Chief Constable of West Mercia Police

The complainant has requested information regarding an alleged crime from West Mercia Police. West Mercia Police would initially neither confirm nor deny (“NCND”) holding any information, citing section 40(5) (Personal information) of FOIA.
During the Commissioner’s investigation, following liaison with the complainant, West Mercia Police revised its position. It located and disclosed some information, with redactions made under sections 30(1) (Investigations and proceedings) and 40(2) (Personal information) of FOIA. At a later stage, following further liaison with the complainant, West Mercia Police revised its position again and cited section 12(2) (Cost of compliance exceeds appropriate limit) of FOIA.
The Commissioner’s decision is that West Mercia Police was correct to rely on section 30(1). He also finds that it was entitled to rely on the cost limit. No steps are required.