Information about the Territorial Support Group
Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.23.029706
I note you seek access to the following information:
I am writing to you in order to gain information on the Territorial Support Group.
I would like to mention this information is for realistic gaming purposes.
Q1) when TSG are on Borough Reserve who makes the decision on where to put the TSG resources?
Q2) during Borough Reserve shifts what rank is on the ground leading it?
Q3) how many resources are placed on to a borough during a typical Borough Reserve Shift?
Q4) Can you please provide a list of different shifts TSG do? (borough reserve. public order AID, CounterTerrorism patrols etc)
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)(c) – Law Enforcement
Reason for decision
Questions 3 and 4 of this request is exempt under section 31(1)(a)(b) Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FoIA) governing Law Enforcement.
In considering whether or not this information should be disclosed, I have considered the potential harm that could be caused by disclosure.
If borough deployment data on a Borough Reserve Shift along with the shifts the TSG undertake were released into the public domain there could potentially be substantial harm to the Police Service, as it could inhibit its ability to fulfil its core functions. The release of operational tactics would furnish individuals or groups having the necessary intent to disrupt police activity with the necessary information to effectively do just that, thereby hindering future operational activity.
This would consequently increase the capability for criminals, including extremist networks, to target innocent members of the public. Any release of information that would be likely to prejudice a police services' ability to prevent and/or detect crime could only be viewed as being harmful to members of the public.
The aim of the Freedom of Information Act is to make government bodies more open and transparent. Releasing officer deployment data and shift patterns would make the MPS openly accountable for officer staffing levels, proving police deploy their resources in the most suitable manner with the numbers available. Additionally, providing the public with details of how we spend public funds and use our resources show that the MPS have utilised their biggest resource, officers, efficiently. This would assist public debate.
However, to release the requested information about deployment levels could prevent the Service from preventing and detecting crime, as well as hinder our ability to apprehend offenders. Information regarding police deployment data is a valuable commodity to individuals (and/or organisations) wishing to commit crime, as it provides an insight into tactics and resources available to the MPS. Therefore, those seeking to commit criminality could counter any future policing tactics and elude justice. This will ultimately have a detrimental impact on innocent members of the public.
Releasing the requested information regarding deployment data could leave London vulnerable to criminals utilising the information for malicious intent, including potential terrorist threats. This could lead to an increase in crime if offenders believed they were less likely to be apprehended in the future. This is particularly the case if they obtained the information for various London boroughs on these different shift patterns, enabling them to 'map' periods of officer deployment over the capital.
As crime prevention/detection is in the 'public's interest', any release of information which would be likely to prejudice our ability to prevent and/or detect crime could only be viewed as being harmful to the public interest.
I consider that the benefit that would result from the information being disclosed does not outweigh disclosing information relating to the officer deployment data. Therefore, this information is exempt.
Disclosure
Q1 - When TSG are on Borough Reserve who makes the decision on where to put the TSG resources?
A panel chaired by a DAC decides which BCU corporate asset such as the TSG are posted to. The respective Senior Leadership Team for that BCU make the decision on what areas the TSG should patrol within the BCU, based on their local intel.
Q2 - During Borough Reserve shifts what rank is on the ground leading it?
A Sergeant
Q3 - How many resources are placed on to a borough during a typical Borough Reserve Shift?
Q4 - Can you please provide a list of different shifts TSG do? (borough reserve. public order AID, CounterTerrorism patrols etc)
I have today decided to exempt this information from disclosure and therefore Question 3 & 4 are exempt under Section 31 (1)(a)(b)(c) – Law Enforcement.