Patrol Supervisor and MDT in Police Vehicles

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.22.023902

I note you seek access to the following information:

The following information should be found with your Human Recourses and Fleet/IT departments, respectively.

The following questions relate to the role of Patrol Supervisor
What additional responsibilities does that role entail?
Please provide an internal copy of the job description.

What rank would one have to be before becoming eligible for the post?

Do they carry any additional kit? What extra forms or notebooks are they required carry please provide photos of theses?

The following questions relate to the mobile data terminal (MDT) device fitted to all response police vehicles.

What do the following options that are available on the home menu do?

En route, Refreshments, other assignment, IN COV, ON PATROL, AT SCENE, PRISNIOR, STOP, Urgent Assistance.

Lastly, there is capability to send text message via the MDT what is the purpose of this and who can the messages be sent to?
Are you able to provide an example format screenshot of what the ‘text screen page and status page’ would look like?

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) - Law Enforcement

Reason for decision

Section 31(1)(a)(b) – Law Enforcement - Release would have the effect of compromising law enforcement tactics and strategies and would also hinder any future investigations or review investigations into similar matters.

Disclosure would technically be releasing sensitive operational information into the public domain which would enable those with the time, capacity and inclination to try and map strategies and tactics used by police forces.

Release would have the effect of compromising law enforcement processes and would also hinder the ability of the MPS to fulfil its primary aim of enforcing the law and protecting the public. Any intelligence contained within documents is in use by

Officers any release of tactical information could harm our ability to conduct that assessment and reduce our ability to conduct future investigations.

Disclosure would technically be releasing information into the public domain which would enable those with the capacity and inclination to try and use the information to commit crime or evade justice.

Care must be taken to not compromise any strand of an investigation or cause any undue harm to any people or families involved.

The MPS has a duty to protect both witnesses and suspects of criminal investigations and the integrity of tried and tested investigative techniques used now and for future criminal investigations.

The disclosure of this information to the public by the MPS would undermine individuals' confidence in helping the MPS with investigations. Anything that undermines this would have a detrimental effect, reducing the quality of information the MPS receives and consequently compromising the effectiveness of any investigation.

The disclosure of this information to the public by the MPS would inhibit the flow of free and frank discussion, sharing of advice and best practices for investigations between police services. Anything that undermines this would have a detrimental effect on the thoroughness, efficiency and effectiveness of police investigations and ultimately the apprehension and prosecution of offenders.
You have asked questions that relate to the mobile data terminal (MDT) device.

Disclosure

The following questions relate to the role of Patrol Supervisor
What additional responsibilities does that role entail? Please provide an internal copy of the job description.
What rank would one have to be before becoming eligible for the post?
Do they carry any additional kit? What extra forms or notebooks are they required carry please provide photos of theses?

The questions regarding patrol supervisor – this is a role of Sergeant, there is no specific Job Description available.