2022/25448 - Three senior officers suspended
REQUEST
Three senior officers suspended.
- The licensing hours and restrictions at the premises of Gwent HQ.
- On the day of the sexual offence’s complaints in Cardiff , were the accused on duty.
- How did they travel to Cardiff, police vehicle?.
- We’re expenses of any nature claimed, if so what ?
- Was the current cc in attendance.
Clarification received:
Case to which the applicant refers:
RESPONSE
- It is accepted practice that there is no alcohol consumed on Gwent Police premises and Gwent Police do not have an alcohol licence for any premises.
Qs 2, 3 & 5
The hearing was held in private, and as such we would not provide these details. Therefore, please see below for the following exemption:
Section 31(1)(g) ‘Law Enforcement’
Information which is not exempt information by virtue of section 30 is exempt information if its disclosure under this Act would, or would be likely to, prejudice the exercise by any public authority of its functions for any of the purposes specified in subsection (2). The purposes referred to in subsection (1)(g) are:- (a) The purpose of ascertaining whether any person has failed to comply with the law (b) The purpose of ascertaining whether any person is responsible for any conduct which is improper
Evidence of Harm:
Gwent Police are charged with enforcing the law, preventing and detecting crime and protecting the communities we serve. Disclosing details of investigations would impact on the effectiveness of police procedures and investigations thereby hindering the prevention and detection of crime.
Section 31 – Factors favouring disclosure:
The disclosure of details relating to investigations involving Police Officers and Police Staff would provide the public with reassurance that Gwent Police take all reports of crimes seriously and that these are managed appropriately, ensuring all relevant enquiries are undertaken. Investigations are funded by the public purse, therefore disclosing information provides transparency of the way public money is used.
Section 31 – Factors favouring non-disclosure:
Information relating to specific investigations could lead to the identification of those involved, including victims, witnesses and suspects. It is vital that information continues to be received when carrying out investigations however there may be reluctance to provide information if it is believed that details relating to the investigation could be released via FOI. While it is generally expected that findings are made public at a later stage when they represent the fully considered conclusions of the investigation, releasing the details under the FOIA prior to the conclusion of proceedings and, therefore making such information public, could hinder any current or future investigations undertaken by Gwent Police.
- We’re expenses of any nature claimed, if so what?
There are no transactions for these officers over July or August 2020. No public funds were misused.