Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia

The complainant has requested information about the purchase and use of Covert Communications Data Capture (“CCDC”) from the West Mercia Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (the “OPCC”). In respect of parts (1) to (3) of the request, the OPCC confirmed holding some information but advised that it was exempt from disclosure under sections 24(1) (national security) and 31(1) (law enforcement). In respect of part (4) of the request it would neither confirm nor deny (“NCND”) holding any further information citing section 23(5) (information supplied by, or relating to, bodies dealing with security matters); it also referred to section 21(1) (information accessible by other means) which it later clarified it did not intend to rely on. The Commissioner’s decision is that, in respect of parts (1) to (3) of the request, the OPCC was entitled to rely on section 24(1). She also finds that part (4) of the request was addressed to a different public authority and the OPPC should have advised the complainant accordingly. No steps are required. Information Tribunal appeal EA/2018/0171 disposed by consent.