Information Commissioner's Office

Summary: The complainant requested a copy of the manual detailing the physical restraint methods that may be used on young people held in the custody of Secure Training Centres. The public authority refused to disclose this information, citing the exemption provided by section 31(1)(f) (prejudice to the maintenance of security and good order in prisons). The public authority also later cited the exemption provided by section 38(1)(a) and (b) (endangerment to health and safety). The Commissioner concludes that both of these exemptions are engaged, but that the public interest in the maintenance of these exemptions does not outweigh the public interest in disclosure. In failing to disclose the information requested within 20 working days of receipt of the request, the public authority breached sections 1(1)(b) and 10(1). The public authority also failed to comply with the requirements of sections 17(1)(b) and (c) and 17(3)(b) in its handling of the request and is required to disclose the information in question. Information Tribunal appeal EA/2010/0013 withdrawn.
Section of Act/EIR & Finding: FOI 10 - Complaint Upheld, FOI 17 - Complaint Upheld, FOI 31 - Complaint Upheld, FOI 38 - Complaint Upheld