Link for IOC full Decision notice pdf file: Chief Constable North Wales Police (Police and criminal justice) [2025] UKICO 350539 (2 May 2025)
The complainant has requested information about police officers administering an emergency antidote for drug overdoses. North Wales Police ("NWP") relied on section 12(1) (cost of compliance) of FOIA to refuse the request. The Commissioner's decision is that NWP was entitled to rely on section 12(1) of FOIA to refuse the request. However, the Commissioner also finds that NWP did not comply with its section 16 obligation to offer advice and assistance. The Commissioner requires NWP to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation. Provide the complainant with appropriate advice and assistance to help them submit a request that may fall within the appropriate limit. NWP must take these steps within 30 calendar days of the date of this decision notice. Failure to comply may result in the Commissioner making written certification of this fact to the High Court pursuant to section 54 of the Act and may be dealt with as a contempt of court.