FOI 578-2023 / June 2023 / Warwickshire fleet
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST REFERENCE NO: FOI-578-2023
I write in connection with your request for information which was received on 12th June 2023 as follows:
- Current Fleet Manager
- Assistant fleet Manager
- Number of beat/Patrol vehicles currently in fleet
- Number of traffic vehicles currently in fleet
- Number of Cell Vans currently in fleet
- Number of Camera Vans currently in fleet
- The on road lifespan for each of the above types of vehicle
Please find the Warwickshire Police response set out below.
Q1 response: We have a new Fleet Manager starting with the force in the near future. The Roads Policing Inspector is assisting in the interim.
Q2 response: No information held. Warwickshire Police do not have a position of Assistant Fleet Manager.
Q3 response: 59
Q4 response: Section 17 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 requires Warwickshire Police, when refusing to provide such information (because the information is exempt) to you the applicant with a notice which
(a) states that fact,
(b) specifies the exemption in question and
(c) states (if that would not otherwise be apparent) why the exemption applies.
I can confirm that Warwickshire Police does hold information in respect of your request; however the following exemption applies to part of the requested information:
Section 31(1)(a)(b) – Law Enforcement
Section 31 exemption 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
Unmarked vehicles used in certain specialised roles are unmarked for the specific purpose of being unidentifiable. There are concerns associated with the release of any information that would identify any unmarked vehicles in such roles, or in any role which could lead to the compromise of law enforcement. Disclosing the number of such vehicles, together with other information already in the public domain would assist those intent on criminal behaviour in identification of such vehicles. This would render those vehicles useless for future use in such roles and would therefore hinder the prevention and detection of crime and could compromise ongoing and future operations.
Public Interest Test
Section 31 - Factors Favouring Disclosure
The public have an interest in knowing how pubic funds are being utilised.
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 the number of unmarked vehicles used in roads policing would assist those intent on criminal activity to identify vehicles used by Warwickshire Police. This would allow them to adjust their behaviour to evade detection which would compromise the tactical effectiveness of using such vehicles and hinder the prevention or detection of crime.
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 transparency 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 information in relation to vehicles in specialised roles. 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 and this represents a refusal notice for information in relation to vehicles in specialised roles.
Please find the information I am able to provide set out below:
17
Q5 response: 11
Q6 response: 3
Q7 response: Either 6 years/125,000 miles, or 10 years/150,000 miles, depending on the make/model.
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