Information about the MPS MO7 Taskforce Surge Teams

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.25.042405

I note you seek access to the following information:

These questions are in relation to the MPS MO7 Taskforce Surge Teams implemented in January 2024.

1. How many male and how many female officers were initially on these teams?
2. How many male and how many female officers have been recruited on these teams?
3. How many male officers and how many female officers are currently on these teams and how does this compare statistically to the MPS overall?
4. How many driving courses (not including refreshers) have been given to the Taskforce Surge Teams?
5. How many of these driving courses were given to female officers (prior to receipt of this information request)?

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) Law Enforcement

Reason for decision

In respect of Question Four (4) and Five (5) information held is exempt under Section 31 – Law Enforcement

Section 31(1)(a) (Law enforcement) - While we appreciate you will have no ill meaning behind your request, disclosure could be used by those with criminal intent against the MPS or the UK as intelligence in regards to resources and law enforcement tactics and methodology. It is not in the public interest to disclose tactical information that could be used to assist in the planning of criminal activity, due to an adverse FOIA disclosure.

Disclosure would lead to a loss of confidence in the MPS’ ability to protect the safety of the community (for example, following an adverse FOIA disclosure regarding law enforcement team resources, tactics and capabilities).

The risks to individuals are likely to be significant if the information is used by those with the necessary criminal intent to undermine the very purpose information is held (crime detection and prevention).

Extra security measures and policing resources may need to be put into place with the disclosure of this information regarding resources, tactics and capabilities. This is because of the risk disclosure brings in that it could be used as intelligence by those with the necessary criminal intent to undermine policing.

I have determined that the disclosure of the above information would not be in the public interest. I consider that the benefit that would result from the information being disclosed does not outweigh the considerations favouring non-disclosure.

The other information disclosed today ensures the public interest is met without placing law enforcement and the safety and security of the community in harm’s way.

I appreciate this is not the decision you would have liked for this part of your request. However, this decision has been made on the understanding that the public interest is not what interests the public but is what would be of greater interest to the public as a whole, should the information be disclosed.

Disclosure

The MPS is today able to disclose the answer to Question One (1), Two (2) and Three (3).

Q1 - How many male and how many female officers were initially on these teams?

Initially these teams comprised 42 officers with 4 female officers and 38 male officers.

Q2 - How many male and how many female officers have been recruited on these teams?

Over the last year 17 officers have been recruited onto the teams, 3 female officers and 14 male officers.

Q3 - How many male officers and how many female officers are currently on these teams and how does this compare statistically to the MPS overall?

As of the date of your request, the teams comprise of 59 officers with 7 female officers and 52 male officers. The figures are likely to have changed since the date your request was received.

In respect of comparison statistically to the MPS overall, please see below strength figures;

For further Workforce Data Report statistics please see the below link which routinely discloses information regarding out Workforce;

Workforce data report | Metropolitan Police