Violent Crime Taskforce (VCTF) / Violence Suppression Unit (VSU)

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.22.024212

I note you seek access to the following information:

I am writing to you today to gain some information on VCTF/VSU.

Q1) What is a proactive syndicate, i have seen it mentioned by a VCTF Chief Inspector?

Q2) How often does senior officers within VCTF patrol on the streets?

Q3) How many VCTF vehicles are in Lambeth?

Q4) What is the highest rank that patrols on the streets everyday?

Q5) Does VCTF carry any specialist equipment that other officers may not?”

Decision

I have today decided to disclose some of the requested information. Some data has been withheld as it is exempt from disclosure and therefore this response serves as a Refusal Notice under Section 17 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) by virtue of the following exemptions:

Section 31(1)(a)(b) - Law Enforcement

Reason for decision

Section 31(1)(a)(b) - Law Enforcement - Before I explain the decisions that I have made in relation to your request, I thought that it would be helpful to outline the parameters set out by the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act), within which a request for information can be answered.

The Act creates a statutory right of access to information held by public authorities. A public authority in respect of a request must, if permitted, state under Section 1(a) of the Act, whether it holds the requested information and, if held, then communicate that information to the applicant under Section 1(b) of the Act.

The right of access to information is not without exception and is subject to a number of exemptions which are designed to enable public authorities to withhold information that is unsuitable for release. Importantly, the Act is designed to place information into the public domain, that is, once access to information is granted to one person under the Act, it is then considered public information and must be communicated to any individual should a request be received.

If the amount of VCTF vehicles in Lambeth were released into the public domain there could potentially be substantial harm to the Police Service, as it could inhibit its ability to fulfil its core functions. The release of operational tactics relating to a specific borough would furnish individuals or groups having the necessary intent to disrupt police activity with the necessary information to effectively do just that,
thereby hindering future operational activity.

This would consequently increase the capability for criminals to target innocent members of the public. Any release of information that would be likely to prejudice a police services' ability to prevent and/or detect crime could only be viewed as being harmful to members of the public.

The aim of the Freedom of Information Act is to make government bodies more open and transparent. Releasing the amount of VCTF vehicles in Lambeth would make the MPS openly accountable for allocation of resources and that their resources are deployed in the most suitable manner with the resources available. Additionally, providing the public with details of how we spend public funds and use our resources show that Lambeth Borough has utilised their biggest resource, officers and vehicles, efficiently. This would assist public debate.

Forces may be obliged to prove to the general public they are actively involved in initiatives to reduce crime, thus ensuring public safety and confidence on these specific dates. The release of the amount of VCTF vehicles would demonstrate to the public the measures taken by the police to utilise resources where and when they are believed by the public to be most needed.

However, to release the requested information about deployment levels of VCTF vehicles, and by default the number of officers, on a specific borough could prevent the Service from preventing and detecting crime, as well as hinder our ability to apprehend offenders.

Information regarding police deployment data is a valuable commodity to individuals (and/or organisations) wishing to commit crime, as it provides an insight into tactics and resources available to the MPS. Therefore, those seeking to commit criminality could counter any future policing tactics and elude justice. This will ultimately have a detrimental impact on innocent members of the public living or traveling within the Lambeth Borough.

Releasing the requested information regarding vehicle deployment data could leave Lambeth Borough vulnerable to criminals utilising the information for malicious intent. This could lead to an increase in crime if offenders believed they were less likely to be apprehended in the future. This is particularly the case if they obtained the information for various London boroughs enabling them to 'map' periods of vehicle and officer deployment over the capital.

Disclosure

Q1 - What is a proactive syndicate, I have seen it mentioned by a VCTF Chief Inspector?

Syndicate is another word for a team.

Q2 - How often does senior officers within VCTF patrol on the streets?

There is no set time when senior officers patrol the streets. Patrols are typically led by a sergeant but senior officers do patrol especially when leading operations.

Q4 - What is the highest rank that patrols on the streets everyday?

Typically a sergeant, each syndicate (team) is led by a sergeant.

Q5 - Does VCTF carry any specialist equipment that other officers may not?

Most VCTF officers are Taser trained and equipped.