Police data collection request (2020)

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, I hereby request the following records:

1. the total number of civilian complaints alleging any form of law enforcement misconduct that were reported and the total number sustained in 2020.

2. the total number of civilian complaints alleging law enforcement use of excessive force that were reported and the total number sustained in 2020.

3. the total number of civilian complaints alleging biased policing or racial profiling that were reported and the total number sustained in 2020.

4. the total number of civilian complaints alleging criminal conduct that were reported and the total number sustained in 2020.

I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as we believe this request is in the public interest, as suggested but not stipulated by the recommendations of the Massachusetts Supervisor of Public Records. The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com, processed by a representative of the news media/press and is made in the process of news gathering and not for commercial usage.

I expect the request to be filled in an accessible format, including for screen readers, which provide text-to-speech for persons unable to read print. Files that are not accessible to screen readers include, for example, .pdf image files as well as physical documents.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Samuel Sinyangwe