Guidance on use of 'Stinger'

The request was partially successful.

Dear Essex Police,

I would like to request information pertaining to the device known as 'stinger' used to stop vehicles.

I'd like to know the details of the device, testing that has been carried out specifically on motorcycles. Guidance and training provided to Officers authorised to deploy it in relation to motorcycles as well as risk assessments on its use on motorcycles.

I'd also like details on the number of times it has been deployed against a motorcycle in the last 12 months, the circumstances surrounding the deployment and whether any injuries occured to the rider.

Yours faithfully,

Lee Tooey

Data FOI Essex,

1 Attachment

Thank you for your enquiry which has been logged under the above
reference.

Under the Freedom of Information Act we are required to reply within 20
working days.  The Act does not specify a limit to the number of
information requests a public authority may receive or the number of
requests or questions an applicant may submit.  However, there are
exemptions in the Act that can apply and these include where the cost of
complying with the request would extend beyond the reasonable cost limit,
(currently 18 hours or £450), or if the request is otherwise manifestly
unreasonable in its scope or nature. 

Requests that ask a great many questions, or a number of detailed requests
submitted at the same time, may make it necessary for Essex Police to
refuse the requests wholly or in part. The exemption at s14 may be engaged
if the burden on the authority is increased through multiple requests on
differing subjects

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has responsibility for
providing oversight and guidance for the legislation and they have
produced advice for applicants on submitting effective requests.  Further
information can be found on the Commissioner’s website at
[1]www.ico.gov.uk specific information relating to submitting a request
can be found at:
[2]https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public/offici...

                                                      

While we process your request, please take the time to consider the ICO’s
advice and whether you feel it may be beneficial to amend or refine your
request. Our team is happy to discuss your request with you and will be
able to provide advice as to what kind of information will be available
from Essex Police.

 

FOI department - Information Management | Continuous Improvement

Essex Police HQ
Internal extension 150030
Direct Dial 01245 452647
Essex Police Non emergency Telephone Number (within Essex) 101 (Outside
Essex) 0300 333 4444
Fax: Internal 150045 External 01245 452256
Website: [3]www.essex.police.uk

Information Management, Continuous Improvement, Essex Police Headquarters,
PO Box 2, Springfield, Chelmsford, CM2 6DA

 

 

 

show quoted sections

Dear Data FOI Essex,

This foi request is still outstanding.

Yours sincerely,

Lee Tooey

Data FOI Essex,

1 Attachment

Please accept our apologies for the delay in responding to your FOI
request 11392.

 

This unit has had a substantial increase in FOI requests which has
resulted in a delay in the service we provide.

 

We will make enquiries and will reply to you as soon as possible.

 

Thank you for your patience.

 

Kind regards

 

Jessica Casey

Information Officer

Data Protection & Freedom of Information

Information Management

Continuous Improvement

Essex Police Headquarters

External Tel: 101 ext 150030

E-Mail:[email address]

Fax: 01245 452256 (int: 150045)

Non Emergency Telephone Number: 101 

 

[1]cid:image001.jpg@01D2F960.84E87850

 

show quoted sections

Dear Data FOI Essex,

This data request is now long overdue and under all circumstances you should have responded by now.

I would like to request an internal review into the cause of the long delay.

Yours sincerely,

Lee Tooey

Data FOI Essex,

2 Attachments

Thank you for your enquiry which has been logged under the above
reference.

Section 1 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) places two duties
on public authorities. Unless exemptions apply, the first duty at
Sec1(1)(a) is to confirm or deny whether the information specified in a
request is held. The second duty at Sec1(1)(b) is to disclose information
that has been confirmed as being held. Where exemptions are relied upon
s17 of FOIA requires that we provide the applicant with a notice which: a)
states that fact b) specifies the exemption(s) in question and c) states
(if that would not otherwise be apparent) why the exemption applies.

In respect of your enquiry:

 

1)    I would like to request information pertaining to the device known
as 'stinger' used to stop vehicles.

 

2)    I'd like to know the details of the device, testing that has been
carried out specifically on motorcycles. Guidance and training provided to
Officers authorised to deploy it in relation to motorcycles as well as
risk assessments on its use on motorcycles.

 

3)    I'd also like details on the number of times it has been deployed
against a motorcycle in the last 12 months, the circumstances surrounding
the deployment and whether any injuries occured to the rider. 

 

Having completed enquiries within Essex Police and in respect of Sec
1(1)(a), Essex Police does hold information relating to your request and
Essex Police can confirm in respect of Sec 1(1)(b) the below comments

Full training and guidance is provided to Officers who are permitted to
deploy HOSTYDS for both Motor vehicles and Motorcycles

Over the last 12 month period HOSTYDS has been deployed against a
motorcycle on one occasion concerning a pursuit situation.

Further details regarding the testing of the HOSYDS device on motorcycles
has been produced by the NPCC therefore you will need to approach the
National Police chiefs council and request information in respect of the
NPCC Report for the National Pursuit Steering Group July 2015 and
NPCC Pursuits test results using HOSTYDS on Motor Cycles June 23  2015.

 

General guidelines regarding pursuits can be found via the following site
[1]https://www.app.college.police.uk/app-co...
which you may find of use.

Internal guidelines have not been provided by virtue of exemption
S31(1)(a)(b) Law enforcement as tactical information is provided.

 

confirming that information is held

Confirmation that information exists relevant to this request would lead
to a better informed public which demonstrates complete openness and
transparency.

 

Factors against complying with Section 1(1)(a) neither confirming nor
denying that information is held

By disclosing the information law enforcement tactics would be compromised
which would hinder the prevention and detection of crime There would be an
impact on police resources as the cumulative effect of disclosing all the
information requests would reveal tactical information

The risk to public safety cannot be ignored and Essex Police has a
responsibility to ensure safety of individuals is protected at all times,
by disclosing specialist resources could compromise tactics, it could also
adversely affect public safety as individuals would know forces capability
and tactics; therefore individuals would therefore be placed at higher
risk

 

Balancing Test    

Information disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act is made public
to the world when released and has an impact on all areas . Whilst there
is a public interest in the transparency of resources and operations there
is a strong public interest in safeguarding police operations and ensuring
the safety of individuals.

 

 

No inference can be drawn from this refusal that information is or isn’t
held.

 

 

 

Information Rights Team

Information Management Department

Strategic Change Directorate – Essex Police HQ

Direct Dial 01245 452647 – ext 150006

[2]cid:image001.jpg@01D40FAF.A410E0D0

 

 

show quoted sections