Shotspotter communications
It is a clone of this request.
| Tracking # |
23/1480 B001285-051522 |
| Submitted | May 13, 2022 |
MuckRock users can file, duplicate, track, and share public records requests like this one. Learn more.
Communications
From: Todd Feathers
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, I hereby request the following records:
1) All emails exchanges–including incoming messages, outgoing messages, forwards, and attachments–between the department's chief/commissioner and ShotSpotter representatives since January 1, 2021. ShotSpotter representatives can be identified by searching the department's email system for addresses ending in "@shotspotter.com."
2) All emails exchanges–including incoming messages, outgoing messages, forwards, and attachments–between the department's public information and/or media relations staff members and ShotSpotter representatives since January 1, 2021. ShotSpotter representatives can be identified by searching the department's email system for addresses ending in "@shotspotter.com."
Please note that it is illegal to ignore this request because it was not submitted via a website portal.
I ask that all fees be waived as I intend to use the requested records to further public understanding of government functions and not for any commercial purpose.
In the event that you choose to withhold or redact the records, I ask that you provide a detailed explanation of the statutory and/or case law upon which each rejection or redaction is based.
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,
Todd Feathers
From: Boston Police Department
Dear Todd Feathers
Thank you for your interest in public records of Boston Police Department. Your request has been received and is being processed. Your request was received in this office on 5/15/2022 11:56:07 PM and given the reference number B001285-051522 for tracking purposes.
If this is a media request, please contact the Office of Media Relations directly at 617.343.4520.
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, I hereby request the following records:
1) All emails exchanges–including incoming messages, outgoing messages, forwards, and attachments–between the department's chief/commissioner and ShotSpotter representatives since January 1, 2021. ShotSpotter representatives can be identified by searching the department's email system for addresses ending in "@shotspotter.com."
2) All emails exchanges–including incoming messages, outgoing messages, forwards, and attachments–between the department's public information and/or media relations staff members and ShotSpotter representatives since January 1, 2021. ShotSpotter representatives can be identified by searching the department's email system for addresses ending in "@shotspotter.com."
Please note that it is illegal to ignore this request because it was not submitted via a website portal.
I ask that all fees be waived as I intend to use the requested records to further public understanding of government functions and not for any commercial purpose.
In the event that you choose to withhold or redact the records, I ask that you provide a detailed explanation of the statutory and/or case law upon which each rejection or redaction is based.
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,
Todd Feathers
Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/
You can monitor the progress of your request at the link below and you'll receive an email when your request has been completed. Again, thank you for using the Public Records Center.
Director, Public Information
Boston Police Department
From: Boston Police Department
--- Please respond above this line ---
05/31/2022 RE: PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST of May 15, 2022, Reference # B001285-051522 Dear Todd Feathers: The City of Boston (City) has received your request for public records. This response applies only to records that exist and are in the custody of the City. See A Guide to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, p. 32, n.115. It is expected that a custodian of records must use her superior knowledge of her records with respect to responses to public records requests. 950 CMR 32.04(5). Specifically, you stated:
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, I hereby request the following records:
1) All emails exchanges–including incoming messages, outgoing messages, forwards, and attachments–between the department's chief/commissioner and ShotSpotter representatives since January 1, 2021. ShotSpotter representatives can be identified by searching the department's email system for addresses ending in "@shotspotter.com."
2) All emails exchanges–including incoming messages, outgoing messages, forwards, and attachments–between the department's public information and/or media relations staff members and ShotSpotter representatives since January 1, 2021. ShotSpotter representatives can be identified by searching the department's email system for addresses ending in "@shotspotter.com."
Please note that it is illegal to ignore this request because it was not submitted via a website portal.
I ask that all fees be waived as I intend to use the requested records to further public understanding of government functions and not for any commercial purpose.
In the event that you choose to withhold or redact the records, I ask that you provide a detailed explanation of the statutory and/or case law upon which each rejection or redaction is based.
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,
Todd Feathers
Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/ I see that a response to this request is due today. I have alerted a representative from the Boston Police Department in an effort to obtain an update on the status of your May 15, 2022 public records request. I will provide an update to you once additional information is provided to me by the department. Very truly yours,
Eva Scapicchio
Paralegal
Public Records
City of Boston Law Department
617-635-3268
eva.scapicchio@boston.gov (mailto:eva.scapicchio@boston.gov)
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Massachusetts Public Records Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on May 15, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #B001285-051522.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Massachusetts Public Records Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on May 15, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #B001285-051522.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Massachusetts Public Records Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on May 15, 2022. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #B001285-051522.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Boston Police Department
--- Please respond above this line ---
05/15/2023 RE: PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST of May 15, 2022, Reference # B001285-051522 Dear Todd Feathers: The City of Boston (City) has received your request for public records. This response applies only to records that exist and are in the custody of the City. See A Guide to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, p. 32, n.115. It is expected that a custodian of records must use her superior knowledge of her records with respect to responses to public records requests. 950 CMR 32.04(5). Specifically, you stated:
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, I hereby request the following records:
1) All emails exchanges–including incoming messages, outgoing messages, forwards, and attachments–between the department's chief/commissioner and ShotSpotter representatives since January 1, 2021. ShotSpotter representatives can be identified by searching the department's email system for addresses ending in "@shotspotter.com."
2) All emails exchanges–including incoming messages, outgoing messages, forwards, and attachments–between the department's public information and/or media relations staff members and ShotSpotter representatives since January 1, 2021. ShotSpotter representatives can be identified by searching the department's email system for addresses ending in "@shotspotter.com."
Please note that it is illegal to ignore this request because it was not submitted via a website portal.
I ask that all fees be waived as I intend to use the requested records to further public understanding of government functions and not for any commercial purpose.
In the event that you choose to withhold or redact the records, I ask that you provide a detailed explanation of the statutory and/or case law upon which each rejection or redaction is based.
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,
Todd Feathers
Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/ Your request does not comply with the Massachusetts public records law and its access regulations, as it is overly broad and vague. A public records request must reasonably describe the records sought. G. L. c. 66, § 10(a)(i).
In a recent Suffolk Superior Court case, the court found that “[t]he reasonable description requirement contemplates that a requesting party will identify documents or categories of documents with sufficient particularity that government employees will be able to understand exactly what they are looking for, and then make a prompt production.” Chawla v. Dep't of Revenue, Suffolk. Sup. No. 1784CV02087, at 2 (January 23, 2019).
The court further found “[r]equests for documents that are articulated with very broad language that calls upon non-lawyer administrative personnel to interpret the scope of what is sought, and then make fine judgments about what documents are and are not sufficiently ‘related’ to the category of materials requested, will not satisfy this statutory standard.” Id. ( emphasis in original).
In accordance with G. L. c. 66, § 10(a)(i) and the Chawla decision, it is unclear with “sufficient particularity” which records you seek. Thus, your request “calls upon non-lawyer administrative personnel to interpret the scope of what is sought, and then make fine judgments about what documents are and are not sufficiently ‘[regarding]’ the category of materials requested.” Chawla, at 2. Should you seek specific records I encourage you to visit the City's public records portal. https://bostonma.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(4ihmrhaxyjn0l4fkagn2d4jn))/supporthome.aspx Very truly yours, Shawn A. Williams, Esq. Director of Public Records Records Access Officer
From: Todd Feathers
To Whom it May Concern,
I'm writing to appeal the Boston Police Department's denial of my request for emails between specific department employees and employees of the company ShotSpotter (now Sound Thinking).
In his rejection letter, Mr. Williams of the BPD misleadingly cites a superior court order and claims that I have not described the records I'm seeking with "sufficient particularity" and that my request would require non-lawyers to make "fine judgements" about what documents do and don't fall within the scope of the request.
This argument — the first communication I've had from BPD about this request for a year — is absurd.
To begin with, employees of the BPD do not need to make any judgements about what documents satisfy my requests. I clearly defined the time parameters, types of documents, and senders and recipients of the relevant emails and provided a simple way for the department to identify responsive records — by searching its email system for messages to/from @shotspotter.com addresses.
Strangely, Mr. Williams claims that his rejection is supported by a Suffolk Superior Court's finding in a recent case. That is incorrect. The document Mr. William cites from Chawla v. Mass. Department of Revenue is a non-decisional order that. In fact, in the very first paragraph of the document, Judge Gordon wrote: "The Court is not prepared to render a formal disposition of this case today, because the record is not in the state it would need to be in to make such a ruling."
If Mr. Williams had read further, he would also have seen that the Chawla case stemmed from a broad request for records "pertaining to" a particular program and that Judge Gordon ultimately instructed the Department of Revenue to continue producing responsive documents. Luckily for BPD, my request is nothing like the one in the Chawla case. It specifically identifies the emails I am seeking by timeframe, recipient, and sender.
It's also worth noting that if Mr. Williams had any questions about which records are or aren't responsive to my request he could have asked me at any time over the past year. As Judge Gordon wrote, "The parties would obviously have been better served had they engaged in a dialogue at the outset..."
For the reasons stated above, I ask that the Supervisor of Records instruct BPD to provide the responsive records in a timely manner.
Sincerely,
Todd Feathers
From: Boston Police Department
Dear Records Custodian:
Please be aware, this office has received an appeal relating to your entity's response to a request for public records. Attached are further details concerning this appeal. If you have any questions or wish to provide further information relating to this matter, please contact the Public Records Division at pre@sec.state.ma.us<mailto:pre@sec.state.ma.us> or 617-727-2832.
Given that the Supervisor of Records must issue a determination within 10 business days of receipt of the appeal petition, please provide any additional information to this office as soon as possible.
Best,
Patrick
Patrick Sullivan, Esq.
Staff Attorney
Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
Public Records Division
One Ashburton Place, Room 1719
Boston, MA 02108
617-727-2832
Email: Patrick.Sullivan@sec.state.ma.us<mailto:Patrick.Sullivan@sec.state.ma.us>
From: Boston Police Department
Good morning,
Please be aware, the Supervisor of Records has issued a determination relating to an appeal in which you were involved. This determination is attached and available online at: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/AppealsWeb/AppealsStatus.aspx.
If you have any questions, please contact the Public Records Division at 617-727-2832 or pre@sec.state.ma.us<mailto:pre@sec.state.ma.us>.
Thank you,
Ana Kostowski
Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
Public Records Division
One Ashburton Place, Room 1719
Boston, MA 02108
From: Boston Police Department
--- Please respond above this line ---
06/20/2023 RE: PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST of May 15, 2022, Reference # B001285-051522 Dear Todd Feathers: The City of Boston (City) has received your request for public records. This response applies only to records that exist and are in the custody of the City. See A Guide to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, p. 32, n.115. It is expected that a custodian of records must use her superior knowledge of her records with respect to responses to public records requests. 950 CMR 32.04(5). Specifically, you stated:
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, I hereby request the following records:
1) All emails exchanges–including incoming messages, outgoing messages, forwards, and attachments–between the department's chief/commissioner and ShotSpotter representatives since January 1, 2021. ShotSpotter representatives can be identified by searching the department's email system for addresses ending in "@shotspotter.com."
2) All emails exchanges–including incoming messages, outgoing messages, forwards, and attachments–between the department's public information and/or media relations staff members and ShotSpotter representatives since January 1, 2021. ShotSpotter representatives can be identified by searching the department's email system for addresses ending in "@shotspotter.com."
Please note that it is illegal to ignore this request because it was not submitted via a website portal.
I ask that all fees be waived as I intend to use the requested records to further public understanding of government functions and not for any commercial purpose.
In the event that you choose to withhold or redact the records, I ask that you provide a detailed explanation of the statutory and/or case law upon which each rejection or redaction is based.
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,
Todd Feathers
Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/
[SPR23/1090] After reading the Supervisor's letter it is unclear how BPD could process your query as a public records request. Please review your request and file a new request seeking specific records. Very truly yours, Shawn A. Williams, Esq. Director of Public Records Records Access Officer
To monitor the progress or update this request please log into the Public Records Center. (https://u8387778.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=6HtRfOYLt5fXvpttM-2FU1HS4L-2FIgBDSrHGana-2FLpLlsj8PZ-2B8QPjL1HPo2g1qgKLwXvbvIcqX6KFSHItv6e7TxG5fp5-2BbkHAuLob7otJv1Pc-3Dy_bS_crg6QkyMSzzVd8JyP3vkC1H6cHsLwgHPsV4QG40USReRvGvfmg1rBmvcptLaTFT2RrL-2Bag620OE-2BfzdcqobIx2bFvPO75a6FEEZcFuO9tNrni8Xh0Z-2FNi-2FJj76QDorU0GHGK3S9FfbPLRBUefhfnmdl-2F-2BC-2BWbQ7fOAe3yKHljhaEMWupHrTXAH4z7xz3v3MUPJF-2FvcR0cZFEXZ9nmBJbsQW4XLEiAxiDySJrA2cCJ5q508Kq57GPTEPSpG3sJBUzH-2BIOhJYFKIvtD556BQk-2FbPjOy1yuRVxn8x5sGUH4PXMuKp6w4UIZh3JJbqrpMB38TE8C-2BkdYM88VaugDSdqJMQNzG3OBS-2BL3kBwniKau2aS8e4S9-2F7qxKWeSPpmrn9AUYyi3gwmHeOhcVBo5mpUCHQ-3D-3D)
From: Todd Feathers
Hello,
I'm writing to request that the supervisor of records refer this matter to the attorney general's office for enforcement of non-compliance by a records access officer with the Massachusetts Public Records Law.
On June 7, the supervisor ruled that my request clearly and specifically identified what records would be responsive and instructed the city of Boston to continue processing my request. The supervisor wrote in her ruling that:
"In this case, Mr. Feathers has provided specific descriptions of the emails he is seeking, including a date range and the categories of senders and recipients. While his request may result in a large volume of responsive records, he has provided sufficient particularity required to identify the documents he is seeking. To the extent possible, the city must provide responsive records on a rolling basis."
However, the city of Boston has chosen to ignore this instruction. In its latest communication, from June 20, the city's representative attempted to close the request without fulfilling it. (It should be noted that Mr. Williams, the city of Boston's records officer, has a history of illegally closing public records requests without fulfilling them. See: https://www.bostonherald.com/2022/09/24/boston-cites-own-lack-of-action-for-closing-out-public-records-requests/)
In his latest denial of my request, Mr. Williams wrote:
"After reading the Supervisor's letter it is unclear how BPD could process your query as a public records request. Please review your request and file a new request seeking specific records."
Mr. Williams assertion is absurd and a clear attempt to skirt his legal responsibility. I ask that your office take the appropriate action to ensure that city of Boston does not continue to violate the public records law.
Sincerely,
Todd Feathers
From: Boston Police Department
--- Please respond above this line ---
06/21/2023 RE: PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST of May 15, 2022, Reference # B001285-051522 Dear Todd Feathers: The City of Boston (City) has received your request for public records. This response applies only to records that exist and are in the custody of the City. See A Guide to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, p. 32, n.115. It is expected that a custodian of records must use her superior knowledge of her records with respect to responses to public records requests. 950 CMR 32.04(5). Specifically, you stated:
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, I hereby request the following records:
1) All emails exchanges–including incoming messages, outgoing messages, forwards, and attachments–between the department's chief/commissioner and ShotSpotter representatives since January 1, 2021. ShotSpotter representatives can be identified by searching the department's email system for addresses ending in "@shotspotter.com."
2) All emails exchanges–including incoming messages, outgoing messages, forwards, and attachments–between the department's public information and/or media relations staff members and ShotSpotter representatives since January 1, 2021. ShotSpotter representatives can be identified by searching the department's email system for addresses ending in "@shotspotter.com."
Please note that it is illegal to ignore this request because it was not submitted via a website portal.
I ask that all fees be waived as I intend to use the requested records to further public understanding of government functions and not for any commercial purpose.
In the event that you choose to withhold or redact the records, I ask that you provide a detailed explanation of the statutory and/or case law upon which each rejection or redaction is based.
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,
Todd Feathers
Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/
[SPR23/1090] I'm sorry I missed your call today. Your request is overbroad and I've asked that you narrow your request. The term "Shotspotter" is too common a term to perform an email search. I ask that you reframe your request and at that time I am happy to assist any way that I am able. For example, for the date range requested there are over 5,000 email records to "*@shotspotter.com." For that same date range there are over 316,000 records from "*@shotspotter.com." Very truly yours, Shawn A. Williams, Esq. Director of Public Records Records Access Officer
To monitor the progress or update this request please log into the Public Records Center. (https://u8387778.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=6HtRfOYLt5fXvpttM-2FU1HS4L-2FIgBDSrHGana-2FLpLlsj8PZ-2B8QPjL1HPo2g1qgKLwXvbvIcqX6KFSHItv6e7TxG5fp5-2BbkHAuLob7otJv1Pc-3DWOnf_crg6QkyMSzzVd8JyP3vkC1H6cHsLwgHPsV4QG40USReRvGvfmg1rBmvcptLaTFT2RrL-2Bag620OE-2BfzdcqobIx6QNMkDeHIaWjC1hbNSiZOCxzu9Wmdp-2BG0yRvLdsqDQlXvESaWSKyI77-2BIVOk8ZjPMwyy4aEc1abBkbBSVm0Y5GM9o8RZwCYgt825i9PmKMvkjxjyIGjJHofZdqbQ7rMAS5l9b-2FyQt3dFecP4UrpC091sxuKOW2bvuCLSr49htoABkQsY89jsj-2FK7Uod9ogLVgzH-2Bb6zUZWFgknjL54Wn6acJr8ppzV9G8845EE3gNVaaFjS2tgG4EDFSukctRrbLq9yB7pV-2F8TDZLUkpR2YqIMLGLTM5msU-2BEpMjvsTcPGPdAsbV-2BW0HsojNh9KjPHnnA-3D-3D)
From: Boston Police Department
Dear Records Custodian:
Please be aware, this office received an appeal relating to your entity's response to a request for public records. Attached are further details concerning this appeal. If you have any questions or wish to provide further information relating to this matter, please contact the Public Records Division at pre@sec.state.ma.us<mailto:pre@sec.state.ma.us> or 617-727-2832.
Given that the Supervisor of Records must issue a determination within 10 business days of receipt of the appeal petition, please provide any additional information to this office as soon as possible.
Best,
Patrick
Patrick Sullivan, Esq.
Staff Attorney
Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
Public Records Division
One Ashburton Place, Room 1719
Boston, MA 02108
617-727-2832
Email: Patrick.Sullivan@sec.state.ma.us<mailto:Patrick.Sullivan@sec.state.ma.us>
From: Todd Feathers
Hello Mr. Williams,
In your latest message, you state: "for the date range requested there are over 5,000 email records to '*@shotspotter.com.' For that same date range there are over 316,000 records from '*@shotspotter.com.'"
Could you please confirm that you have limited your search to include ONLY emails sent/received by the department's chief/commissioner and the department's public information/media relations staff.
Thank you,
Todd Feathers
From: Boston Police Department
Hello,
Please be aware, the Supervisor of Records has issued a determination relating to appeals in which you were involved. This determination is attached and available online at: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/AppealsWeb/AppealsStatus.aspx.
If you have any questions, please contact the Public Records Division at 617-727-2832 or pre@sec.state.ma.us<mailto:pre@sec.state.ma.us>.
Thank you,
August Bottorf
Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
Public Records Division
One Ashburton Place, Room 1719
Boston, MA 02108
617-727-2832
From: Boston Police Department
--- Please respond above this line ---
08/17/2023 RE: PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST of May 15, 2022, Reference # B001285-051522 Dear Todd Feathers: The City of Boston (City) has received your request for public records. This response applies only to records that exist and are in the custody of the City. See A Guide to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, p. 32, n.115. It is expected that a custodian of records must use her superior knowledge of her records with respect to responses to public records requests. 950 CMR 32.04(5). Specifically, you stated:
Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, I hereby request the following records:
1) All emails exchanges–including incoming messages, outgoing messages, forwards, and attachments–between the department's chief/commissioner and ShotSpotter representatives since January 1, 2021. ShotSpotter representatives can be identified by searching the department's email system for addresses ending in "@shotspotter.com."
2) All emails exchanges–including incoming messages, outgoing messages, forwards, and attachments–between the department's public information and/or media relations staff members and ShotSpotter representatives since January 1, 2021. ShotSpotter representatives can be identified by searching the department's email system for addresses ending in "@shotspotter.com."
[SPR23/1090] [SPR23/1480] Based on your recent communication I ran a new email search and found a smaller number of responsive records. I have shared those records with Boston Police and they are under review. A written response will be provided once this review is complete. Very truly yours, Shawn A. Williams, Esq. Director of Public Records Records Access Officer
From: Boston Police Department
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10/03/2023 Public Record Request of 5/15/2022 11:56:07 PM, Reference No:B001285-051522 Dear Todd Feathers: The Boston Police Department (Department) received your request for public records. This letter shall act as the response to your request for public records. Please note this response will apply only to the records that exist and are in the custody of the Department. See A Guide to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, p. 32, n.115. It is expected that a custodian of records must user her superior knowledge of her records with respect to responses to public records requests. See 950 C.M.R. 32.04(5). Specifically, you requested: Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, I hereby request the following records:
1) All emails exchanges–including incoming messages, outgoing messages, forwards, and attachments–between the department's chief/commissioner and ShotSpotter representatives since January 1, 2021. ShotSpotter representatives can be identified by searching the department's email system for addresses ending in "@shotspotter.com."
2) All emails exchanges–including incoming messages, outgoing messages, forwards, and attachments–between the department's public information and/or media relations staff members and ShotSpotter representatives since January 1, 2021. ShotSpotter representatives can be identified by searching the department's email system for addresses ending in "@shotspotter.com."
[SPR23/1090] [SPR23/1480] We have reviewed our files and have located records that correspond to your request. These records have been released to the . Public Records Center Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 66 §10 and M.G.L. c. 4 §7(26)(c), any material, medical information and information regarding specific witnesses / victims have been removed to protect their privacy. Other than the records referenced herein there are no other records responsive to this request. Under Massachusetts law you may appeal this response to the Supervisor of Records in the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. G. L. c. 66, § 10A; 950 CMR 32.08.
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