Police Data Collection Request (2021)

Dear Requester: Thank you for your interest in public records of the City of Denton. Your request has been received and is being processed in accordance with Chapter 552 of Texas Government Code, the Public Information Act. Your request was received in this office on 7/17/2022 and given the reference number R001111-071722 for tracking purposes. Records Requested: To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act, I hereby request the following records:

1. the total number of use of force incidents, separated by type of force and year used in 2021 (for example, information that specifies the number of taser incidents in 2021, baton incidents in 2021, etc.)

2. the total number of civilian complaints alleging any form of law enforcement misconduct that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.

3. the total number of civilian complaints alleging law enforcement use of excessive force that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.

4. the total number of civilian complaints alleging biased policing or racial profiling that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.

5. the total number of civilian complaints alleging criminal conduct that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.

6. the total number of officer involved shootings in 2021, both fatal and non-fatal.

When available, I would appreciate being sent individualized data for each item in this request in spreadsheet format. If individualized data are unavailable, please send information that includes aggregate statistics for the item instead.

Note that my requests for civilian complaints are specifically for civilian complaints alleging police misconduct, please do not include complaints filed by one officer/the department against another officer.

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 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Samuel Sinyangwe

Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/ Your request will be forwarded to the relevant City department(s) to locate the information you seek and to determine the volume and any costs associated with satisfying your request. You will be contacted about the availability and/or provided with copies of the records in question. PLEASE NOTE: The Texas Public Information Act does not require a governmental body to create new information, to do legal research, or to answer questions.

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.

City of Denton

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RE: PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST of July 17, 2022, Reference # R001111-071722.
Dear Sinyangwe,
The City of Denton received a public information request from you on July 17, 2022.  You requested:
“To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act, I hereby request the following records:

1. the total number of use of force incidents, separated by type of force and year used in 2021 (for example, information that specifies the number of taser incidents in 2021, baton incidents in 2021, etc.)

2. the total number of civilian complaints alleging any form of law enforcement misconduct that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.

3. the total number of civilian complaints alleging law enforcement use of excessive force that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.

4. the total number of civilian complaints alleging biased policing or racial profiling that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.

5. the total number of civilian complaints alleging criminal conduct that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.

6. the total number of officer involved shootings in 2021, both fatal and non-fatal.

When available, I would appreciate being sent individualized data for each item in this request in spreadsheet format. If individualized data are unavailable, please send information that includes aggregate statistics for the item instead.

Note that my requests for civilian complaints are specifically for civilian complaints alleging police misconduct, please do not include complaints filed by one officer/the department against another officer.

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 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Samuel Sinyangwe

Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/ Listed below is a request for payment for the non-confidential records we are able to release without requesting an AG opinion.
It has been determined the charge for complying with your request for public information will result in the imposition of a charge that exceeds $40.  Therefore, the following itemized estimate is provided pursuant to the Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, § 552.2615.
1. Itemized Statement of Estimated Charges:

4 hours of labor @ $18.75/hour
($15.00/hour + 25% as allowed per Gov't Code §552.262)
$ 75.00
Overhead charge @ 20% for labor
$ 75.00 x 20% = $ 15.00 $ 15.00
Estimated total cost $ 90.00
2. We anticipate the work to be completed within two (2) weeks after we receive notice that you accept the charges and we receive your deposit/payment; if there are no applicable exceptions per the Texas Government Code.

3. Your request will be considered automatically withdrawn if you do not notify us in writing within 10 (ten) business days from the date of this statement and advise that you:

a. Accept the charges and agree to pay;
b. Modify your request; or
c. Have sent to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) a complaint alleging that you have been overcharged for being provided with a copy of the public information.

You may choose to respond by email, fax, regular mail, or by dropping your written response in person at our offices or through our online open records portal.  Contact information is as follows:

By email: https://dentontx.mycusthelp.com/WEBAPP/_rs/SupportHome.aspx
By fax: 940-349-8596
By mail/In Person: 215 E. McKinney, Denton, TX 76201
4. No work will be undertaken until we receive your written response accepting the estimated charges and payment is made in full.

5. The responsive information may not be available for immediate release and will need to be  reviewed for any possible exceptions which may apply.

6. If the actual amount is more than the estimate noted above, you will receive a final cost invoice which will need to be paid prior to releasing any responsive information.

7. There may be a less expensive way for you to obtain this information.  If you would like to consider this alternative or view the information in person, please contact us at (940) 349-7973, and we will advise if inspection is a less costly option.

We look forward to your response.  If you have any questions, you may contact me through our online open records portal or by telephone at 940-349-7984.

Sincerely,
Terry Shaw
PD - Police Records
City of Denton

Hello,

Unfortunately your email was not recognized and has not been routed accordingly.  Please be advised that if you wish to submit a new request or check on the status of an already submitted request, you should visit the Description: [DESCRIPTIONEMAIL]

This is an auto-generated email and has originated from an unmonitored email account. Please DO NOT REPLY.

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Please make the check payable to the City of Denton and mail it to:
Denton Police Department
Records Division - ORR
601 E. Hickory Street, Ste E
Denton, TX  76205
or you may call us at 940.349.7984 and we will take your payment by phone.
Thanks,

--- Please respond above this line ---

Dear Mr. Sinyangwe,
Your records should be available to you by September 28, 2022.  This is an approximate date because of the nature of the request.  If the records are not going to be ready by September 28, 2022, you will be notified prior to that date.
Thank you,
Denton Police Records

--- Please respond above this line ---

RE: PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST of July 17, 2022, Reference #
R001111-071722
Dear Mr./Ms. Sinyangwe,
The City of Denton received a public information request from you on July 17, 2022. You requested:  “To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act, I hereby request the following records:

1. the total number of use of force incidents, separated by type of force and year used in 2021 (for example, information that specifies the number of taser incidents in 2021, baton incidents in 2021, etc.)

2. the total number of civilian complaints alleging any form of law enforcement misconduct that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.

3. the total number of civilian complaints alleging law enforcement use of excessive force that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.

4. the total number of civilian complaints alleging biased policing or racial profiling that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.

5. the total number of civilian complaints alleging criminal conduct that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.

6. the total number of officer involved shootings in 2021, both fatal and non-fatal.

When available, I would appreciate being sent individualized data for each item in this request in spreadsheet format. If individualized data are unavailable, please send information that includes aggregate statistics for the item instead.

Note that my requests for civilian complaints are specifically for civilian complaints alleging police misconduct, please do not include complaints filed by one officer/the department against another officer.

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 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Samuel Sinyangwe

Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/
The City has reviewed its files and has located responsive records to your request.  Please log in to the Public Records Center at the following link to retrieve the appropriate responsive documents and receipt of payment.
Police Records Request - R001111-071722
If you have any questions, or wish to discuss this further, please contact us at 940-349-7984.
Sincerely,
PD - Police Records
City of Denton