FOI processing manuals, lists and instructions (Baltimore County Police Department)
| Multi Request | FOI processing manuals, lists and instructions |
| Submitted | July 14, 2018 |
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Communications
From: Emma North-Best
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act, I hereby request the following records:
Copies of any internal manuals, instructions, forms or checksheets for how the law enforcement agency processes records requests.
I am a member of the news media and request classification as such. I have previously written about the government and its activities, with some reaching over 100,000 readers. As my primary purpose is to inform about government activities by reporting on it and making the raw data available, I request that fees be waived.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
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 calendar days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Emma Best
From: Baltimore County Police Department
Dear Emma:
Your electronic mail message to Elise Armacost (former Director) with a copy to Shawn Vinson, Director of Public Affairs Section, Baltimore County Police Department ("BCOPD") dated July 16, 2018 was referred to the Baltimore County Office of Law for review and response pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act ("MPIA"), Md. Code Ann., Gen. Provis. ("GP") § 4 - 101 et seq.
Specifically, you request: "Copies of internal manuals, instructions, forms or checklists for how the law enforcement agency processes records requests."
I have attached the following responsive records which were provided by the BCOPD:
· Print out from the Baltimore County Government website entitled "Request Crime and Accident Reports" (5 pages)
· Baltimore County Police Department, From 338, "Request for copy of Police Report" (1 page)
· Information & Records Management, Standard Operating Procedure "SOP" # 2014-06 (6 pages)
· Record entitled "Records Cash - Handling Procedures" (2 pages)
Please be advised that I have written to the BCOPD to inquire regarding the existence of any additional records pertaining to the processing of MPIA requests. I will advise you once I receive a response.
The BCOPD did not provide the amount of time required to search for these records, but I estimate that it was less than 2 hours which are gratuitous by statute.
Further, since the number of records is minimal and are able to be transmitted electronically, there will be no reproduction charge.
You may refer any concerns regarding this decision to the Public Access Ombudsman pursuant to Md. Code Ann., Gen. Provis. § 4-1B-01 et seq.
Sincerely,
Vickie Wash
Vickie L. Wash, Esq.
Assistant County Attorney
Office of Law
400 Washington Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
From: Emma North-Best
Hi,
Thanks so much for your help with this request! I really appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Emma Best
From: Baltimore County Police Department
Emma,
Per Ernie Reitz, BCOPD, Legal Section, the BCOPD does not have an updated SOP regarding the processing of MPIA requests; however, he provided this electronic mail message which captures the process as of when it changed in July of 2017.
I believe that this closes out your request!
Thanks,
Vickie
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FW: Public Information Act requests
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