Complainant information stored

Dear Mr Mason,

Freedom of Information Request Reference No: 2010020000203
I write in connection with your request for information which was received
by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) on 01/02/2010. I note you seek
access to the following information:

* "Please provide information on the storage of information related to
complaints against the police on the Police national database or any
other computer.
* Please provide details of what information is retained and how it is
displayed for viewing."

Your request will now be considered in accordance with the Freedom of
Information Act 2000 (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. In some circumstances the MPS may be unable to
achieve this deadline. If this is likely you will be informed and
given a revised time-scale at the earliest opportunity.

Some requests may also require either full or partial transference to
another public authority in order to answer your query in the fullest
possible way. Again, you will be informed if this is the case.

COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Your attention is drawn to the attached sheet, which details your
right of complaint.

Should you have any further enquiries concerning this matter, please
write or contact Katie London on telephone number 02071613907 quoting
the reference number above.

Yours sincerely

Katie London
Policy and Support Officer
COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Are you unhappy with how your request has been handled or do you think
the decision is incorrect?

You have the right to require the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to
review their decision.

Prior to lodging a formal complaint you are welcome and encouraged to
discuss the decision with the case officer that dealt with your
request.

Ask to have the decision looked at again –

The quickest and easiest way to have the decision looked at again is
to telephone the case officer that is nominated at the end of your
decision letter.

That person will be able to discuss the decision, explain any issues
and assist with any problems.

Complaint

If you are dissatisfied with the handling procedures or the decision
of the MPS made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act)
regarding access to information you can lodge a complaint with the MPS
to have the decision reviewed.

Complaints should be made in writing and addressed to:

FOI Complaint
Public Access Office
PO Box 57192
London
SW6 1SF

In all possible circumstances the MPS will aim to respond to your
complaint within 40 working days.
The Information Commissioner

After lodging a complaint with the MPS if you are still dissatisfied
with the decision you may make application to the Information
Commissioner for a decision on whether the request for information has
been dealt with in accordance with the requirements of the Act.

For information on how to make application to the Information
Commissioner please visit their website at
www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk. Alternatively, phone or write to:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Phone: 01625 545 700

show quoted sections

Dear Mr Mason,

Freedom of Information Request Reference No: 2010020000203
I write in connection with your request for information which was received
by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) on 01/02/2010. I note you seek
access to the following information:

* "Please provide information on the storage of information related to
complaints against the police on the Police national database or any
other computer.
* Please provide details of what information is retained and how it is
displayed for viewing. "

You then redefined your request on 01/02/2010 as follows:

* "In responding to this request for information, please notify of any
'indentifiers' or 'coding' applied to personal information notifying
those viewing and entry or record that this individual has previously
made a complaint against the police."

Your request will now be considered in accordance with the Freedom of
Information Act 2000 (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. In some circumstances the MPS may be unable to
achieve this deadline. If this is likely you will be informed and
given a revised time-scale at the earliest opportunity.

Some requests may also require either full or partial transference to
another public authority in order to answer your query in the fullest
possible way. Again, you will be informed if this is the case.

COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Your attention is drawn to the attached sheet, which details your
right of complaint.

Should you have any further enquiries concerning this matter, please
write or contact Katie London on telephone number 02071613907 quoting
the reference number above.

Yours sincerely

Katie London
Policy and Support Officer
COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Are you unhappy with how your request has been handled or do you think
the decision is incorrect?

You have the right to require the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to
review their decision.

Prior to lodging a formal complaint you are welcome and encouraged to
discuss the decision with the case officer that dealt with your
request.

Ask to have the decision looked at again –

The quickest and easiest way to have the decision looked at again is
to telephone the case officer that is nominated at the end of your
decision letter.

That person will be able to discuss the decision, explain any issues
and assist with any problems.

Complaint

If you are dissatisfied with the handling procedures or the decision
of the MPS made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act)
regarding access to information you can lodge a complaint with the MPS
to have the decision reviewed.

Complaints should be made in writing and addressed to:

FOI Complaint
Public Access Office
PO Box 57192
London
SW6 1SF

In all possible circumstances the MPS will aim to respond to your
complaint within 40 working days.
The Information Commissioner

After lodging a complaint with the MPS if you are still dissatisfied
with the decision you may make application to the Information
Commissioner for a decision on whether the request for information has
been dealt with in accordance with the requirements of the Act.

For information on how to make application to the Information
Commissioner please visit their website at
www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk. Alternatively, phone or write to:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Phone: 01625 545 700

show quoted sections

Dear Mr. Mason

Freedom of Information Request Reference No: 2010020000203

I write in connection with your request for information dated 01/02/2010
which was received by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) on 01/02/2010.
I apologise for any inconvenience caused by the delay in providing you
with the reply. I note you seek access to the following information:

Please provide information on the storage of information related to
complaints against the police on the Police national database or any other
computer. Please provide details of what information is retained and how
it is displayed for viewing. Re-defined on 01/02/2010 as: In responding
to this request for information, please notify of any 'identifiers' or
'coding' applied to personal information notifying those viewing and entry
or record that this individual has previously made a complaint against the
police.

EXTENT OF SEARCHES TO LOCATE INFORMATION

To locate the information relevant to your request searches were conducted
at the Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS).

RESULT OF SEARCHES

The searches located information relevant to your request.

DECISION
The database called 'Tribune' is the Complaints and Discipline System used
by the MPS to record details of all public complaints and conduct matters
lodged against police officers or members of police staff. The database
holds information relating to the incident which has resulted in the
complaint/conduct matter, the police officer,(or police staff member), who
is the subject of the complaint/conduct matter and the details of the
person who has lodged the public complaint/conduct matter. The database
is used as a recording log for progress made during the course of the
investigation and will also show the subsequent decisions made and the
final results of the investigation.

In respect of any 'identifiers' or 'coding' being used to indicate that a
person has previously made a complaint against police, there is no such
identifying marker in use. The MPS will always respond to and record
complaints made by members of the public regarding the conduct of its
police officers or police staff in line with the provisions of the Police
Reform Act 2002.

For your further information I would refer you to the MPS Misconduct
Investigation Guide which contains further information describing the
complaints process, the procedures to be followed when investigating an
allegation of misconduct and the subsequent disciplinary procedures which
may be invoked if necessary. I attach the relevant internet link below for
your convenience.

http://www.met.police.uk/foi/pdfs/other_...

The MPS expects its staff to behave professionally, ethically and with the
utmost of integrity at all times. Any instance where the conduct of our
staff brings the MPS into disrepute is treated extremely seriously in line
with MPS policy.

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

Should you have any further enquiries concerning this matter, please write
or contact Carol Conway on telephone number 0207 230 5192 quoting the
reference number above.

Yours sincerely

Carol Conway
Case Manager
In complying with their statutory duty under sections 1 and 11 of the
Freedom of Information Act 2000 to release the enclosed information, the
Metropolitan Police Service 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 MPS Directorate of Legal
Services, 1st Floor (Victoria Block), New Scotland Yard, Victoria, London,
SW1H 0BG.
COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Are you unhappy with how your request has been handled or do you think the
decision is incorrect?

You have the right to require the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to
review their decision.

Prior to lodging a formal complaint you are welcome and encouraged to
discuss the decision with the case officer that dealt with your request.

Ask to have the decision looked at again ***

The quickest and easiest way to have the decision looked at again is to
telephone the case officer that is nominated at the end of your decision
letter.

That person will be able to discuss the decision, explain any issues and
assist with any problems.

Complaint

If you are dissatisfied with the handling procedures or the decision of
the MPS made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) regarding
access to information you can lodge a complaint with the MPS to have the
decision reviewed.

Complaints should be made in writing, within forty (40) working days from
the date of the refusal notice, and addressed to:

FOI Complaint
Public Access Office
PO Box 57192
London
SW6 1SF
[email address]

In all possible circumstances the MPS will aim to respond to your
complaint within 20 working days.
The Information Commissioner

After lodging a complaint with the MPS if you are still dissatisfied with
the decision you may make application to the Information Commissioner for
a decision on whether the request for information has been dealt with in
accordance with the requirements of the Act.

For information on how to make application to the Information Commissioner
please visit their website at www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk.
Alternatively, phone or write to:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Phone: 01625 545 700

show quoted sections

Dear Mr Mason

Freedom of Information Request Reference No: 2010050000763

I write in connection with your letter dated 5 May 2010 requesting that
the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) review its response to your request
for information relating to:

* FOIA original case number 2010020000203.

The review will be conducted in accordance to the MPS's complaints
procedure. The MPS endeavour to respond to your complaint by 2 June 2010.

Should you have any further inquiries concerning this matter, please
contact me quoting the reference number above.

Thank you for your interest in the MPS.

Yours sincerely

S. Strong
FOIA Policy Research & Complaints Officer

COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Are you unhappy with how your request has been handled or do you think the
decision is incorrect?

You have the right to require the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to
review their decision.

Prior to lodging a formal complaint you are welcome and encouraged to
discuss the decision with the case officer that dealt with your request.

Ask to have the decision looked at again –

The quickest and easiest way to have the decision looked at again is to
telephone the case officer that is nominated at the end of your decision
letter.

That person will be able to discuss the decision, explain any issues and
assist with any problems.

Complaint

If you are dissatisfied with the handling procedures or the decision of
the MPS made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) regarding
access to information you can lodge a complaint with the MPS to have the
decision reviewed.

Complaints should be made in writing, within forty (40) working days from
the date of the refusal notice, and addressed to:

FOI Complaint
Public Access Office
PO Box 57192
London
SW6 1SF
[email address]

In all possible circumstances the MPS will aim to respond to your
complaint within 20 working days.
The Information Commissioner

After lodging a complaint with the MPS if you are still dissatisfied with
the decision you may make application to the Information Commissioner for
a decision on whether the request for information has been dealt with in
accordance with the requirements of the Act.

For information on how to make application to the Information Commissioner
please visit their website at www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk.
Alternatively, phone or write to:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Phone: 01625 545 700

show quoted sections

Dear Mr/Ms Mason

Freedom of Information Request Reference No: 2010050000763

Further to our letter of [insert date], I am now able to provide a full
response to your complaint dated [insert date] concerning:

* 2010050000763.

DECISION

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has completed its review and has
decided that correct procedure was followed in determining the original
decision.

REASON FOR DECISION

[Provide rationale]

COMPLAINT RIGHTS

If you are dissatisfied with this response please read the attached paper
entitled Complaint Rights which explains how to contact the Information
Commissioner with your complaint.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in
the MPS.

Should you have any further inquiries concerning this matter, please
contact me on [telephone number] or at the address at the top of this
letter, quoting the reference number above.

Yours sincerely

[NAME OF DECISION MAKER]
[POSITION/DESIGNATION]

+------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Subject: Complaints | Access list: * |
| Decision | Shown in documents All documents |
| Category: FOIA - | Lookup key (for |
| Appeal, FOIA | programming |
| - Complaint | reference): |
| Text Complaints | |
| description: Decision | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------------+

+------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Text: |
+------------------------------------------------------------------------+

Dear Mr Mason

Freedom of Information Request Reference No: 2010050000763

FOIA complaint on existing case - 2010020000203.

Please could you confirm that you have asked the below questions for the
subject of your review:

1) You believe that complaints are stored on other systems as well as the
Tribune System and would like information about ANY storage on other
systems.

2) Your clarification on 1st February states you wish to be informed about
any identifyers or coding "in order to notify officers that an indivdual
has previously made a complaint against police". You would like us to
confirm if there are such identifiers or coding on any of the systems
including the Tribune system.

COMPLAINT RIGHTS

If you are dissatisfied with this response please read the attached paper
entitled Complaint Rights which explains how to contact the Information
Commissioner with your complaint.

Should you have any further inquiries concerning this matter, please
contact me on [telephone number] or at the address at the top of this
letter, quoting the reference number above.

Yours sincerely

Julia Wharton
FOI Coordinator & Review Officer
COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Are you unhappy with how your request has been handled or do you think the
decision is incorrect?

You have the right to require the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to
review their decision.

Prior to lodging a formal complaint you are welcome and encouraged to
discuss the decision with the case officer that dealt with your request.

Ask to have the decision looked at again -

The quickest and easiest way to have the decision looked at again is to
telephone the case officer that is nominated at the end of your decision
letter.

That person will be able to discuss the decision, explain any issues and
assist with any problems.

Complaint

If you are dissatisfied with the handling procedures or the decision of
the MPS made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) regarding
access to information you can lodge a complaint with the MPS to have the
decision reviewed.

Complaints should be made in writing, within forty (40) working days from
the date of the refusal notice, and addressed to:

FOI Complaint
Public Access Office
PO Box 57192
London
SW6 1SF
[email address]

In all possible circumstances the MPS will aim to respond to your
complaint within 20 working days.
The Information Commissioner

After lodging a complaint with the MPS if you are still dissatisfied with
the decision you may make application to the Information Commissioner for
a decision on whether the request for information has been dealt with in
accordance with the requirements of the Act.

For information on how to make application to the Information Commissioner
please visit their website at www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk.
Alternatively, phone or write to:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Phone: 01625 545 700

show quoted sections

Dear Mr Mason
Freedom of Information Request Reference No: 2010050000763
FOIA complaint on existing case - 2010020000203.
Apologies for the previous email it appears that there was a formatting
error and I am resending this email to ensure it is clear.

Please could you confirm that you have asked the below questions for the
subject of your review:
1) You believe that complaints are stored on other systems as well as the
Tribune System and would like information about ANY storage on other
systems.
2) Your clarification on 1st February states you wish to be informed about
any identifyers or coding "in order to notify officers that an indivdual
has previously made a complaint against police". You would like us to
confirm if there are such identifiers or coding on any of the systems
including the Tribune system.

COMPLAINT RIGHTS
If you are dissatisfied with this response please read the attached paper
entitled Complaint Rights which explains how to contact the Information
Commissioner with your complaint.
Should you have any further inquiries concerning this matter, please
contact me on the address at the top of this letter, quoting the reference
number above.
Yours sincerely

Julia Wharton
FOI Coordinator & Review Officer
COMPLAINT RIGHTS
Are you unhappy with how your request has been handled or do you think the
decision is incorrect?
You have the right to require the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to
review their decision.
Prior to lodging a formal complaint you are welcome and encouraged to
discuss the decision with the case officer that dealt with your request.
Ask to have the decision looked at again -
The quickest and easiest way to have the decision looked at again is to
telephone the case officer that is nominated at the end of your decision
letter.
That person will be able to discuss the decision, explain any issues and
assist with any problems.
Complaint
If you are dissatisfied with the handling procedures or the decision of
the MPS made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) regarding
access to information you can lodge a complaint with the MPS to have the
decision reviewed.
Complaints should be made in writing, within forty (40) working days from
the date of the refusal notice, and addressed to:
FOI Complaint
Public Access Office
PO Box 57192
London
SW6 1SF
[email address]
In all possible circumstances the MPS will aim to respond to your
complaint within 20 working days.
The Information Commissioner
After lodging a complaint with the MPS if you are still dissatisfied with
the decision you may make application to the Information Commissioner for
a decision on whether the request for information has been dealt with in
accordance with the requirements of the Act.
For information on how to make application to the Information Commissioner
please visit their website at www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk.
Alternatively, phone or write to:
Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Phone: 01625 545 700

show quoted sections

Dear Mr Mason

Freedom of Information Request Reference No: 2010050000763

I write in connection with your letter requesting that the Metropolitan
Police Service (MPS) review its response to your request for information
relating to:

* FOIA complaint on existing case - 2010020000203

. Please pass this on to the person who conducts Freedom of
Information reviews. I am writing to request an internal review of
Metropolitan Police Service (MPS)'s handling of my FOI request
'Complainant information stored'. I do not agree that the
'TIBUNE' system is the only place that the Metropolitan police store
information in relation to complaints made against metropolitan
staff/officers. I hold that data is managed in order to notify
officers that an individual has previously made a complaint against
the Police. I request information in relation to these identifiers as
requested in my original request. A full history of my FOI
request and all correspondence is available on the Internet at this
address:
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/co... .

I wrote to you on 14th May 2010 seeking further clarification.
Unfortunately I am not able to continue with reviewing your request unless
I receive the confirmation I am seeking. Please could you let me know if
you still wish to proceed.

Yours sincerely

Julia Wharton
FOI Coordinator & Review Officer

COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Are you unhappy with how your request has been handled or do you think the
decision is incorrect?

You have the right to require the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to
review their decision.

Prior to lodging a formal complaint you are welcome and encouraged to
discuss the decision with the case officer that dealt with your request.

Ask to have the decision looked at again -

The quickest and easiest way to have the decision looked at again is to
telephone the case officer that is nominated at the end of your decision
letter.

That person will be able to discuss the decision, explain any issues and
assist with any problems.

Complaint

If you are dissatisfied with the handling procedures or the decision of
the MPS made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) regarding
access to information you can lodge a complaint with the MPS to have the
decision reviewed.

Complaints should be made in writing, within forty (40) working days from
the date of the refusal notice, and addressed to:

FOI Complaint
Public Access Office
PO Box 57192
London
SW6 1SF
[email address]

In all possible circumstances the MPS will aim to respond to your
complaint within 20 working days.
The Information Commissioner

After lodging a complaint with the MPS if you are still dissatisfied with
the decision you may make application to the Information Commissioner for
a decision on whether the request for information has been dealt with in
accordance with the requirements of the Act.

For information on how to make application to the Information Commissioner
please visit their website at www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk.
Alternatively, phone or write to:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Phone: 01625 545 700

show quoted sections

Dear Mr Mason

Freedom of Information Review No: 2010050000763

I am now able to provide a response to your complaint dated 5/5/2010
concerning:

Complaint regarding: 2010020000203

YOUR ORIGINAL REQUEST

* "Please provide information on the storage of information related to
complaints against the police on the Police national database or any
other computer.
* Please provide details of what information is retained and how it is
displayed for viewing."

In responding to this request for information, please notify of any
'indentifiers' or 'coding' applied to personal information notifying those
viewing and entry or record that this individual has previously made a
complaint against the police.

YOUR COMPLAINT

I am writing to request an internal review of Metropolitan Police
Service (MPS)'s handling of my FOI request 'Complainant information
stored'. I do not agree that the 'TIBUNE' system is the only place that
the Metropolitan police store information in relation to complaints made
against metropolitan staff/officers. I hold that data is managed in order
to notify officers that an individual has previously made a complaint
against the Police. I request information in relation to these identifiers
as requested in my original request.

DECISION

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has completed its review and has
decided to:

* Vary the original decision:

REASON FOR DECISION

The main database for storing complaints made against police is the
Tribune System which Ms Conway informed you about in her original
response. She provided you with a through explanation regarding how the
system works and therefore it is not necessary for me to repeat any of her
previous comments verbatum. Any complaints that are made regardless of
where they were first reported will at some point in the reporting process
end up being registered on the Tribune System.

However, addressing your question specifically in the process of
"reporting/recording a complaint" any number of local systems could be
encapsulated and fall under the scope of this request because we receive
complaints in various ways. Therefore I feel it necessary to vary the
response of your request as to answer your questions fully would not be
possible within the cost threshold.

This letter is to inform you that it will not be possible to respond to
your request within the cost threshold. In accordance with the Freedom of
Information Act 2000, this letter acts as a Refusal Notice for the
requested information.
This is because we estimate that the cost of complying with this request
in full would exceed the appropriate limit which has been specified in The
Freedom of Information and Data Protection (Appropriate Limit and Fees)
Regulations 2004. For agencies outside central Government, this is set at
£450.00. This represents the estimated cost of one person spending 18
hours [at a rate of £25 per hour] in determining whether the MPS holds the
information, and locating, retrieving and extracting the information. For
the legal wording for this refusal, please see the appendix below.

Potential complaints could be received and initially recorded on any
number of databases that are stored locally or centrally. For example,
should an officer called to an incident be approached by a member of the
public who informs the officer they wish to make a complaint, the officer
would inform an operator over the radio of this fact and it would be
recorded onto the Computer Aided Despatch system. This would then be
brought to the attention of an Inspector who would then begin the process
of officially addressing the complaint. The complaint may be dealt with on
a local level and stored on a local database such as an excel spreadsheet
or it could be referred to the Directorate of Professional Standards where
it would be then logged to the Tribune System.

Below is a list of other databases that could be used for storing the
"initial contact", this list is not exhaustive:

* Metric System
* Police National Computer
* Computer Aided Despatch
* Crimint
* Email system
* Locally designed databases such as "excel spreadsheets
* Officer's pocket books

Searching/locating and extracting information from these systems would be
over the cost threshold of 18 hours even before work has begun on
searching and retrieving information about any unique coding or
identifiers. As explained above, regardless of how a complaint is received
most complaints would end up being logged on the Tribune System which Ms
Conway has given you information about.

Under the Section 16 (duty to assist) I would like to help you in wording
a new request in order to bring this new request within the cost
threshold.

* I would advise that you make your request relevant to one or two types
of database only.

COMPLAINT RIGHTS

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

Yours sincerely

Julia Wharton
FOI Coordinator & Review Officer

LEGAL APPENDIX

In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000, this letter acts
as a Refusal Notice for the requested information.

Section 17(5) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 provides:

(5) A public authority which, in relation to any request for information,
is relying on a claim that section 12 or 14 applies must, within the time
for complying with section 1(1), give the applicant a notice stating that
fact.

Section 12(1)(2) of the Act provides:

(1) Section 1(1) does not oblige a public authority to comply with a
request for information if the authority estimates that the cost of
complying with the request would exceed the appropriate limit.

(2) Subsection (1) does not exempt the public authority from its
obligation to comply with paragraph (a) of section 1(1) unless the
estimated cost of complying with that paragraph alone would exceed the
appropriate limit.

The Freedom of Information and Data Protection (Appropriate Limit and
Fees) Regulations 2004

3 (1) This regulation has effect to prescribe the appropriate limit
referred to in section 9A(3) and (4) of the 1998 Act and the appropriate
limit referred to in section 12(1) and (2) of the 2000 Act.

(2) In the case of a public authority which is listed in Part I of
Schedule 1 to the 2000 Act, the appropriate limit is £600.

(3) In the case of any other public authority, the appropriate limit
is £450.

4 (3) In a case in which this regulation has effect, a public authority
may, for the purpose of its estimate, take account only of the costs it
reasonably expects to incur in relation to the request in-

(a) determining whether it holds the information,

(b) locating the information, or a document which may contain the
information,

(c) retrieving the information, or a document which may contain the
information, and

(d) extracting the information from a document containing it.
COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Are you unhappy with how your request has been handled or do you think the
decision is incorrect?

You have the right to require the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to
review their decision.

Prior to lodging a formal complaint you are welcome and encouraged to
discuss the decision with the case officer that dealt with your request.

Ask to have the decision looked at again -

The quickest and easiest way to have the decision looked at again is to
telephone the case officer that is nominated at the end of your decision
letter.

That person will be able to discuss the decision, explain any issues and
assist with any problems.

Complaint

If you are dissatisfied with the handling procedures or the decision of
the MPS made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) regarding
access to information you can lodge a complaint with the MPS to have the
decision reviewed.

Complaints should be made in writing, within forty (40) working days from
the date of the refusal notice, and addressed to:

FOI Complaint
Public Access Office
PO Box 57192
London
SW6 1SF
[email address]

In all possible circumstances the MPS will aim to respond to your
complaint within 20 working days.
The Information Commissioner

After lodging a complaint with the MPS if you are still dissatisfied with
the decision you may make application to the Information Commissioner for
a decision on whether the request for information has been dealt with in
accordance with the requirements of the Act.

For information on how to make application to the Information Commissioner
please visit their website at www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk.
Alternatively, phone or write to:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Phone: 01625 545 700

show quoted sections

Dear Mr Mason

Freedom of Information Request Reference No: 2010060001037
I write in connection with your request for information which was
received by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) on 03/06/2010. I note
you seek access to the following information:

* "Please provide me a response focusing on the two following
computer systems; * Computer Aided Despatch , * Crimint."
- THIS RELATES TO ; -Please provide information on the storage of
information related to complaints against the police on the
Police national database or any other computer. * Please
provide details of what information is retained and how it is
displayed for viewing. In responding to this request for
information, please notify of any 'indentifiers' or 'coding'
applied to personal information notifying those viewing and
entry or record that this individual has previously made a
complaint against the police.

Your request will now be considered in accordance with the Freedom of
Information Act 2000 (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. In some circumstances the MPS may be unable to
achieve this deadline. If this is likely you will be informed and
given a revised time-scale at the earliest opportunity.

Some requests may also require either full or partial transference to
another public authority in order to answer your query in the fullest
possible way. Again, you will be informed if this is the case.

COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Your attention is drawn to the attached sheet, which details your
right of complaint.

Should you have any further enquiries concerning this matter, please
write or contact P Deja on the above address quoting the reference
number above.

Yours sincerely

P Deja
Policy and support officer
COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Are you unhappy with how your request has been handled or do you think
the decision is incorrect?

You have the right to require the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to
review their decision.

Prior to lodging a formal complaint you are welcome and encouraged to
discuss the decision with the case officer that dealt with your
request.

Ask to have the decision looked at again –

The quickest and easiest way to have the decision looked at again is
to telephone the case officer that is nominated at the end of your
decision letter.

That person will be able to discuss the decision, explain any issues
and assist with any problems.

Complaint

If you are dissatisfied with the handling procedures or the decision
of the MPS made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act)
regarding access to information you can lodge a complaint with the MPS
to have the decision reviewed.

Complaints should be made in writing, within forty (40) working days
from the date of the refusal notice, and addressed to:

FOI Complaint
Public Access Office
PO Box 57192
London
SW6 1SF
[email address]

In all possible circumstances the MPS will aim to respond to your
complaint within 20 working days.
The Information Commissioner

After lodging a complaint with the MPS if you are still dissatisfied
with the decision you may make application to the Information
Commissioner for a decision on whether the request for information has
been dealt with in accordance with the requirements of the Act.

For information on how to make application to the Information
Commissioner please visit their website at
www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk. Alternatively, phone or write to:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Phone: 01625 545 700

show quoted sections

Case reference: 2010060001037

FOIA: Disclosure - Partial
Case number: 2010060001037
Created: 22/07/2010
Document owner: Carol Conway

+------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| General | |
| | |
| To: [email address] | |
| cc: | |
| bcc: | |
| Subject: FOIA: Disclosure - Partial | |
+------------------------------------------------------------------------+

+------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Text: |
+------------------------------------------------------------------------+

Dear Mr Mason
Freedom of Information Request Reference No: 2010060001037
I write in connection with your request for information dated 03/06/2010
which was received by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) on 03/06/2010.
I note you seek access to the following information:
** Please provide me a response focusing on the two following computer
systems; Computer Aided Despatch and Crimint .
THIS RELATES TO ;
"Please provide information on the storage of information related to
complaints against the police on the Police national database or any other
computer.
Please provide details of what information is retained and how it is
displayed for viewing." In responding to this request for information,
please notify of any 'indentifiers' or 'coding' applied to personal
information notifying those viewing and entry or record that this
individual has previously made a complaint against the police.
Following receipt of your request searches were conducted within the MPS
to locate information relevant to your request.
EXTENT OF SEARCHES TO LOCATE INFORMATION
To locate the information relevant to your request searches were conducted
at Metropolitan Police Intranet, Intelligence, Standards, and Support,
National Police Improvement Agency website, Association of Chief Police
Officers website.
RESULT OF SEARCHES
The searches located information relevant to your request.
DECISION
I have today decided to:

* fully disclose material concerning the management of police
information that is in the public domain;
* fully exempt material concerning 'Crimint' and the management of
police information that is not in the public domain persuant to the
provisions of section 31(1)(a)(b) of the Act.

REASONS FOR DECISION
Section 17 of the Act provides:
(1) A public authority which, in relation to any request for
information, is to any extent relying on a claim that any provision in
part II relating to the duty to confirm or deny is relevant to the request
or on a claim that information is exempt information must, within the time
for complying with section 1(1), give the applicant a notice which-
(a) states the fact,
(b) specifies the exemption in question, and
(c) states (if that would not otherwise be apparent) why the exemption
applies.

* Material concerning the management of police information that is in
the public domain

Information Management in the Metropolitan Police Service SOP
This policy provides a framework for the management and control of
information assets, whatever the format. Please see the link below.
http://www.met.police.uk/foi/pdfs/polici...

National Police Improvement Agency. The Management of Police Information
http://www.acpo.police.uk/asp/policies/d...

Independent Police Complaints Commission
The Independent Police Complaints Commission***s (IPCC) main role is to
increase public confidence in the police complaints system in England and
Wales. Please see the link below for details of how complaints are dealt
with.
http://www.ipcc.gov.uk/index/complaints....

* Material concerning 'Crimint' and the management of police information
that is not in the public domain

Section 31(1)(a)(b) - Law Enforcement / Qualified Prejudice Based
Exemption
Crimint is an electronic database on which the MPS hold Intelligence in
accordance with the Management of Police Information (MoPI). It is not
designed to hold information on complaints against police.
Under Section 31(1)(a)(b) of the Act, public authorities are able to
withhold information if its disclosure would, or would be likely to,
prejudice the prevention or detection of crime or the apprehension or
prosecution of offenders.
I have applied this exemption in that the MPS maintain electronic
intelligence databases that are a crucial tool in the effective
functioning of the police service, and 'Crimint' is one of these
databases. Releasing knowledge of how 'Crimint' operates into the public
domain may make the system less effective and compromise the ability of
the police to carry out their role in the prevention and detection of
crime and the apprehension and prosection of offenders.
Please find the public interest test considerations that I have identified
and considered in relation to my application of Section 31(1)(a)(b) of the
Act.
Public interest considerations favouring disclosure
Openness and Transparency
The police service has been granted extraordinary powers to collect and
keep information about the citizens of this country in order to fulfill
the role that they have been given. The general public rightly expect the
police service to deal with this data in a legitimate manner and comply
with the provisions of the Data Protection Act and Management of Police
Information SOPs.
Public Awareness/Debate
The MPS is committed to building closer relationships with the communities
it polices, of which an important part is to share information of public
interest. In this case, the release of information around the function and
capabilities of 'Crimint' would ensure that the general public have a
better understanding of the techniques used by police facilitating an
informed and accurate public debate in this area of policing.

Public interest considerations favouring non-disclosure
Efficient and Effective Conduct of the Police Service
Crime Prevention and Detection
One of principle roles of the Police Service is to prevent and detect
crime. Releasing knowledge of how 'Crimint' operates into the public
domain may make the system less effective and compromise the ability of
the police to carry out their role in the prevention and detection of
crime and the apprehension and prosection of offenders. These aspects of
police business should remain as 'restricted' as disclosure could
potentially enable criminals to see how the Police operate and assist
their attempts to avoid detection

Balancing Test Evaluation
When evaluating decisions the public interest must take precedence and any
benefits of releasing information into the public domain have to be
balanced against any potentially negative impact on the ability of the
Police Service to effetively perform its function. Though I accept that
complete transparency in response to requests concerning police
intelligence systems would engage the general public and facilitate
informed debate, the potentially negative impact on police effectiveness
would not be in the public interest and means that there is sufficient
reason to withhold the requested information.

COMPLAINT RIGHTS
If you are dissatisfied with this response please read the attached paper
entitled Complaint Rights which explains how to make a complaint.
Should you have any further enquiries concerning this matter, please
contact me on 0207.230.5206 or at the address at the top of this letter,
quoting the reference number above.
Yours sincerely

Ian Wright
Freedom of Information Officer

In complying with their statutory duty under sections 1 and 11 of the
Freedom of Information Act 2000 to release the enclosed information, the
Metropolitan Police Service 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 MPS Directorate of Legal
Services, 1st Floor (Victoria Block), New Scotland Yard, Victoria, London,
SW1H 0BG.
COMPLAINT RIGHTS
Are you unhappy with how your request has been handled or do you think the
decision is incorrect?
You have the right to require the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to
review their decision.
Prior to lodging a formal complaint you are welcome and encouraged to
discuss the decision with the case officer that dealt with your request.
Ask to have the decision looked at again ***
The quickest and easiest way to have the decision looked at again is to
telephone the case officer that is nominated at the end of your decision
letter.
That person will be able to discuss the decision, explain any issues and
assist with any problems.
Complaint
If you are dissatisfied with the handling procedures or the decision of
the MPS made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) regarding
access to information you can lodge a complaint with the MPS to have the
decision reviewed.
Complaints should be made in writing, within forty (40) working days from
the date of the refusal notice, and addressed to:
FOI Complaint
Public Access Office
PO Box 57192
London
SW6 1SF
[email address]
In all possible circumstances the MPS will aim to respond to your
complaint within 20 working days.
The Information Commissioner
After lodging a complaint with the MPS if you are still dissatisfied with
the decision you may make application to the Information Commissioner for
a decision on whether the request for information has been dealt with in
accordance with the requirements of the Act.
For information on how to make application to the Information Commissioner
please visit their website at www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk.
Alternatively, phone or write to:
Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Phone: 01625 545 700

show quoted sections

Dear Mr Mason
Freedom of Information Request Reference No: 2011050002628
I write in connection with your letter dated 09/05/2011 requesting that
the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) review its response dated 22/07/2010
to your request for information relating to:

* Original FOI case number 2010060001037

The review will be conducted in accordance to the MPS's complaints
procedure. The MPS will endeavour to respond to your complaint by
06/06/2011.
Should you have any further inquiries concerning this matter, please
contact Sarah Strong on telephone number 020 7161 3604 or at the address
at the top of the letter quoting the reference number above.
Thank you for your interest in the MPS.
Yours sincerely

B Wilson
FOIA Complaints Officer

COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Are you unhappy with how your request has been handled or do you think the
decision is incorrect?
You have the right to require the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to
review their decision.
Prior to lodging a formal complaint you are welcome and encouraged to
discuss the decision with the case officer that dealt with your request.
Ask to have the decision looked at again -
The quickest and easiest way to have the decision looked at again is to
telephone the case officer that is nominated at the end of your decision
letter.
That person will be able to discuss the decision, explain any issues and
assist with any problems.
Complaint
If you are dissatisfied with the handling procedures or the decision of
the MPS made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) regarding
access to information you can lodge a complaint with the MPS to have the
decision reviewed.
Complaints should be made in writing, within forty (40) working days from
the date of the refusal notice, and addressed to:
FOI Complaint
Public Access Office
PO Box 57192
London
SW6 1SF
[email address]
In all possible circumstances the MPS will aim to respond to your
complaint within 20 working days.
The Information Commissioner
After lodging a complaint with the MPS if you are still dissatisfied with
the decision you may make application to the Information Commissioner for
a decision on whether the request for information has been dealt with in
accordance with the requirements of the Act.
For information on how to make application to the Information Commissioner
please visit their website at www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk.
Alternatively, phone or write to:
Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Phone: 01625 545 700

The Metropolitan Police Service is here for London - on the streets and in
your community, working with you to make our city safer.

Consider our environment - please do not print this email unless
absolutely necessary.

NOTICE - This email and any attachments may be confidential, subject to
copyright and/or legal privilege and are intended solely for the use of
the intended recipient. If you have received this email in error, please
notify the sender and delete it from your system. To avoid incurring
legal liabilities, you must not distribute or copy the information in this
email without the permission of the sender. MPS communication systems are
monitored to the extent permitted by law. Consequently, any email and/or
attachments may be read by monitoring staff. Only specified personnel are
authorised to conclude any binding agreement on behalf of the MPS by
email. The MPS accepts no responsibility for unauthorised agreements
reached with other employees or agents. The security of this email and
any attachments cannot be guaranteed. Email messages are routinely scanned
but malicious software infection and corruption of content can still occur
during transmission over the Internet. Any views or opinions expressed in
this communication are solely those of the author and do not necessarily
represent those of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

Dear Mr Mason

Freedom of Information Request Reference No: 2011050002628

Further to our letter of 24 May 2011, I have unfortunately been unable to
meet the response time originally provided to you in relation to:

* Original FOI case number 2011060001037

I hope to complete your review no later than 5 July 2011. Should there be
any unforeseen delay, I will contact you and update you as soon as
possible.
I apologise for the delay, and thank you for your patience.
Should you have any further inquiries concerning this matter, please
contact me at the address at the top of this letter, quoting the reference
number above.
Yours sincerely

B Wilson
FOIA Complaints Officer
COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Are you unhappy with how your request has been handled or do you think the
decision is incorrect?

You have the right to require the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to
review their decision.

Prior to lodging a formal complaint you are welcome and encouraged to
discuss the decision with the case officer that dealt with your request.

Ask to have the decision looked at again -

The quickest and easiest way to have the decision looked at again is to
telephone the case officer that is nominated at the end of your decision
letter.

That person will be able to discuss the decision, explain any issues and
assist with any problems.

Complaint

If you are dissatisfied with the handling procedures or the decision of
the MPS made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) regarding
access to information you can lodge a complaint with the MPS to have the
decision reviewed.

Complaints should be made in writing, within forty (40) working days from
the date of the refusal notice, and addressed to:

FOI Complaint
Public Access Office
PO Box 57192
London
SW6 1SF
[email address]

In all possible circumstances the MPS will aim to respond to your
complaint within 20 working days.
The Information Commissioner

After lodging a complaint with the MPS if you are still dissatisfied with
the decision you may make application to the Information Commissioner for
a decision on whether the request for information has been dealt with in
accordance with the requirements of the Act.

For information on how to make application to the Information Commissioner
please visit their website at www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk.
Alternatively, phone or write to:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Phone: 01625 545 700

The Metropolitan Police Service is here for London - on the streets and in
your community, working with you to make our city safer.

Consider our environment - please do not print this email unless
absolutely necessary.

NOTICE - This email and any attachments may be confidential, subject to
copyright and/or legal privilege and are intended solely for the use of
the intended recipient. If you have received this email in error, please
notify the sender and delete it from your system. To avoid incurring
legal liabilities, you must not distribute or copy the information in this
email without the permission of the sender. MPS communication systems are
monitored to the extent permitted by law. Consequently, any email and/or
attachments may be read by monitoring staff. Only specified personnel are
authorised to conclude any binding agreement on behalf of the MPS by
email. The MPS accepts no responsibility for unauthorised agreements
reached with other employees or agents. The security of this email and
any attachments cannot be guaranteed. Email messages are routinely scanned
but malicious software infection and corruption of content can still occur
during transmission over the Internet. Any views or opinions expressed in
this communication are solely those of the author and do not necessarily
represent those of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

Dear Mr Mason
Freedom of Information Request Reference No: 2011050002628
Further to our letter of 6th June 2011, I have unfortunately been unable
to meet the response time originally provided to you in relation to
Freedom of Information request reference number 2010060001037. The
request was for the following information:

Please provide me a response focusing on the two following computer
systems;
* Computer Aided Despatch
* Crimint

This relates to an earlier query which was as follows:

`Please provide information on the storage of information related to
complaints against the police on the Police national database or any other
computer.
Please provide details of what information is retained and how it is
displayed for viewing." In responding to this request for information,
please notify of any 'indentifiers' or 'coding' applied to personal
information notifying those viewing and entry or record that this
individual has previously made a complaint against the police.'
I hope to complete your review no later than 2nd August 2011. Should there
be any unforeseen delay, I will contact you and update you as soon as
possible.

I apologise for the delay, and thank you for your patience.

Should you have any further inquiries concerning this matter, please
contact me at the address at the top of this letter, quoting the reference
number above.

Yours sincerely

B Wilson
FOIA Complaints Officer

COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Are you unhappy with how your request has been handled or do you think the
decision is incorrect?

You have the right to require the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to
review their decision.

Prior to lodging a formal complaint you are welcome and encouraged to
discuss the decision with the case officer that dealt with your request.

Ask to have the decision looked at again -

The quickest and easiest way to have the decision looked at again is to
telephone the case officer that is nominated at the end of your decision
letter.

That person will be able to discuss the decision, explain any issues and
assist with any problems.

Complaint

If you are dissatisfied with the handling procedures or the decision of
the MPS made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) regarding
access to information you can lodge a complaint with the MPS to have the
decision reviewed.

Complaints should be made in writing, within forty (40) working days from
the date of the refusal notice, and addressed to:

FOI Complaint
Public Access Office
PO Box 57192
London
SW6 1SF
[email address]

In all possible circumstances the MPS will aim to respond to your
complaint within 20 working days.
The Information Commissioner

After lodging a complaint with the MPS if you are still dissatisfied with
the decision you may make application to the Information Commissioner for
a decision on whether the request for information has been dealt with in
accordance with the requirements of the Act.

For information on how to make application to the Information Commissioner
please visit their website at www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk.
Alternatively, phone or write to:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Phone: 01625 545 700

The Metropolitan Police Service is here for London - on the streets and in
your community, working with you to make our city safer.

Consider our environment - please do not print this email unless
absolutely necessary.

NOTICE - This email and any attachments may be confidential, subject to
copyright and/or legal privilege and are intended solely for the use of
the intended recipient. If you have received this email in error, please
notify the sender and delete it from your system. To avoid incurring
legal liabilities, you must not distribute or copy the information in this
email without the permission of the sender. MPS communication systems are
monitored to the extent permitted by law. Consequently, any email and/or
attachments may be read by monitoring staff. Only specified personnel are
authorised to conclude any binding agreement on behalf of the MPS by
email. The MPS accepts no responsibility for unauthorised agreements
reached with other employees or agents. The security of this email and
any attachments cannot be guaranteed. Email messages are routinely scanned
but malicious software infection and corruption of content can still occur
during transmission over the Internet. Any views or opinions expressed in
this communication are solely those of the author and do not necessarily
represent those of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

Dear Mr Mason

Freedom of Information Internal Review Reference No: 2011050002628

I write in connection with your correspondence dated 09/05/2011 requesting
that the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) review its response dated
22/07/2010 to your request for information relating to Freedom of
Information Request reference number 2010060001037. The request was for
the following information:

Please provide me a response focusing on the two following computer
systems;

* Computer Aided Despatch
* Crimint

This relates to an earlier query which was as follows:

`Please provide information on the storage of information related to
complaints against the police on the Police national database or any other
computer.
Please provide details of what information is retained and how it is
displayed for viewing." In responding to this request for information,
please notify of any 'identifiers' or 'coding' applied to personal
information notifying those viewing and entry or record that this
individual has previously made a complaint against the police.'

For ease of reference, I have numbered your queries as follows:

1) Computer Aided Despatch (CAD)
1a) What information is retained?
1b) How it is displayed for viewing?
1c) 'Identifiers' or 'coding' applied to personal information notifying
those viewing and entry or record that this individual has previously made
a complaint against the police.

2) CRIMINT
2a) What information is retained?
2b) How it is displayed for viewing?
2c) 'Identifiers' or 'coding' applied to personal information notifying
those viewing and entry or record that this individual has previously made
a complaint against the police.

DECISION

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has completed its review and has
decided to:
** Set aside the original decision

The information you have requested is as follows:

1) Computer Aided Despatch (CAD)

1a) What information is retained?

If a person rings the MPS, either 999 or non-emergency, to make a
complaint against police, the initial contact is recorded using an opening
and/or closing code (500) to denote a complaint against police. The
callers name and address will be recorded (if supplied). The details of
the complaint will also be held within the CAD remarks.

The following information is held on CAD where applicable:
** CAD number
** Caller's name
** Caller type (e.g. victim, witness, 3rd party)
** Caller's phone number
** Caller's address
** Location of the incident / police attendance
** How the call was received e.g. via emergency phone lines, radio,
alarm or `other' (i.e. via non-emergency phone lines)
** Opening code(s)
** Opening text (a short free text field)
** Closing code(s)
** Closing text (a short free text field)
** Resolution code(s)
** Response grading (i.e. I=Immediate, S=Significant, E=Extended,
R=Referred)
** Units assigned to and de-assigned from the incident
** CAD and/or crime reports linked to the incident
** Vehicle Registration Number
** Time of arrival (TOA) and other timings relating to the police
response
** CAD Remarks (a free text field for entering details of the call)

1b) How it is displayed for viewing?
Information indicating that a call relates to a complaint against the
police is likely to be held within the opening and closing codes and CAD
remarks. The code for a complaint against the police is `500'. This
information can be viewed along with other CAD fields on a single
screen/page. However, CAD remarks contain free text and allow for
multiple entries. Therefore, CAD records may extend to multiple pages.

1c) 'Identifiers' or 'coding' applied to personal information notifying
those viewing an entry or record that this individual has previously made
a complaint against the police.

There are no identifiers or coding applied to individuals on the CAD
system including complaints against the police.

Locations can be `flagged' on CAD. However, this facility would be used to
highlight officer or public safety concerns, not to highlight complaints
against the police.

2) CRIMINT

2a) What information is retained?

CRIMINT is the MPS system for storing police intelligence. This may
include mention of complaints against the police, but complaints are not
typically the subject of this intelligence.

2b) How it is displayed for viewing?

CRIMINT can display reports that detail intelligence held about an
individual or a location or a particular issue. These are the most often
used parts of the system. However, there are also some records held for
individual people and tick boxes are displayed indicating the presence of
warning signals that may be present on the individual's PNC record.

2c) 'Identifiers' or 'coding' applied to personal information notifying
those viewing an entry or record that this individual has previously made
a complaint against the police.

CRIMINT can display the same warning signals that are held on the Police
National Computer (PNC). The `alleges' (AG) warning signal relates to
allegations that are made against police that have been shown to be
unwarranted or false.

On PNC, a new marker should be entered on a subject's record for each
allegation made. Under normal circumstances, the marker should be reviewed
after 5 years and deleted unless a subsequent similar false allegation has
been made when it should be retained for a further 5 years.

Procedural Issues

Section 10 (Time compliance)
Section 10(1) of the Act provides that:

`Subject to subsections (2) and (3), a public authority must comply with
section 1(1) promptly and in any event not later than the twentieth
working day following the date of receipt.'

Your initial request for information was received by the MPS on
03/06/2010. However, a response to your query was not provided to you
until 22/07/2010.

Therefore, the MPS have failed to comply with the requirements of section
10 in relation to your request as you were not provided with the requested
information or a section 17 refusal notice within 20 working days.

Advice and Assistance

For further information about the way in which emergency calls,
intelligence and PNC warning signals are recorded, please see the
following documents:

The National Standard for Incident Recording (NSIR) Definitions and
Guidance
http://www.acpo.police.uk/documents/part...

ACPO National Call Handling Standards (NCHS)
http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.u...

ACPO Practice Advice: Introduction to Intelligence-Led Policing' (2007)
http://www.acpo.police.uk/documents/crim...

West Mercia Police Force Procedure: Police National Computer (PNC) Warning
Signals
http://www.westmercia.police.uk/assets/_...

The NSIR is a joint Home Office and ACPO initiative that seeks to
standardise the way in which Forces in England and Wales record incidents.
The NSIR document also includes the National Incident Category List
(NICL) which is a list and description of the categories under which calls
to the police may be classified.

The National Call Handling Standards (NCHS) aims to improve the
relationship that the Police have with the public and achieve best value
in relation to the use of police officer time and call handling processes.

I would also like to take this opportunity to apologise for the time taken
to provide you with a full response to your complaint and your initial
request and any inconvenience that this may have caused.

COMPLAINT RIGHTS

If you are dissatisfied with this response please read the attached paper
entitled Complaint Rights which explains how to contact the Information
Commissioner with your complaint.

Should you have any further inquiries concerning this matter, please
contact me on 0207 161 3705 or at the address at the top of this letter,
quoting the reference number above.

Yours sincerely

Brian Wilson
FOIA Complaints Officer

LEGAL ANNEX

Section 1(1) (General right of access to information held by public
authorities) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 states:

(1) Any person making a request for information to a public authority is
entitled--
(a) to be informed in writing by the public authority whether it holds
information of the description specified in the request, and
(b) if that is the case, to have that information communicated to him.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000...

Section 10 (Time for compliance with request) of the Act states:

(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), a public authority must comply
with section 1(1)
promptly and in any event not later than the twentieth working day
following the date of
receipt.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000...

COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Are you unhappy with how your request has been handled or do you think the
decision is incorrect?

You have the right to require the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to
review their decision.

Prior to lodging a formal complaint you are welcome and encouraged to
discuss the decision with the case officer that dealt with your request.

Ask to have the decision looked at again -

The quickest and easiest way to have the decision looked at again is to
telephone the case officer that is nominated at the end of your decision
letter.

That person will be able to discuss the decision, explain any issues and
assist with any problems.

Complaint

If you are dissatisfied with the handling procedures or the decision of
the MPS made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) regarding
access to information you can lodge a complaint with the MPS to have the
decision reviewed.

Complaints should be made in writing, within forty (40) working days from
the date of the refusal notice, and addressed to:

FOI Complaint
Public Access Office
PO Box 57192
London
SW6 1SF
[email address]

In all possible circumstances the MPS will aim to respond to your
complaint within 20 working days.
The Information Commissioner

After lodging a complaint with the MPS if you are still dissatisfied with
the decision you may make application to the Information Commissioner for
a decision on whether the request for information has been dealt with in
accordance with the requirements of the Act.

For information on how to make application to the Information Commissioner
please visit their website at www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk.
Alternatively, phone or write to:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Phone: 01625 545 700

The Metropolitan Police Service is here for London - on the streets and in
your community, working with you to make our city safer.

Consider our environment - please do not print this email unless
absolutely necessary.

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the intended recipient. If you have received this email in error, please
notify the sender and delete it from your system. To avoid incurring
legal liabilities, you must not distribute or copy the information in this
email without the permission of the sender. MPS communication systems are
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authorised to conclude any binding agreement on behalf of the MPS by
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this communication are solely those of the author and do not necessarily
represent those of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).