Chief Constable Commissioner for the Metropolis (Metropolitan Police Service)

The complainant has requested information about an alleged member of staff, referenced by a number, and two legal Forms from the Metropolitan Police Service (the “MPS”). The MPS disclosed information about the Forms but would neither confirm nor deny (NCND) any details about the alleged member of staff, ultimately relying on section (40)(5B)(a)(i) (Personal information) of FOIA. The complainant was dissatisfied with the explanation given about the two Forms, did not accept that the number she had provided was personal information and was unhappy with the timeliness of the internal review.
The Commissioner’s decision is that section (40)(5B)(a)(i) is properly engaged. He also finds no breach of section 16(1) (Advice and assistance) and considers that the MPS responded appropriately under FOIA regarding the Forms, albeit he has included further information in this notice. The Commissioner does not require further step.