FOI 0600-2024/25- Intruder alarm systems

Request:

Q1. I am writing to respectfully request the disclosure of information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Specifically, I am seeking the disclosure of any data or information held by the force that details the organisations and/or individuals recognised by the Chief Constable to install Type A intruder alarm systems within your jurisdiction.

This request pertains to any records, lists, documents, or databases, whether current or historical, that identify those companies or individuals authorised to install and maintain Type A alarm systems which comply with British Standards (such as BS EN 50131 or BS 4737) and are eligible for police response upon alarm activation.

Response: 

Decision

Your request for information has now been considered and I am not obliged to supply the information requested pursuant to Section S31(1)(a)(b) – Law Enforcement of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act). Please see the exemption explanation below.

Exemption Explanation

Section 17 of the Act requires North Yorkshire 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.

Section 31 is a prejudice-based qualified exemption and there is a requirement to articulate the harm as well as carrying out a public interest test.

Harm

Freedom of Information is considered to be a release to the world as once the information is published the public authority, in this case North Yorkahire Police has no control over what use is made of that information.

Providing the names of specific companies accredited to install Type A alarms would expose other companies and the buildings / sites they protect and make them more vulnerable to those persons intent on gaining authorised access to them. This is because it may provide an indication that police response to those areas would potentially be slower. Accordingly, and whilst not questioning the motives of the applicant, providing information that could then be exploited by identifying accredited installers from those who don’t install Type A alarm systems could be of use to those who seek to undermine our ability to prevent and detect crime, and more specifically, apprehend those responsible.

Public Interest Test

Factors favouring disclosure S31(1)(a)(b) - There is a public interest in transparency when any request is made for police information. In this instance there is public interest in knowing which installers are Type A alarm systems accredited, which assists the public in sourcing security systems fit for purpose.

Factors against disclosure S31(1)(a)(b)  - The police only use Type A alarm system installers in accordance with British Standard regulations and as approved by the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) and the Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board (SSAIB). Disclosing a list of companies used by the police exposes other unaccredited companies and the buildings / sites they are employed to protect, vulnerable, meaning those with the necessary intent could specifically target the areas covered by these companies with the hope of a delayed police response. Any release of information that risks increasing crime and impacting the likelihood of apprehending any person(s) responsible is not in the public interest.

Overall Balance Test

Having considered your request, North Yorkshire Police accepts that there is a public interest in transparency when any request is made for police information. The public interest favouring release must however be balanced against any associated risk and/or prejudice that would be caused through disclosure.

Having carefully considered this, I have found that the public release and publication of the names of these companies would be likely to reveal potential security vulnerabilities through a process of elimination. This means that those with the necessary intent could specifically identify and target the areas covered by unaccredited companies that don’t install Type A alarm systems with the hope of a delayed police response. Given this I have found that the release of this information is not in the public interest at this time.

Pursuant to Section 17(1) of the Act this letter acts as a Refusal Notice in response to part of your request.

Please note that systems used for recording information are not generic, nor are the procedures used locally in capturing the data.  It should be noted therefore that this force’s response to your questions should not be used for comparison purposes with any other responses you may receive.