Drug Investigations
| Submitted | April 28, 2022 |
MuckRock users can file, duplicate, track, and share public records requests like this one. Learn more.
Communications
From: GERALDINE HOUDE
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, I hereby request the following records:
Any and all reports for Franklin, MA 02038 from December 31, 1972 to January 30, 1979 pertaining to undercover police operations involving local, state or federal drug operations. Reports to include the names of police officers from local, state and federal agencies that assisted the town of Franklin in their undercover police operations during that time period. Reports should include the dates of the operations, the length of the operations and details of the operations and any other information included in the police existing reports.
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,
GERALDINE HOUDE
From: Franklin Police Department
Good Morning,
Any undercover operations that you are referring to in your request are
exempt from public record under Exemption (b) Internal Rule and Practices
of Government unit. Release of any information of internal personnel
practices proper performance of necessary government functions could be
inhibited by disclosure. Exemption (f) Investigatory exemption; could
impede ongoing investigation, future investigation and/or confidential
investigative technique and jeopardize future investigative efforts.
We are also not allowed to disseminate any information on cases that belong
to other units of law enforcement or federal agencies, including but not
limited to personnel that work on a case.
Any incident reports from the time frame you requested including
investigation reports or incident reports have a retention schedule of 3, 7
(personnel) or 11 years. The statute on retention has been exhausted on
all incidents unless they fall under the exemption. The exemption of
crimes including murder and investigation with no arrest or warrant are
permanent. Any records that are classified as permanent would require you
to provide me a name so I can locate the incidents you are referring to.
Please let me know if we can be of further assistance.
Kristin
Kristin Gutauskas Donovan
Administrative Assistant/Keeper of Records
Franklin Police Department
911 Panther Way
<https://goo.gl/maps/BEthPg59vMKzGAkH8>
<https://goo.gl/maps/BEthPg59vMKzGAkH8>
Franklin, MA 02038
<https://goo.gl/maps/BEthPg59vMKzGAkH8>
<https://goo.gl/maps/BEthPg59vMKzGAkH8>
*Ph: 508.440.2763*
*Fax: 508.520.4747*
kgutauskas@franklinma.gov
This electronic message and any files attached hereto contain confidential
or privileged information from the Franklin Police Department. This
information is intended to be for the use of the individuals or entities to
whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, be aware that
any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the contents of this
information is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission
in error, please notify the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of
this message.
--
-------------------------------------------------------
This email is
intended for municipal / educational use only and must comply with the Town
of Franklin and Franklin Public School's policies and state/federal laws.
Under Massachusetts Law, any email created or received by an employee of
The Town of or Franklin Public Schools is considered a public record. All
email correspondence is subject to the requirements of M.G.L. Chapter 66.
This email may contain confidential and privileged material for the sole
use of the intended recipient. Any review or distribution by others is
strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient please contact
the sender and delete all copies.
Files
There are no files associated with this request.