Section 132 Guidance about the disclosure of information by police forcesI1

in section 12, in the heading, at the end insert “about police functions under this Act”;

after section 12, insert—

“Guidance about the disclosure of information by police forces

12A

(1)

The Secretary of State may—

(a)

issue guidance to chief officers of police about the disclosure of police information for the purpose of protecting persons from risks associated with stalking;

(b)

revise any guidance issued under this section.

(2)

A chief officer of police must have regard to any guidance issued under this section.

(3)

Before issuing any guidance or revisions under this section, the Secretary of State must consult—

(a)

the National Police Chiefs’ Council, and

(b)

such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

This does not apply to revisions the Secretary of State considers are not substantial.

(4)

The Secretary of State must publish any guidance or revisions issued under this section.

(5)

“Police information” means any information held by a police force.”