FMS 2023 (FOI ref: 960A/23)
REQUEST
Please provide me with a full copy of your 2023 Force Management Statement.
Please send me the full FMS, not a summary of it.
In addition, please send me it in searchable PDF format if possible rather than a scanned-in, photocopied version or a hard copy.
RESPONSE
Please be advised that your request has been considered and I am not obliged to supply all the information you have requested.
Section 17 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 requires West Midlands Police, when refusing to provide such information (because the information is exempt) to provide 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.
Some of the information you have requested is exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and has been redacted. The exemptions applicable in this case are as follows:
Section 31 (1) Law Enforcement
This is a qualified, prejudice-based exemption
Provision of the withheld information may enable the public to have a better understanding of the efficiency and effectiveness of the police service and how they use resources and equipment as part of their enforcement activities. However, Specific information relating to the use of resources, equipment and any other law enforcement techniques would provide useful intelligence and a valuable asset to individuals and/or organisations wishing to commit crime. Capability would be highlighted and law enforcement tactics may be compromised which would hinder the prevention and detection of crime, placing the public at risk.
Section 40 (2) Personal information
This is an absolute exemption
Please be advised that any information released as a result of a Freedom of Information request, in effect, is being released into the public domain. Therefore, it could subsequently be published or would have to be made available to any member of the public if it were requested.
Any information that relates to an individual, or from which an individual could be identified, constitutes personal data and to release information that constitutes personal data into the public domain contravenes the Data Protection Act and GDPR
In accordance with the Act, this letter represents a Refusal Notice for the redacted parts of the document.
The document has been provided in the format deemed most secure to avoid any possibility of removing the redactions, and has been split in order to be able to scan it.