Cost and resources in policing the Julian Assange's verdict reading at the Old Bailey in January 2021

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.22.026849

I note you seek access to the following information:

I would like to request under the FOIA information relating to the deployment of resources in the policing operation surrounding the Julian Assange's verdict reading at the Old Bailey 3 January 2021.

1. How many members of the public are believed to have been in attendance outside the court.
2. How many police were deployed.
3. What was the budget for the operation?
4. Further, please disclose any internal notes, or directions or orders concerning how the policing operation should have been undertaken on that day.

Please also disclose the same information as pertains to the subsequent bail hearing of Mr Assange 2 days later on 5 January, at Westminster Magistrate's Court.

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

Tactical documentation is exempt from disclosure pursuant to the provisions of Section 31(1)(a)(b) - Law Enforcement.

Disclosure

Mr Assange attended the Old Bailey on 4 January 2021. The Old Bailey is covered by the City of London Police. You will therefore need to contact the City of London Police for a response to this aspect of your request.

Please find below information relating to Mr Assange’s subsequent hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court on 6 January 2021.

Q1 - How many members of the public are believed to have been in attendance outside the court?

40-50.

Q2 - How many police were deployed?

2 Sergeants and 12 Constables.

Q3 - What was the budget for the operation?

No budget would have been allocated to this operation as such, however there are cost implications i.e. officer numbers per hour on the tour.