FOI 12727-25 999 Call Handler Training Guides AML ELS

Request to Northamptonshire Police

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I am requesting a copy of documents related to specific training for your 999 emergency call operators.

Specifically, I request the following:

- A copy of the current training guides, manuals, or any other instructional materials provided to your 999 emergency call handlers concerning the use of Emergency Location Services (ELS), which may also be referred to as Advanced Mobile Location (AML).

- This request includes any documentation that details the process for call handlers to access, interpret, and utilise the automated GPS location data that is sent from mobile phones making a 999 call.

I believe the release of this information is strongly in the public interest. A greater understanding of how your call handlers are trained to use this technology, that can automatically send GPS location to call handlers, will increase public confidence in the 999 service and help people better understand their role in an emergency.

Response

I can confirm that Northamptonshire Police holds the information requested.

However, we are unable to disclose the training materials requested, by virtue of the exemption in 31(1)(a)(b) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, which relates to:

• The prevention or detection of crime, and

• The apprehension or prosecution of offenders.

Law Enforcement information is exempt from disclosure under S31(1)(a)(b) where the release of Information would, or would likely to, prejudice the prevention and detection of crime and/ or the apprehension or prosecution of offenders. This exemption is qualified and prejudice-based and, as such, we are required to evidence the harm in disclosure and apply the public interest test.

Evidence of Harm - Section 31(1)(a)(b)

A request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) is not a private transaction. Both the request itself and any information disclosed, are considered suitable for open publication. This is because, under the Act, any information disclosed is released into the wider public domain, effectively to the world, not just to an individual.

Disclosure of detailed operational procedures and system interfaces used to interpret and act upon location data could compromise the effectiveness of emergency response systems. It may also pose a risk to the safety of individuals, particularly in situations involving vulnerable persons, high-risk incidents, or where malicious actors could exploit system knowledge and Northamptonshire Police procedures to evade detection or interfere with emergency services.

Public Interest Test - Section 31(1)(a)(b) Law Enforcement

Factors Favouring Disclosure
Disclosing training materials can increase public confidence knowing that Northamptonshire Police are well equipped to deal with emergency calls, demonstrating how we operate and showing professionalism and preparedness and increasing public confidence in the 999 system.

Factors Against Disclosure
The training materials may contain detailed procedural information that, if disclosed, could be exploited by individuals seeking to disrupt or manipulate emergency response systems. Revealing internal procedures may compromise the effectiveness of emergency call handling, particularly in high-risk or coordinated incident scenarios. It may also hinder the ability of services to respond flexibly to evolving threats. This poses a risk to public safety and the integrity of law enforcement operations.

The public entrust the Police Service to make appropriate decisions with regard to their safety and protection and the only way of reducing risk is to be cautious with what is placed into the public domain.

Balance Test
While there is a clear public interest in promoting transparency and accountability, this must be balanced against the potential harm to public safety and the effectiveness of emergency services. On balance, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure. Therefore, the information is withheld under Section 31(1)(a) of the Act.

Accordingly, please accept this as a Refusal Notice under Section 17 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.