June 09, 2025 | Organisational Information and Performance , Branch/Departmental Performance
Request Number: FOI/14343
Category: Organisational Information & Performance - Branch/Departmental Performance
Subject: Tactical Support Group
Request and Answer:
Your request for information has now been considered. In respect of Section 1(1)(a) of the Act we can confirm that the Police Service of Northern Ireland does hold some information to which your request relates and this is being provided to you. We further consider some of the information you seek in request numbers 2 is exempt by virtue of Section 31 of FOIA and have detailed our rationale as to why this exemption applies. We have also provided you with links to guidance issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office which we have followed in responding to your request.
Clarification Sought
Re Request 1 - By senior leaders are you asking for ranks or ranks and name?
Re Request 3 - By full fleet list are you asking for vehicle type/VRM etc?
Clarification Received Re Request 1 and 3
I am after the ranks and what they oversee I’m not after names. As for the fleet I’m only looking for Make & Model and the purpose of the vehicle, not after VRMs.
Request 1
Can you provide an Org Chart for your Tactical Support Group (TSG), please include Senior Leaders, the portfolio they oversee and who they report to?
Answer
| Operational Support Department |
Chief Superintendent – Operational Support, Public Safety and Information ↓ Superintendent - Public Order/Public Safety/Road policing ↓ Chief Inspector – Public Order/Public Safety ↓ TSG Inspector ↓ TSG Sergeant ↓ TSG Constable |
Request 2
Can you provide a full list of training courses that the TSG have access to, please specify which course is mandatory and which is optional
Answer
TSG have a multitude of specialisms which include, but are not limited to, Search, CBRN, Hazardous area search, roads policing, maritime and drone duties. Mandatory training for TSG officers would be First Aid, Firearms training, Personal Safety, Search officer training and Public Order.
PSNI is withholding a full list of TSG training courses and the rational for this is outlined under.
Section 17(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 requires the Police Service of Northern Ireland, when refusing to provide such information (because the information is exempt) to provide you the applicant with a notice which:
a. states that fact,
b. specifies the exemption in question and
c. states (if not otherwise apparent) why the exemption applies.
The exemption/s, as well as the factors the Department considered when deciding where the public interest lies, are listed below:
Section 31(1) (a) (b) – Law Enforcement – Information which would be likely to prejudice (a) the prevention or detection of crime (b) apprehension or prosecution of offenders
The full text of exemptions can be found at www.legislation.gov.uk and further guidance on how they operate can be located on the Information Commissioners Office website www.ico.org.uk.
Sections 31 is a prejudice based, qualified exemption, which means there is a requirement to articulate the harm that would be caused in releasing the information, as well as considering the public interest.
Harm
With the current environment of threat within Northern Ireland from organised criminality and terrorism, providing any detailed information on the training available to TSG will compromise PSNI capability by revealing the full extent of TSG specialist capability available to PSNI and thus will be of interest to those intent on organised criminality and terrorism within Northern Ireland
Public Interest Test
Factors favouring Disclosure Section 31
Providing the requested information would provide an insight into the full capabilities of PSNI TSG. This would enable the public to have a better understanding of the effectiveness of how the PSNI conducts its policing operations and would greatly assist in the quality and accuracy of public debate. Where public funds are being spent, there is a public interest in accountability and justifying the use of public money.
Factors favouring Non-Disclosure Section 31
Disclosing the information you seek would have the effect of compromising law enforcement tactics by revealing the ful capability available to PSNI TSG – which will reveal tactical options available to PSNI. It has been recorded that FOIA releases are monitored by criminals and terrorists and so to provide the information you seek would lead to law enforcement being undermined.
Decision
On balance whilst there is public interest on how the PSNI conducts its policing operation through TSGs, disclosing of the extent of TSG training will reveal operational capabilities and methodologies thus endangering police and the public alike. Consequently the public interest is best served by not disclosing the information you request.
Request 3
Can you provide a full fleet list for the TSG?
Answer
Based on your clarification we understand that you are asking for make and model of vehicles employed by TSG.
We can advise that the primary operational vehicle of TSG is the Landrover Pangolin with Skoda Kodiaq also in use.
Request 4
Does the TSG have access to rifles & AEP Baton Guns?
Answer
Officers who are trained in the aforementioned systems can have access to them.
Request 5
If yes does every TSG vehicle have rifles/baton guns in the vehicle or they only stored in certain vehicles (please specify the vehicle type)
Answer
There are no specific vehicles identified for carriage.