Police Weapons (Belmont Police Department)

To Whom It May Concern:

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

• Any lists, databases, and inventory rosters containing weapons used by officers (i.e., firearms, tasers, batons, etc.).

If no such records exist than I request the alternative records:

• All records pertaining to the weapons that may be carried by officers as determined by the chief of police, or the board, or officer having control of the police under the authority granted in M.G.L. ch.41, §98
• All records pertaining to the most recent audit of firearms owned by the department

There is an active public debate on the utility of firearms to provide safety and protection. This debate involves elected officials such as Boston Mayor Marty Walsh who is on record stating there is no need for Boston police officers to have long guns. A list of weapons that are currently owned, duly authorized, and safely stored by the state police is of great interest to the public in providing greater context for this public discourse.

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,

Daysia Tolentino