Correspondence from Assistant Commissioner
Robert F Quick QPM, MBA, Metropolitan Police Service to the Chairman
of the Committee, 23 February 2009
I am writing in response to your letter of 17
February 2009 where answers are sought on two specific questions.
1. How many police officers, of any rank,
were involved from the time the Police decided to start an investigation
into Damian Green MP?
The investigation into leaks had already been
assigned ahead of any decision relating to Mr Green. As such an
investigation team, comprised 15 officers and staff, was already
engaged on the inquiry; although this particular investigation
is not their full time remit. In common with other inquiries the
investigation team is supported by specialist units who will assist
with certain actions and by administrative support staff.
Members of the Counter Terrorism Command (SO15)
senior command team at Detective Chief Superintendent and Commander
level have considered the strategy. A Gold Group sat, chaired
by me, to consider the case, this group comprised members of the
Specialist Operations senior command team (ACPO level) and the
investigation team.
The investigation has been subject to scrutiny
at Metropolitan Police Management Board level where the Commissioner
has chaired meetings. In addition a review team, led by Chief
Constable Ian Johnston, has contributed to the inquiry. Other
members of staff and officers have assisted in tasks such as legal
advice and preparation for my evidence to the Home Affairs Committee.
2. How many Police officers, of any rank,
were involved in the searching of Damian Green MP's offices and
the arrest of Damian Green MP?
Six officers were present at the search of Damian
Green MP's office. Deployment of these officers was to ensure
that the search was thorough and conducted as expeditiously as
possible. The officers included a supervisor and a liaison officer
from the Palace of Westminster. The remaining officers were specialists
in forensic recovery, high tech recovery and search.
Three officers (including a driver) were involved
in the arrest of Damian Green MP. In light of the status of Mr
Green one officer was a supervising officer.
The word "involved" in question one
does leave the interpretation somewhat open, however I trust this
response is sufficiently comprehensive.
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