Reference:
Request detail:
I am writing to make an open government request for all the information to which I am entitled under the Freedom of Information Act.
In order to assist you with this request, I am outlining my query as specifically as possible.
Please can you tell me:
1. Between 1st January 2016 and 1st January 2022, how many fire fighters working for your department/council were reported for sexual misconduct.
Please could this be broken down by the day, month, year as well as the type of allegations (eg sexual harassment, indecent exposure, an inappropirate relationship with a member of the public they dealt with while on duty, rape).
2. Please could I have details of the outcomes of these allegations e.g. how many each year led to no further action/ internal investigation/police investigation/prosecution etc.
Response detail:
Thank you for your Freedom of Information request. Please find our responses below.
- Between 1st January 2016 and 1st January 2022, how many fire fighters working for your department/council were reported for sexual misconduct.
Please could this be broken down by the day, month, year as well as the type of allegations (eg sexual harassment, indecent exposure, an inappropirate relationship with a member of the public they dealt with while on duty, rape). November 2019 and March 2021. Due to low numbers we are unable to release the information in further detail as the numbers involved are sufficiently low that it could be possible for individuals to be identified. Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service considers this information is exempt under section 40 (personal information) of the FOIA, as the information constitutes third party data. Section 40(2) provides that personal data about third parties is exempt information if one of the conditions set out in section 40(3) is satisfied. Under the FOIA disclosure of this information would breach the fair processing principle contained in Data Protection Legislation, where it would be unfair to that person or is confidential. The number of cases is so small that Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service believes it would be possible to identify individuals as a result of disclosure of specific details of the cases.
2. Please could I have details of the outcomes of these allegations e.g. how many each year led to no further action/ internal investigation/police investigation/prosecution etc. No Further Action in both cases
If you are unhappy with the way your request for information has been handled, you can complain or request an internal review of the decision. This must be done within 40 working days of receiving this response. You can do this by writing to the Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, St. Michael’s Street, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 2HJ or email: enquiries@shropshirefire.gov.uk.
If you remain dissatisfied with the handling of your request or complaint, you have a right to appeal to the Information Commissioner at:
Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Telephone: 0303 123 1113
Website: www.ico.gov.uk
