard to Question 3, PPS has had sight of draft correspondence prepared by PSNI to 'Paedophile Hunters' and commented upon it. It has not had sight of any final version issued by police.

If you are dissatisfied in any way with the handling of your request, you have the right to request a review in accordance with our review procedure. In the event that you require a review to be undertaken, you should do this as soon as possible or in any case within two months of the date of this response by writing to the Head of Policy and Information Unit, Public Prosecution Service, Belfast Chambers, 93 Chichester Street, BELFAST, BT1 3JR or alternatively by sending an e-mail to [email address]. You should state clearly the grounds on which you are requesting the review.

Alternatively, you may wish to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision.

The Information Commissioner can be contacted at:
Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF

Yours sincerely,

PPS FOI Section

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