Information Commissioner's Office

Summary: The complainant contacted the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and requested information concerning which countries had refused to co-operate with any investigation by the MPS into alleged war crimes. The MPS refused to comply with the request on the grounds that section 12(2) was engaged. The MPS stated that determining whether the requested information was held would exceed the appropriate costs limit. The Commissioner investigated and has found that the MPS was correct to apply section 12(2) to the request. He has also found that the MPS has discharged its duties under section 16(1) of the Act and provided advice and assistance to the complainant. However, the MPS responded to the request outside the statutory time limit and therefore breached section 17(5). The Commissioner requires no further steps to be taken by the MPS.
Section of Act/EIR & Finding: FOI 12 - Complaint Not upheld, FOI 16 - Complaint Not upheld, FOI 17 - Complaint Upheld