Information about Command and control systems and training

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.24.039354

I note you seek access to the following information:

I would like to narrow my request to the following questions:

1. What Command and Control system does the MPS use?
2. What intranet does the MPS use?
3. Job profile for a Pan London Operator?
4. Why were SFOs realigned to CTSFOs within the MPS, and why has the Met replaced SFOs with CTSFOs?

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 and
Section 31 (1) – Law Enforcement

Information relating to question 2 i.e. what intranet the MPS use has been withheld as it is exempt from disclosure.

Reason for decision

Information Technology is extremely important in modern day policing. A significant amount of money is spent to ensure that our IT is suitable for all our policing needs, from supporting front line officers to protecting the public's information. To disclose the details you have requested in relation details of our intranet used would be highly likely to impact upon our operational capabilities. To disclose this information would therefore cause operational harm to the MPS and affect our ability to fulfil our core function of safeguarding London and the UK,

Law Enforcement - Section 31(1) - disclosing this information would also have a negative consequence for the public. Disclosing details around what systems we use could be exploited by others in order to hinder our core law enforcement functions of preventing and detecting crime and apprehending offenders.
National Security - Section 24(1) - In the current security climate within the United Kingdom, any information, sensitive in nature, which may aid a cyber-criminal should be disclosed, as vulnerabilities would be highlighted.

The release of information would lead to sensitive information going into the public domain that a cyber-criminal could use to attack our police force. If it is known that a particular piece of software has weaknesses and a force was to disclose they use this then those weaknesses could be exploited. A cyber-attack could negatively affect the infrastructure of policing. By affecting the infrastructure of policing the nation’s security will be more vulnerable.

We consider that the benefit that would result from the information being disclosed does not outweigh the considerations favouring non-disclosure, as this information would provide no wider public benefit given the potential security consequences. Furthermore, we believe the public interest is satisfied by the disclosure of generic contractual finance information published as part of our accounts.

Disclosure

Please see below information we are able to provide in relation to your request:

Q1 - What Command and Control system does the MPS use?

The MPS use a product called CAD, Computer aided Despatch which is used in Despatch and in First Contact Call Handling System.

Q4 - Why were SFOs realigned to CTSFOs within the MPS, and why has the Met replaced SFOs with CTSFOs?

Whilst there is no recorded information held to answer this I have been informed that the MPS begun a programme of upskilling SFOs prior to the London 2012 Olympics; the CTSFO role profile was established to allow for the additional skills required in tackling Counter Terrorism and Serious Crime.

Q3 - Job profile for a Pan London Operator?

With regards to question 3 ‘Job profile for a Pan London Operator’ this information is not held. I have been advised by HR & SSCL that as this is a very generic role it could mean almost anything within the MPS.
If you were able to supply an actual job title within this generic role we would be able to look again for something that matches as at present we have no records for the role of ‘Pan London Operator’.