Public Records Request: Rural and Small Department Violent Crime Reduction Grant • MuckRock

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Communications

From: e

10/04/2023

Subject: Indiana Access to Public Records Act Request: Public Records Request: Rural and Small Department Violent Crime Reduction Grant

To Whom It May Concern:

According to a report published on 10/4/2023, the Hammond Police Department received a $300,000 "Rural and Small Department Violent Crime Reduction Grant" from the Department of Justice: https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/hammond/hammond-federal-gunshot-tech-grant/article_f5e1d52a-6208-11ee-b728-2b6c42f7e827.html

Pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, I hereby request the following records:

A copy of all documents, including but not limited to, applications, budgets, agreements, and other relevant documents related to the $300,000 received as part of the Rural and Small Department Violent Crime Reduction grant received from the Department of Justice.

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 7 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

From: Hammond Police Department

10/06/2023

Subject: RE: Indiana Access to Public Records Act Request: Public Records Request: Rural and Small Department Violent Crime Reduction Grant

Greetings,

The grant application has been duly submitted through the US Department of Justice. Upon completion of the application on their designated platform, access to the application is relinquished. For further insights into the submission process, I recommend reaching out directly to the US Department of Justice.

Moreover, inquiries concerning the budget are aptly managed by the City Controller's office. We no longer retain any of the requested documentation or items. Please do not hesitate to inform me of any additional assistance you may require in this regard.

Best regards,

Lt. Steve Kellogg
Hammond Police Department
PIO/Legal Affairs/Records Division
City of Hammond – Office of the Chief of Police
skellogg@hammondpolice.com<mailto:skellogg@hammondpolice.com>
P: 219-852-2949

From: e

10/06/2023

Subject: RE: Indiana Access to Public Records Act Request: Public Records Request: Rural and Small Department Violent Crime Reduction Grant

Thank you.

The Hammond Police Department does not have a copy of the application and all documents that were submitted to the DOJ for this grant? The Department submitted the application but did not retain a copy of what was submitted?

From: Hammond Police Department

10/06/2023

Subject: RE: Indiana Access to Public Records Act Request: Public Records Request: Rural and Small Department Violent Crime Reduction Grant

As a professional in the realm of grant submissions and government processes, it is essential to clarify that the decision not to retain a copy of a submitted grant for use once it has been submitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ) is a matter of adherence to regular procedures, compliance with guidelines, and respect for legal and ethical standards.

One of the paramount concerns is maintaining the security and privacy of sensitive information. Retaining a copy of a submitted grant may potentially expose confidential data to unnecessary risks, breaching privacy regulations and jeopardizing the security of the information contained within the grant application. Many grant applications may contain proprietary or intellectual property information. By not retaining a copy, we minimize the risk of unintentional dissemination or misuse of such information, ensuring that our organization's intellectual assets are safeguarded.

The decision not to retain a copy of a submitted grant application sent to the Department of Justice is a measure aimed at upholding data security and privacy. It reflects a commitment to responsible and professional conduct within the context of grant submissions to government agencies.

Feel free to reach out if there is anything further.

From: e

10/06/2023

Subject: RE: Indiana Access to Public Records Act Request: Public Records Request: Rural and Small Department Violent Crime Reduction Grant

Can the agency sign into the DOJ portal where the grant was submitted and access the submitted materials through the portal?

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