Forensics equipment used by the MPS

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.23.029151

I note you seek access to the following information:

I am writing to request information on the points stated below:

1. Does your forensics department use any form of:
a. 360-degree photography
b. 3D laser scanners

2. If yes:
a. What devices and/or brands?
b. How often/which crimes do you use them for?

3. What cameras do your forensic department use?

4. Do you use different cameras for volume and major crime?

5. If so:
a. What type/brand
b. Why?

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 - The MPS is charged with enforcing the law and preventing and detecting crime. Any information released under the Act which reveals information related to some of the make/manufacture/ type of infrastructure or systems we employ could prejudice the prevention and detection of crime and the apprehension or prosecution of offenders. Disclosure could potentially provide any individuals with malicious intent to target information about the products we use which could in turn aid individuals to commit attack/exploits.

Release of some of the information detailing the make/manufacture/type of infrastructure or systems we employ 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 during day to day policing.

The disclosure of this information to the public by the MPS would undermine the MPS's ability to properly police and investigate on a day to day basis. Release of the information mentioned above could potentially disclose the technical capability of the MPS and could affect operational situations.

Disclosure

I have today decided to disclose some of the located information to you.

Q1 - Does your forensics department use any form of:
a. 360-degree photography
b. 3D laser scanners

a. Yes the MPS use 360 degree photography.
b. Yes the MPS use 3D scanners.

Q2 - If yes:
a. What devices and/or brands?
b. How often/which crimes do you use them for?

Photography

a. Nikon via Digital SLR Cameras.
b. I have been advised that no specific records kept. In addition, this is used for all serious crime.

Scanners

a and b. The MPS use different brands and models of laser scanners depending on the specific requirements. The MPS select the appropriate tool for the required application, which may include a variety of tripod-based, mobile, metrology or handheld types of scanner, depending on the need.

Q3 - What cameras do your forensic department use?

The MPS use Nikon D3 cameras.

Q4 - Do you use different cameras for volume and major crime?

No.

Q5 - If so:
a. What type/brand
b. Why?

N/A.