Data on Operation Snap - 2020-2022

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.23.028919

I note you seek access to the following information:

Please provide the dataset (the whole spreadsheet or database) in which you record the submissions and outcomes of for your operation snap (or operation with the purpose of receiving and acting on public submissions of video evidence from the roads).

I would expect the dataset to include individual reports and include the time, date, location, type of offence and outcome but I would like all other data stored other that which is exempt by law (index, names, personal comments).

I would like data from the period to 1 January 2020 - 1 February 2023

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)(3) - Personal Information

Reason for decision

You have requested individual reports including data broken down by:

• The time,
• Date,
• Location,
• Type of offence and
• Outcome

Unfortunately we have not been able to provide you with a breakdown of all of the data as requested. This is due to the fact that the provision of the data as above would lead to the possible identification of individuals. Therefore we have withheld the full incident date (only providing the month and year given) and the precise time of incident

A Freedom of Information Act request is not a private transaction. Both the request itself, and any information disclosed, are considered suitable for open publication.

This is because, under Freedom of Information, any information disclosed is released into the wider public domain, effectively to the world and not just to one individual.

The MPS, like all UK public authorities are obliged to comply with the Data Protection
Act 2018 and this includes the protection of personal data.

If you marry all the data that you’ve requested, we believe the release of this data would make it less anonymous and likely to lead to the identification of living individuals.

This type of information can fairly be considered "personal data" and sensitive, with a clear identifiable link. In most cases, personal data is exempt from disclosure under the remit of the Freedom of Information Act.

Where an individual is requesting third party personal data the MPS must ensure that any action taken adheres to the principles of GDPR/ the Data Protection Act 2018.
To clarify, the Freedom of Information Act only allows disclosure of personal data if that disclosure would be compliant with that law.

It is legitimate for the MPS to consider the cumulative effect of disclosing information of a similar nature in respect of the occupations of the offenders under the Freedom of Information Act, and the effect this has on public perception and how it responsibly and sensitively handles personal data in a public forum.

Disclosure

Please see attached information pursuant to the remainder of your FOIA request.