P and S warrant numbers with the top ten highest arrests in 2024

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.25.043165

I note you seek access to the following information:

1. The top 10 leading P warrant numbers with the highest number of arrests in 2024, with each listed by number of arrests in 2024 - as well as what BCU/OCU they're attached to.
2. The top 10 leading S warrant numbers with the highest number of arrests in 2024, with each listed by number of arrests in 2024 - as well as what BCU/OCU they're attached to.

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)(a)(b) & (3A)(a) - Personal Information

Reason for decision

Unfortunately, we have not been able to provide you with the actual P warrant numbers and the BCU/OCU that they are attached to, as requested. This is due to the fact that the provision of the data as above may lead to the possible identification of individuals (police officers/special constables). We have therefore removed the warrant numbers and replaced them with a counting system for anonymity. Eg p1, p2 etc.

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 (police officers/special constables).

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 certain offences with low counts 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 the attached spreadsheet pursuant to your request.