Iowa DPS DCI death-in-custody investigation reports

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Iowa Open Records Law (Code Chapter 22), I hereby request the following records:

All reports of findings or evaluation materials generated as the result of Division of Criminal Investigations inquiries into the deaths of individuals in law enforcement or corrections custody in the hours preceding and/or at the time of death. Please provide materials from 2000 through the date this request is processed. Please provide any responsive lists of investigations excluded due to ongoing processing. [For reference: http://www.dps.state.ia.us/commis/pib/Releases/2015/6-25-2015_DCI_IowaCountyInCustodyDeathInvestigation.html]

I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as I believe this request is in the public interest. The documents being requested are a vital component of an ongoing journalistic investigation of public-private corrections partnerships, a critical element in the current discussion of our criminal justice system. The materials will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com and will by analyzed and contextualized by a representative of the news media/press. This request is made in the process of news gathering and is not for commercial usage.

In the event that fees cannot be waived, 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,

Beryl C.D. Lipton