FOI 1228-2024/25 Claudia Lawrence Investigation

Request
Q1. Claudia Lawrence investigation. Were the pictures of Claudia Lawrence kitchen. Featuring glasses, plates and a toothbrush actual in situ pictures taken by the police force on the course of their investigations or are they reconstructed. I.e did you share actual pictures with ITV or any other media outlet for appeals.

Extent and Result of Searches to Locate Information
To locate the information relevant to your request searches were conducted within North Yorkshire Police.

I can confirm that the information you have requested is held by North Yorkshire Police.  

Decision
I have today decided to disclose the following information to you.

Your request for information has now been considered and I am not obliged to supply the information requested pursuant to Section 30(1)(a) – Investigations.

Explanation of exemptions

Section 17 of the Act requires North Yorkshire Police, 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 that would not otherwise be apparent) why the exemption applies. Please see the exemption explanations below.

Section 30 is a qualified, class-based exemption, which requires that I conduct a public interest test to balance the legitimate interests of the public in knowing the information against the interests of non-disclosure.

Public Interest Test

Reasons for Disclosure
The public have an interest in understanding how the police investigate crimes and they may also have information relating to the case matter.

Reasons against Disclosure
There are times when releasing data is necessary for the investigation and only when those circumstances arise will any publication be presented.

Disclosure of the requested information could hinder the investigation and any individuals/offenders could potentially take further measures to avoid detection if details are released into the public domain.

Balancing Test

After considering the reasons for and against disclosure, it is my opinion that the reasons for non-disclosure outweigh the reasons for disclosure.

Pursuant to Section 17(1) of the Act this letter acts as a refusal notice under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 in relation to your request.

Please note that systems used for recording information are not generic, nor are the procedures used locally in capturing the data.  It should be noted therefore that this force’s response to your questions should not be used for comparison purposes with any other responses you may receive.