Metropolitan Police Service: where to mail a FOI request
To send a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to Metropolitan Police Service, mail it to Metropolitan Police Service, Information Rights Unit, PO Box 313, Sidcup, DA15 0HH. The Met's Information Rights Unit handles both FOI requests about London policing policy and Subject Access Requests for a person's own police records held by the force — the same PO Box handles both request types. Include a clear description of the records you want, any identifying details, and a return address, and confirm the office on the source below before anything time-sensitive.
Metropolitan Police Service — FOI request address
Metropolitan Police Service Information Rights Unit PO Box 313 Sidcup DA15 0HH
Freedom of Information (FOI) requests only. Regular correspondence, complaints, or media inquiries should go to Metropolitan Police Service's general contact address instead.
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Metropolitan Police ServiceInformation Rights UnitPO Box 313Sidcup, DA15 0HH
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Key facts
- This is Metropolitan Police Service's published FOI correspondence address — a different mailbox from its general correspondence address.
- Requests are made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
- Statutory response window: 20 working days from receipt, extendable for large or complex requests.
- Most FOI requests are free; a public authority can refuse or charge if the cost of finding and extracting the information would exceed the statutory limit (usually £450, or £600 for central government).
- If refused or ignored, you can appeal to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
- PostPal prints your request and mails it for you — no printer, envelope, stamps, or post office trip.
How to send your letter
- 1
Write your request
State clearly that this is a Freedom of Information (FOI) request and describe the records you want as specifically as you can — dates, names, file or reference numbers, and the office or program area, if you know them. Vague requests take longer to process.
- 2
Include what they need to identify you
If you're requesting your own file, include your full name and any identifying number the institution uses (case, claim, or file number) so they can locate the right record. Most FOI requests are free; a public authority can refuse or charge if the cost of finding and extracting the information would exceed the statutory limit (usually £450, or £600 for central government).
- 3
Address it to the request office
First line: Metropolitan Police Service. Then: Information Rights Unit. Then the street: PO Box 313. Then the final line: Sidcup DA15 0HH.
- 4
Send it with PostPal
Write or upload your request to PostPal with the address above prefilled. We print it, add your return address, and mail it for you — no printer, envelope, stamps, or trip to the post office.
Common questions
What is the Metropolitan Police Service FOI mailing address?
Metropolitan Police Service, Information Rights Unit, PO Box 313, Sidcup, DA15 0HH. This is the office's published FOI correspondence address — confirm it on the source below before anything time-sensitive, since request offices occasionally relocate.
What records can I request from the Met under FOI?
The Met's Information Rights Unit handles both FOI requests about London policing policy and Subject Access Requests for a person's own police records held by the force — the same PO Box handles both request types. Requests are made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
How long does the Met have to respond?
The statutory response window is 20 working days from when the request is received, though it can be extended for large or complex requests — the office is required to notify you if that happens.
Does a FOI request cost anything?
Most FOI requests are free; a public authority can refuse or charge if the cost of finding and extracting the information would exceed the statutory limit (usually £450, or £600 for central government).
What if my request is refused or I don't get a response?
You can appeal to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Keep a copy of your original request and the date you sent it — you'll need both for an appeal.
How do I mail a FOI request without a printer?
Write or upload your request to PostPal with the address prefilled. We print it, add your return address, and mail it for you — no printer, stamps, or post office trip needed.
Sources
Addresses verified September 2026 against official sources. Always confirm on the official site before time-sensitive filings.