Dear Sir or Madam,

I understand Belfast-based software provider Equiniti ICS has won a multi-million pound contract with the Independent Police Complaints Commission of England and Wales to provide a complex case and complaints management solution to the IPCC.

Please provide:

1. All data relating to the failings or shortcomings of the current / former system(s) that has resulted in the need for new software, to include the name of the software and the supplier
2. A copy of the tender process leading to the appointment of Equiniti ICS
3. The submissions from those submitting the tender process
4. the reports / reviews undertaken to confirm that there existed no conflict of interest with or financial benefit to any party associated with the IPCC
5. the specification of the new system to be supplied by Equiniti ICS
6. the total cost of the system to the IPCC and a breakdown of the costs; development, implementation, training etc.

Yours faithfully,

P Swift

Dear Sir or Madam,

by law, you should have answered promptly. You have not given a legal reason why you need extra time. You are breaking the law as you have not replied by 18 November 2009.

I am requesting a review and wish to complain that the ipcc has committed an offence under foia.

Yours faithfully,

P Swift

Dear Ms. Cass,

what is meant by 'in due course'? Given that you have not complied with the law and not had the courtesy to advise me there would be a delay, please advise when I can expect to hear further in respect of this matter.

Yours sincerely,

P Swift

Dear Ms Cass,

With regard to your e-mail (below)

Please could you respond to each issue via the service I have used - www.whatdotheyknow.com

Please also explain why you not responding via the site

Furthermore, why are you writing to my work e-mail address in respect of this personal matter; I have approached you via a web site and use a login that is not connected to my work e-mail address.

Yours sincerely,

P Swift

-----Original Message-----
From: Athena Cass [mailto:Athena.Cass[at]ipcc.gsi.gov.uk]
Sent: 20 November 2009 15:50
To: Philip Swift
Cc: Diljinder Chowhan
Subject: RE: Requests

> Dear Mr Swift
>
> Thank you for all your requests that you have recently made to the
> IPCC and sent into the foi requests inbox.
>
> I do apologise for the length of time it is taking in responding to
> your requests.
>
> I will be in a position next week to provide you with a formal
> deadline for when you can expect a formal response to your requests
> from the IPCC.
>
> I will contact you by no later than November 27 2009 and provide you
> with a set deadline.
>
> Once again please accept my apologise for the delay and I hope that
> this has not caused you any inconvenience.
>
> Yours sincerely
>
> Miss Diljinder Kaur Chowhan
> Freedom of Information Team Leader
>
> Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC)
> 90 High Holborn
> London
> WC1V 6BH
>
> Direct Dial 0207 166 3274
> Personal Fax 0207 166 3574

Despite the apology and assurance above, Ms Chowhan did not respond to me as stated. Indeed, I heard no further from Ms Chowan in respect of the issue and have had no reply to the following:

Sent: 27 November 2009 15:51
Subject: ipcc re other interests foia

Diljinder Chowhan
I have complained directly to you, also asking you to review what has happened. I understand you have your own complaints procedure. On 21.11.2009, I wrote:
“by law, you should have answered promptly. You have not given a legal reason why you need extra time. You are breaking the law as you have not replied by 18 November 2009. I am requesting a review and wish to complain that the ipcc has committed an offence under foia.”
I wish to know:
1. Why I did not receive the courtesy of a response within 20 working days of my original request
2. Why I did not receive the data within 20 working days of my request
3. The present position with regard to my complaint
4. The present position with regard to the review
5. Why the review will, by reference to your response, take more than 20 working days
You are seeking another 20 working days (from today) you are effectively treating this request, which was made over a month ago, as through it were only received today
6. Why?
I note, by reference to your web site:
“ If the IPCC is to hold the police to account then it must maintain the highest standards itself.”
7. Why then is there a blatant disregard for the Freedom of Information Act ?
You are in breach of legislation; hardly conducive to instilling public confidence or being perceived as acting with integrity.
Your behavior is unprofessional, unacceptable. This appears to be a further example of the IPCC lacking an understanding of legislation and behaving in a manner that suits its objectives and agenda; not those of the complainant.
I anticipate receiving the data requested within 5 working days.
P Swift

F.A.O Ms Parker

I write further to your email of 31st December (below) and refer you to my exchanges with Ms Chowan (above) . Please advise:
1. The present position with regard to my complaint
2. Why Ms Chowan has failed to act as stated and failed to respond to my request
3. Your definition of ‘shortly’ (and ‘in due course’ – see above)
4. Why the outcome of the review I requested has not been provided.
Yours sincerely
P Swift
cc Information Commissioner’s Office
From: Vangie Parker vangie.parker-lacsamana[@]ipcc.gsi.gov.uk
Sent: 31 December 2009 14:38
To: Philip Swift
Subject: FOI Requests for information - Mr Philip Swift
Dear Mr Swift,

I am the Freedom of Information Officer dealing with your requests for information under the disclosure provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Please be assured that I am dealing with your requests and you will receive a response to all of your requests for information shortly.

Thank you for your patience and kind understanding.

Best wishes for the new year,
Vangie

Ms Vangie Parker
Freedom of Information Officer
independent police complaints commission 90 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6BH
Tel: 0207 166 3117
Fax: 0207 404 0430
E mail for IPCC FOI Unit: [email address]

www.ipcc.gov.uk