Chief Constable Northumbria Police

The complainant requested information from the Chief Constable of Northumbria Police (“Northumbria Police”) relating to Operation Eustace. The Commissioner’s decision is that Northumbria Police is not entitled to rely on section 14(1) (vexatious request) of FOIA to refuse to provide the requested information. He also finds that Northumbria Police breached section 10(1) (time for compliance) of FOIA by failing to respond to the request within the statutory timeframe of 20 working days. The Commissioner requires Northumbria Police to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation. Issue a fresh response which does not rely on section 14(1) of FOIA. Northumbria Police must take this step within 30 calendar days of the date of this decision notice. Failure to comply may result in the Commissioner making written certification of this fact to the High Court pursuant to section 54 of the Act and may be dealt with as a contempt of court.