The Independent Office for Police Conduct (ICO) has issued a decision notice regarding a Freedom of Information (FOI) request for investigation reports into the conduct of a deceased former Metropolitan Police officer, Warren Arter. The ICO upheld the exemption under section 30(1)(a)(i) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, which pertains to investigations and proceedings. The decision states that the balance of the public interest favors maintaining the exemption, and no further steps are required from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

This decision means that the requested investigation reports will not be disclosed. For compliance officers within law enforcement or government agencies dealing with FOI requests, this reinforces the application of the investigations exemption in cases involving former officers and ongoing or concluded internal proceedings. While this specific case does not impose new obligations, it serves as a reminder of the ICO's stance on withholding such sensitive information and the importance of properly applying and justifying exemptions.