ProLaser 4 speeding gun

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.22.024794

I note you seek access to the following information:

1. A copy of organisation standard operating procedure for using a ProLaser 4 gun, as well as copy of calibration certificate for the speeding gun used at the incident.
2. Any evidence relating to a ‘signage sweep*’ that was carried out, prior to speeding enforcement checks commencing. I.e. camera/body camera footage, notes in police notebook etc. If no such evidence exists, request from the officer, written confirmation, detailing of how he conducted these checks.
3. Evidence produced from ProLaser4 speeding device I.e., Camera footage if speeding gun is linked to photo producing device or documents that Indicated that my vehicle was speeding.
4. A copy of the MPS standard operating procedure (SOP) for conducting speed checks with manned devices. Documents that detail how Speed ProLaser4 speed device works.
5. In addition, I would like the following questions answered: Are officers allowed to conduct speed enforcement checks using handheld devices, I.e., ProLaser 4, while sitting within in their vehicle? If so, is it best practice for officer to conduct the checks while being out of the vehicle.
6. If an officer decides to conduct enforcement check while out a vehicle, is their requirement for him to be in high visibility clothing? To above questions provide the relevant SOP documents that confirms this is the current standard.
7. To above questions provide the relevant SOP documents that confirms this is the current standard.

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 40(2)(3a)(b) – Personal Information

Reason for decision

I have disclosed the located calibration certificate to you in redacted format, that is, I have removed the following type of information from the document:

a. The signature of the calibration engineer that signed the certificate.
b. Section 40(2)(3)(a)(b) – Personal Information - of the Act provides that any information to which a request for information relates, is exempt information if the first condition of Section 40(3A)(a) is satisfied. The first condition of Section 40(3A)(a) states that personal information is exempt if its disclosure would contravene any of the data protection principles. If the disclosure of the requested personal data would not contravene the data protection principles, the disclosure must also not contravene Sections 3A(b) and 3B of the Act.

c. There are six principles that are set out in Article 5(1)(a) of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) that dictate when the processing of personal data is lawful. The first principle requires that any processing of personal data must be lawful, fair and transparent. Under Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR, the disclosure of personal data is considered to be lawful if:

a. There is a legitimate interest in the disclosure of that personal data.
b. The disclosure of the personal data is necessary to meet that legitimate interest.
c. The disclosure would not cause unwarranted harm to the data subject.

Disclosure

Q1 - A copy of organisation standard operating procedure for using a ProLaser 4 gun, as well as copy of calibration certificate for the speeding gun used at the incident.

The device is operated in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and NPCC guidance on the use of speed enforcement technology – copies of both attached. There is not a separate Met SOP relating to the use of the ProLaser 4 device.

The NPCC guidance is freely available on the internet here:

NPCC- Guide for the operational use of Speed Red light enforcement technology.pdf

Q2 - Any evidence relating to a ‘signage sweep*’ that was carried out, prior to speeding enforcement checks commencing. I.e. camera/body camera footage, notes in police notebook etc. If no such evidence exists, request from the officer, written confirmation, detailing of how he conducted these checks.

Q3 - Evidence produced from ProLaser4 speeding device I.e., Camera footage if speeding gun is linked to photo producing device or documents that Indicated that my vehicle was speeding.

Both of these questions will be answered separately under the Data Protection Act 1998.

Q4 - A copy of the MPS standard operating procedure (SOP) for conducting speed checks with manned devices. Documents that detail how Speed ProLaser4 speed device works.

There is no separate SOP in relation to conduct matters.

The MPS do not hold any technical documents detailing how the ProLaser 4 device works. A general description of the operating principles for laser devices is contained in the NPCC guidance (above), Para 10.1.

Q5 - In addition, I would like the following questions answered: Are officers allowed to conduct speed enforcement checks using handheld devices, I.e., ProLaser 4, while sitting within in their vehicle? If so, is it best practice for officer to conduct the checks while being out of the vehicle.

Yes – officers are permitted to use the devices while sitting in a vehicle, providing the device’s beam is not projected through glass.

There is no recommended ‘best practice’ in relation to being inside / outside a vehicle.

Q6 - If an officer decides to conduct enforcement check while out a vehicle, is their requirement for him to be in high visibility clothing? To above questions provide the relevant SOP documents that confirms this is the current standard.

There is no requirement for an officer to wear high visibility clothing when conducting a check. It’s use is recommended solely for safety purposes.

Again, there is no separate SOP for this – it is covered in NPCC guidance Para 2.1

Q7 - To above questions provide the relevant SOP documents that confirms this is the current standard.

Please see the above and the attached.