Structure and hierarchy
Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.23.031172
I note you seek access to the following information:
REQUEST 1:
Structure and hierarchy of the Specialist Operations Business group, Similar to "Structure and hierarchy of the Frontline Policing Business Group"
REQUEST 2:
Structure and hierarchy of the Met Operations Business group, Similar to "Structure and hierarchy of the Frontline Policing Business Group"
REQUEST 3:
Structure and hierarchy of the Professionalism Business group, Similar to "Structure and hierarchy of the Frontline Policing Business Group"
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 24(1) - National Security
Section 31(1)(a)(b) - Law Enforcement
Reason for decision
With regards to Request 1 - Structure and hierarchy of the Specialist Operations Business group, Similar to "Structure and hierarchy of the Frontline Policing Business Group"
Each OCU is conventionally structured unit of the Metropolitan Police Service that follows the standard MPS corporate leadership and governance structures under a Commander.
A disclosure under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act is a disclosure to the world.
That means that any information disclosed in response to a request must be suitable for any individual in the public domain to view. This is demonstrated by the fact that all MPS disclosures made under the Act are published on our external website.
Your request seeks tactical information and is deemed harmful, I have therefore applied exemptions under Section 31(1) - Law Enforcement and Section 24(1) National Security.
To disclose the information on the Specialist Operations Business group broken down as you have requested, would be likely to provide enough information for individuals (or groups of individuals) with mal-intent to disrupt our ability to fulfil our basic law enforcement functions and our ability to deploy resources safely and efficiently. Disclosure would likely identify how protection is delivered, could facilitate any individual or group in their planning to bring about harm to the Airport and expose our capabilities.
Section 24(1) - National Security & Section 31(1)(a)(b) – Law Enforcement - To disclose the structure in each subgroup within Specialist Operations could cause harm to the Police service’s ability to protect the public it serves and could prejudice its ability to perform core functions such as the prevention and detection of crime.
This information would consequently increase the capability for criminals, including extremist networks, to target innocent members of the public. If this information were in the public domain those wishing to do so could, for example, see our capability and would be more likely to be able to commit a crime without being apprehended or detected.
The disclosure of information which is likely to undermine the Police service’s ability to serve the public in preventing and detecting crime can only be considered as being harmful to the public.
To release the requested information would be likely to hinder the ability of the MPS to prevent and detect crime, as well as hinder our ability to apprehend offenders. If the disclosure of information through FOIA would be likely to cause harm and have such a negative impact on crime levels, the public's fear of crime, or public safety it cannot be seen to be in the public interest.
Releasing the requested information would be likely to leave the MPS vulnerable to criminals utilising the information for malicious intent, including potential terrorist threats. Disclosure could compromise the tactical capability, identify how protection is delivered and facilitate any individual or group in their planning to bring about harm to the Metropolitan Police Service.
This could lead to an increase in crime if offenders believed they were less likely to be apprehended.
The Police Service is charged with enforcing the law, preventing and detecting crime and protecting the communities we serve. Whilst there is a public interest in the transparency of operational policing, there is a very strong public interest in safeguarding the safety of the MPS and the general public.
The MPS has a duty of care to the communities served. To disclose the requested information would place the safety of an individual(s) at risk, or undermine the policing purpose in the effective delivery of operational law enforcement. In view of the arguments provided above, it is our opinion, that disclosure of specific information cannot be permitted.
Public safety is of paramount importance and any information which would place individuals at risk and compromise the National Security of the United Kingdom, no matter how generic, is not in the public interest. The effective delivery of operational law enforcement and the National Security of the UK is crucial and of paramount importance to MPS. Any disclosure would have a negative impact on law enforcement and national security.
As much as there is a public interest in knowing that the delivery of law enforcement is appropriate and balanced, this will only be overridden in exceptional circumstances.
I consider that the benefit that would result from the information being disclosed does not outweigh the considerations favouring non-disclosure.
Please note that for REQUEST 3:
Structure and hierarchy of the Professionalism Business group, Similar to "Structure and hierarchy of the Frontline Policing Business Group"
– No Information Held by the MPS.
Under the lists from different sources. Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI Act) we are required to provide information we hold, unless an exemption applies. The FOI Act does not require us to create information or collate lists from different sources.
Disclosure
REQUEST 1:
Structure and hierarchy of the Specialist Operations Business group, Similar to "Structure and hierarchy of the Frontline Policing Business Group"
Each OCU (Operational Command Unit) is conventionally structured unit of the Metropolitan Police Service that follows the standard MPS corporate leadership and governance structures under a Commander. To reduce the harm with disclosure, I have provided the following from the Specialist Operations Business group
SPECIALIST OPERATIONS
Assistant Commissioner
Security and Protection
Deputy Assistant Commissioner
Protection Command
Commander
OCU Commander/ Chief Superintendent – PaDP (Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection)
OCU Commander/ Chief Superintendent – Royalty and Specialist Protection
Security / Aviation Command
Commander
Chief Superintendent – Aviation
OCU Commander/ Chief Superintendent – Security
Senior National Co-ordinator
Deputy Assistant Commissioner
Counter Terrorism Command
Commander
Deputy Senior National Coordinator
Assistant Chief Constable
Director Counter Terrorism Policing
Request 2 – Structure and hierarchy of the Met Operations Business group, Similar to "Structure and hierarchy of the Frontline Policing Business Group"
Please see attached document
DUTY TO ADVISE AND ASSIST
Please visit the following link with a breakdown of senior management team within each business group.