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FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST REFERENCE NO: FOI-739-2023
I write in connection with your request for information which was received on 9th August 2023 as follows:
I would like to request under the freedom of information act answers to the following;
Please find the Warwickshire Police response set out below.
Q1 response: No Information held
Q2 response: Epilepsy is included within the First Aid Training which officers complete annually. The learning outcome is as follows:
Learning Outcome: Discuss the first aid role in Epilepsy
It is also included within the Custody Sergeant Training and Detention Officer Training and forms part of the requirements for the HCP (Care and Custody) input. It focuses on what epilepsy it, how it presents, how it is treated and how this is linked in with management of risk (i.e. consultation with a HCP at the earliest opportunity and obtaining medication) and how to deal with an instance of a seizure in custody.
Q3 response: Warwickshire Police do not hold a policy in relation to specifically grading the risk to a missing person who has epilepsy. The Missing Person Risk Assessment asks a set of questions which would be relevant in identifying epilepsy and assist in determining a risk level.
The Missing Person Policy and Procedure sets out information in relation to risk levels and a copy is attached for information. Please note that some sections have been redacted as they have been determined as unsuitable for disclosure by virtue of the following exemption:
Section 31(1)(a)(b) – Law Enforcement
Section 31 is a prejudice-based qualified exemption and as such, there is a requirement to evidence the harm disclosure would cause and to carry out a public interest test.
Harm
The Freedom of Information Act provides the public with a general right of access to recorded information held by public authorities. However, information disclosed under this Act is effectively released into the public domain, or to ‘the world’, and not only to the person making the request.
The disclosure of specific information relating to law enforcement methods used in Missing Person investigations would provide individuals’, intent on criminal activity, with vital information. This information, together with other information already in the public domain, would assist those involved in criminal behaviour. This in turn would place victims at greater risk, hinder the prevention and detection of crime and could compromise ongoing and future enquiries.
Public Interest Test
Section 31 - Factors Favouring Disclosure
The public have an interest in knowing how public funds are being utilised.
Disclosure may add value to the accuracy of public debate with regards to resources allocated for the prevention and detection of crime.
Section 31 - Factors Against Disclosure
The Police Service has a duty to ensure that the prevention and detection of crime, apprehension or prosecution of offenders, and administration of justice is carried out appropriately and effectively.
Disclosure of law enforcement methods used in missing person investigations would assist those intent on criminal activity to adjust their behaviour to evade detection. This could provide a tactical advantage to offenders which would negatively impact upon the safety of the public and officers and undermine the policing purpose.
Balance Test
For a public interest test, issues that favour disclosure need to be measured against issues that favour non-disclosure.
Whilst the value of accountability and the right for the public to know how funds are spent is recognised, there is no further tangible benefit to the public interest in identifying specific police tactics used in investigations. The ability to deliver effective law enforcement is of paramount importance and Warwickshire Police will not divulge information if to do so would have an adverse effect on the force’s ability to prevent and detect crime.
Therefore, on balance, it is considered that the public interest in providing the information is outweighed by the potential impact release would have on future law enforcement activities.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is as accurate as possible.
Your attention is drawn to the below which details your right of complaint.
Should you have any further enquiries concerning this matter, please write or email the Freedom of Information Unit quoting the reference number above.
Yours sincerely
Freedom of Information Officer
Freedom of Information Unit
Warwickshire Police
PO Box 4
Leek Wootton
Warwickshire
CV35 7QB