Assumed murder of Marine Alan Addis in the Falkland Islands in August 1980.

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.22.026869

I note you seek access to the following information:

1. Confirmation that a Metropolitan Police team was sent to the Falklands in (or about) 2010?
2. The dates on site?
3. The composition of the team by rank and/or specialisation (I do not expect names)?
4. The findings of the team?
5. Did the second visit take place and, if so, dates, composition and findings?

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 30(3) - Investigations and proceedings conducted by public authorities and Section 31(3) - Law Enforcement

Reason for decision

I have decided to disclose some of the requested information relating to Questions 1, 2, 3 and 5.

The findings of the team are exempt from disclosure pursuant to the provisions of Section 31(1)(a)(b) - Law Enforcement.

The MPS neither confirms nor denies whether any other information is held pursuant to the provisions of Section 30(3) - Investigations and proceedings conducted by public authorities and Section 31(3) - Law Enforcement.

Disclosure

Q1 - Confirmation that a Metropolitan Police team was sent to the Falklands in (or about) 2010?

The investigation was led by the Royal Falkland Islands Police (RFIP) and they only requested assistance for technical support. Therefore the MPS, as the nationally recognised lead for the search technology, were called upon.

Two technical engineers (police staff) from the Met's Operational Technology unit were deployed for a week. Their deployment was managed by and on behalf of the Home Office. The MPS work alongside the Home Office to deliver this capability nationally, when requested. No Met detectives were deployed.

Q2 - The dates on site?

10 - 19 December 2010.

Q3 - The composition of the team by rank and/or specialisation (I do not expect names)?

1x Band N and 1x Band I.

Q5 - Did the second visit take place and, if so, dates, composition and findings?

No further requests for technical assistance have been received from the RFIP.