Summary: The complainant requested information relating to Data Protection offences which may have been committed by police officers. Essex Police refused to comply with the request on the grounds that the appropriate costs limit would be exceeded -“ section 12(1) of the Act. The Commissioner has investigated and finds that Essex Police correctly applied section 12 to the request. However, after further explanation from Essex Police regarding its cost estimate the Commissioner considers that the correct subsection would be section 12(2), as determining whether information was held would exceed the costs limit. He also considers that no further advice and assistance could be given to the complainant and requires no further steps to be taken.
Section of Act/EIR & Finding: FOI 12 - Complaint Not upheld, FOI 17 - Complaint Upheld