Norfolk Police Investigation into the Planning Department (FOI)

​Request

Norfolk Police Investigation into Planning Department:

A

Provide a breakdown of the solicitor fees for the Norfolk Police investigation into the Government of Jersey (GOJ) Planning Department. Specifically, the number of hours and the pay rate of any solicitors used.

B

Where are the solicitors being used based?

C

Why is there the need to employ solicitors when Jersey has its own salaried Legal Advisers?

D

In a previous Freedom of Information request response it was revealed that Norfolk Police stayed at a hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland for four bed nights. Why did the investigation require a trip to Scotland?

E

Are any current States of Jersey employees part of the allegations being investigated?

Response

Further to the two previous answers given:

Investigation into Planning department by the Norfolk Police (FOI)

Norfolk Police investigation accommodation costs (FOI)

A

The solicitor fees were given as £3456.25. This represents 20 hours work.

B

The solicitors are based in London.

C

The enquiry is independent of any Jersey influence and therefore, UK police and solicitors are being used.

D

Any police enquiry must follow the evidence. This led to enquires being undertaken in Scotland.

E

This enquiry is still live and ongoing. Police will not comment on aspects of the enquiry as it may prejudice the outcome.

Article applied

Article 42 Law enforcement

Information is qualified exempt information if its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice –

(a) the prevention, detection or investigation of crime, whether in Jersey or elsewhere;

(b) the apprehension or prosecution of offenders, whether in respect of offences committed in Jersey or elsewhere;

(c) the administration of justice, whether in Jersey or elsewhere;

Public interest test

Police have tried to be as open and transparent on costs as possible. To now start to give details of the enquiry, including evidential matters, would likely undermine the outcome of the enquiry and prejudice the investigation.

This would not be in the public interest to disclose at this time. More details can be given if and when a suspect(s) is charged.