So they wrote to him on the 22nd July to tell him that they couldn't reply until the 19th July
Here's the info explaining the Qualified Exemption and Public Interest Tests. I'll not comment on the reasons for the police taking this line but it is worth pointing out the factors that are taken into account in the Test.
Based on guidance information and other publications, relevant factors that should be considered by an Institution include: -
* the general public interest in accessible information;
* would disclosure contribute to the administration of justice or enforcement of law?;
* would disclosure inform the public of any danger to public health or safety?;
* would disclosure contribute to a debate of importance?; and
* would disclosure prejudice a person's privacy rights?
Factors which should NOT be taken into account by an Institution include: -
* the possible embarrassment of Institutions or other officials;
* the possible loss of confidence in Institutions or public authority;
* the seniority of persons involved; and
* the risk of an applicant misinterpreting the information.