Police Data Collection Request (2021)

The Kennewick Police Department has received your request and we look forward to assisting you with your public records search. Please note that the City administers public records requests in strict compliance with RCW 42.56. The City will respond on or before October 25, 2022 by either: (1) providing the record(s); (2) providing an internet address and link on the city’s web site to the specific records requested, except that if the requester notifies the agency that he or she cannot access the records through the internet, then the agency must provide copies of the record or allow the requester to view copies using an agency computer; (3) providing a reasonable estimate of the time the city will require to respond to the request; or
(4) seeking clarification of your request; or (5) denying your request.
IMPORTANT: This
communication (and any reply) is subject to the Public Records Act, RCW 42.56.
The City of Kennewick is committed to transparency in government and we will
provide our customers the fullest assistance possible when they request access
to public records. Individuals wishing to obtain public records shall submit
their requests in accordance with the City’s Public Records Policy which is
available by visiting this link

--- Please respond above this line ---
Samuel Sinyangwe MuckRock News, DEPT MR135275 263 Huntington Ave Boston MA 02115
RE: Public Disclosure Request # L001727-101722
Greetings:
On October 17, 2022 the Kennewick Police Department received your public disclosure request stating: “To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Washington Public Records 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 5 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Samuel Sinyangwe

Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/
It’s important to understand that the Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) concerns disclosure of records, not information generally. It requires that a request be for an “identifiable record” or “class of records”.  The PRA is not intended as a mechanism for interrogatories. Smith v. Okanogan County, 100 Wash. App. 7 (Div. 3 2000) (court held agency is not required under the PRA to create a record in response to a request for information).
Because your correspondence did not describe the existing, identifiable records you seek from the Kennewick Police Department your request has been denied and closed. If you have any questions or need further assistance with this request, please contact me by calling 509-585-4507 or by your direct reply to this message. You can quickly access your request here: https://kennewickwa.mycusthelp.com/WEBAPP/_rs/RequestEdit.aspx?rid=22312&coid= However, any new requests for additional information, changes to the records requested under this request and other such modifications must be submitted as a new records request. Sincerely,
Jennifer Hansen, CPRO Public Records Specialist
NOTE: Please be sure to review our public records policy which contains important information about how the City administers public records requests, the rights of requestors, and the obligations of each party. (via this link)