and just think what it will be like when we have fewer, but bigger police forces (services? hah) in the UK   

So she's rude and devious.

Now you've got her e-mail address though, she'll receive your request almost instantly!  With a reminder every week, I assume.

Quote:
No, which is not that unusual when dealing with public bodies and FOI requests. Her email today included the following:

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In order for us to check whether your request has been processed by another department, I would be grateful if you could forward the original requests to me.  Should you wish the requests to be processed under the Freedom of Information Act, please let me know and I will personally log them and send an acknowledgement letter of receipt today.
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So far, she hasn't replied, although the acknowledgement could well be by postal mail rather than email.

The Police Authority responded with the following:

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As you may know, the police authority does not become involved with the day-to-day running of the constabulary, but we act as a watchdog body; we also have a role in voicing the concerns of the wider community in relation to the delivery of the policing service.

I would suggest that your e-mail constitutes what is called a “Direction and Control” complaint; this means that it is an organisational complaint ie it concerns local practices within Hertfordshire, rather than a complaint about an individual officer.

As such, I have forwarded it on to the Professional Standards Department at police HQ to examine the matter further; it will be allocated to a specific investigator and you can expect to be informed of progress.

I hope this is of use and I am sorry that you have found it necessary to make a complaint about the service provided by Hertfordshire Constabulary.
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