Chief Constable of Essex Police

The complainant requested information about the number of officers on duty on a particular Bank Holiday night shift. Essex Police refused to comply with the request, citing section 12(1) (cost of compliance) of FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that Essex Police is entitled to rely on section 12(1) to refuse to comply with the request. He also finds that Essex Police complied with its obligations under section 16 of FOIA to offer advice and assistance. The Commissioner requires no steps to be taken as a result of this decision.