Lafayette, LA PD Citizen Complaints

Mr. Cartwright and Ms. Dirmeyer,

My name is Joy Rabalais. I am an Assistant City Attorney for Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government, and your recent public records request (PRR) requesting documentation from the Lafayette Police Department has been referred to my law firm for handling and formal response.

We have been in touch with several departments within Lafayette Police Department to obtain the documentation requested. Please note that under Louisiana law (La. R.S. 40:2533(C)(1) and (C)(2)(a) and (b), a record of formal complaint against a police officer for violation of an ordinance or statute regarding criminal battery and assault, involving domestic violence may be expunged if the complaint was anonymous and the charges are not substantiated within 12 months of the lodging of the complaint. Also, any record of a formal complaint for violation of an ordinance or statute regarding criminal trespass, criminal damage to property, or disturbing the peace, involving domestic violence may be expunged if the complaint was anonymous and the charges are not substantiated within 12 months of the lodging of the complaint.

Otherwise, La. R.S. 44:36 requires only that a 3 year retention period be followed.

With these potential limitations in mind, please be advised that we anticipate that it can take up to 5 business days to research, review, retrieve and/or possibly redact the information being requested. I just wanted to touch base with you to advise that your request has been received and is being worked on.

If you have any questions in the interim, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Joy C. Rabalais
Borne, Wilkes & Rabalais, L.L.C.
337-232-1604 Ext. 232
P. O. Box 4305
Lafayette, LA 70502-4305

rabalais@bornewilkes.com

OUR SYSTEM NOW SCANS AND FILTERS ALL INCOMING E-MAIL FOR INAPPROPRIATE CONTENT. ANY SUCH E-MAIL WILL NOT BE DELIVERED TO THE INTENDED RECIPIENT. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A TIMELY REPLY TO YOUR E-MAIL, PLEASE CALL 337-232-1604.

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE

The information contained in this e-mail message is legally privileged and confidential information intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copy of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail transmission in error, please immediately notify us by telephone (337-232-1604). Thank you.

Mr. Cartwright,

My apologies. I was out of town in court all week last week. I
believe I have the data ready; however, I had a question for the
Sergeant who provided it to me. I am hopeful to have an answer today,
then we will forward the documentation.

Thanks for your continued patience.

Joy

Joy C. Rabalais
Borne, Wilkes & Rabalais, L.L.C.
337-232-1604 Ext. 232
P. O. Box 4305
Lafayette, LA 70502-4305

rabalais@bornewilkes.com

OUR SYSTEM NOW SCANS AND FILTERS ALL INCOMING E-MAIL FOR INAPPROPRIATE
CONTENT. ANY SUCH E-MAIL WILL NOT BE DELIVERED TO THE INTENDED
RECIPIENT. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A TIMELY REPLY TO YOUR E-MAIL, PLEASE
CALL 337-232-1604.

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE

The information contained in this e-mail message is legally privileged
and confidential information intended only for the use of the individual
or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the
intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination,
distribution or copy of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have
received this e-mail transmission in error, please immediately notify us
by telephone (337-232-1604). Thank you.

>>> <requests@muckrock.com> 9/10/2017 4:42 PM >>>

September 10, 2017
Lafayette Police Department
Lafayette Police Department
900 E. University Ave
Lafayette, LA 70502
This is a follow up to a previous request:
Hello,
Thank you very much for the update. Thank you for accommodating our
request. I look forward to receiving the data.
Respectfully,
Alex Cartwright
---
On Aug. 28, 2017:
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request,
copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 18, 2017. Please let me
know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further
clarification is needed.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is
needed.
---
On Aug. 23, 2017:
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request,
copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 18, 2017. Please let me
know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further
clarification is needed.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is
needed.
---
On Aug. 22, 2017:
Mr. Cartwright and Ms. Dirmeyer,
My name is Joy Rabalais. I am an Assistant City Attorney for Lafayette
City-Parish Consolidated Government, and your recent public records
request (PRR) requesting documentation from the Lafayette Police
Department has been referred to my law firm for handling and formal
response.
We have been in touch with several departments within Lafayette Police
Department to obtain the documentation requested. Please note that under
Louisiana law (La. R.S. 40:2533(C)(1) and (C)(2)(a) and (b), a record of
formal complaint against a police officer for violation of an ordinance
or statute regarding criminal battery and assault, involving domestic
violence may be expunged if the complaint was anonymous and the charges
are not substantiated within 12 months of the lodging of the complaint.
Also, any record of a formal complaint for violation of an ordinance or
statute regarding criminal trespass, criminal damage to property, or
disturbing the peace, involving domestic violence may be expunged if the
complaint was anonymous and the charges are not substantiated within 12
months of the lodging of the complaint.
Otherwise, La. R.S. 44:36 requires only that a 3 year retention period
be followed.
With these potential limitations in mind, please be advised that we
anticipate that it can take up to 5 business days to research, review,
retrieve and/or possibly redact the information being requested. I just
wanted to touch base with you to advise that your request has been
received and is being worked on.
If you have any questions in the interim, please do not hesitate to
contact me.
Joy C. Rabalais
Borne, Wilkes & Rabalais, L.L.C.
337-232-1604 Ext. 232
P. O. Box 4305
Lafayette, LA 70502-4305
rabalais@bornewilkes.com

OUR SYSTEM NOW SCANS AND FILTERS ALL INCOMING E-MAIL FOR INAPPROPRIATE
CONTENT. ANY SUCH E-MAIL WILL NOT BE DELIVERED TO THE INTENDED
RECIPIENT. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A TIMELY REPLY TO YOUR E-MAIL, PLEASE
CALL 337-232-1604.
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE
The information contained in this e-mail message is legally privileged
and confidential information intended only for the use of the individual
or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution
or copy of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received this
e-mail transmission in error, please immediately notify us by telephone
(337-232-1604). Thank you.
---
On Aug. 18, 2017:
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the the Louisiana Public Records Act, I hereby request the
following records:
We are Economics Professors in the College of Business at Ferris State
University, and are engaged in an empirical research project on police
behavior and citizen complaints. This project requires us to request
data from your department. If you have questions about this request or
suggestions, we would be happy to discuss them with you.
We have your internal affairs report for 2011-2016, could you please
send the report for 2007-2015? If not, could you please provide the
information below:
1. What is the total number of citizen complaints (allegations of
misconduct) made against your department’s officers annually for the
last 10 years? If your department logs complaints in a database,
spreadsheet, or other log, a copy of those logs is fine instead.
Please include the type of complaint (i.e., use of force, abuse
language, unwarranted search) and the result of complaint (i.e.,
sustained, exonerated).
2. What is the total number of complaints police officers made against
their peer officers in department annually for the last 10 years? If
your department logs complaints in a database, spreadsheet, or other
log, a copy of those logs is fine instead.
Please include the type of complaint (i.e., use of force, abuse
language, unwarranted search) and the result of complaint (i.e.,
sustained, exonerated).
3. What is the total number of calls for service your department
received annually for the past 10 years? If your department logs calls
for service in a database, spreadsheet, or other log, a copy of those
logs is fine instead.
4. How many officer-involved-shootings were there per year for the last
10 years in your department? Any documentation or reports that detail
the annual number of officer-involved shootings in your department for
the past 10 years would be sufficient.
Please include documentation regarding how many of these
officer-involved shootings involved disciplinary action. (Please list
officer firearm discharge directed at a person separately from a
shooting involving an animal and separately from accidental firearm
discharges).
Please include the number of officer-involved shootings resulting in
discipline.
5. Which of the above data are published publicly? Please provide a
link to any and all publicly available reports containing the data
above.
Collecting this information is very important to our research, so we
would like to emphasize, if you have questions about my request or
suggestions, we would be happy to discuss them with you.
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 3
business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Alexander Cartwright and Jennifer Dirmeyer
------
Filed via MuckRock.com
E-mail (Preferred): requests@muckrock.com
Upload documents directly:
https://www.muckrock.com/accounts/agency_login/lafayette-police-deparment-5973/lafayette-la-pd-citizen-complaints-41472/?email=Rabalais%40bornewilkes.com&uuid-login=4a2fa8de-1d9c-4e0c-b9eb-b13cd31f28df#agency-reply
Is this email coming to the wrong contact? Something else wrong? Use
the above link to let us know.
For mailed responses, please address (see note):
MuckRock
DEPT MR 41472
411A Highland Ave
Somerville, MA 02144-2516
PLEASE NOTE: This request is not filed by a MuckRock staff member, but
is being sent through MuckRock by the above in order to better track,
share, and manage public records requests. Also note that improperly
addressed (i.e., with the requester's name rather than "MuckRock News"
and the department number) requests might be returned as undeliverable.
------

Attached please find copies of the logs for Citizen Complaints, IA
Investigations and Shift Level Investigations for LPD from 2007-2017.
Note that we have redacted the name of the complainants (either civilian
or law enforcement), as per City of Baton Rouge v. Capital City Press,
L.L.C., 2007-1088 (La. App. 1 Cir. 2/13/09), 7 So.3d 21.

We believe that this production should satisfy your public records
request, and we ask that you confirm receipt.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Joy

Joy C. Rabalais
Borne, Wilkes & Rabalais, L.L.C.
337-232-1604 Ext. 232
P. O. Box 4305
Lafayette, LA 70502-4305

rabalais@bornewilkes.com

OUR SYSTEM NOW SCANS AND FILTERS ALL INCOMING E-MAIL FOR INAPPROPRIATE
CONTENT. ANY SUCH E-MAIL WILL NOT BE DELIVERED TO THE INTENDED
RECIPIENT. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A TIMELY REPLY TO YOUR E-MAIL, PLEASE
CALL 337-232-1604.

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE

The information contained in this e-mail message is legally privileged
and confidential information intended only for the use of the individual
or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the
intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination,
distribution or copy of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have
received this e-mail transmission in error, please immediately notify us
by telephone (337-232-1604). Thank you.

>>> <requests@muckrock.com> 9/12/2017 6:46 PM >>>

September 12, 2017
Lafayette Police Department
Lafayette Police Department
900 E. University Ave
Lafayette, LA 70502
This is a follow up to a previous request:
Hello,
Thank you very much for the update. Thank you for accommodating our
request. I look forward to receiving the data.
Respectfully,
Alex Cartwright
---
On Sept. 11, 2017:
Mr. Cartwright,
My apologies. I was out of town in court all week last week. I
believe I have the data ready; however, I had a question for the
Sergeant who provided it to me. I am hopeful to have an answer today,
then we will forward the documentation.
Thanks for your continued patience.
Joy
Joy C. Rabalais
Borne, Wilkes & Rabalais, L.L.C.
337-232-1604 Ext. 232
P. O. Box 4305
Lafayette, LA 70502-4305
rabalais@bornewilkes.com

OUR SYSTEM NOW SCANS AND FILTERS ALL INCOMING E-MAIL FOR INAPPROPRIATE
CONTENT. ANY SUCH E-MAIL WILL NOT BE DELIVERED TO THE INTENDED
RECIPIENT. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A TIMELY REPLY TO YOUR E-MAIL, PLEASE
CALL 337-232-1604.
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE
The information contained in this e-mail message is legally privileged
and confidential information intended only for the use of the
individual
or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the
intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination,
distribution or copy of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you
have
received this e-mail transmission in error, please immediately notify
us
by telephone (337-232-1604). Thank you.
>>> <requests@muckrock.com> 9/10/2017 4:42 PM >>>
September 10, 2017
Lafayette Police Department
Lafayette Police Department
900 E. University Ave
Lafayette, LA 70502
This is a follow up to a previous request:
Hello,
Thank you very much for the update. Thank you for accommodating our
request. I look forward to receiving the data.
Respectfully,
Alex Cartwright
---
On Aug. 28, 2017:
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request,
copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 18, 2017. Please let me
know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further
clarification is needed.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is
needed.
---
On Aug. 23, 2017:
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request,
copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 18, 2017. Please let me
know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further
clarification is needed.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is
needed.
---
On Aug. 22, 2017:
Mr. Cartwright and Ms. Dirmeyer,
My name is Joy Rabalais. I am an Assistant City Attorney for Lafayette
City-Parish Consolidated Government, and your recent public records
request (PRR) requesting documentation from the Lafayette Police
Department has been referred to my law firm for handling and formal
response.
We have been in touch with several departments within Lafayette Police
Department to obtain the documentation requested. Please note that
under
Louisiana law (La. R.S. 40:2533(C)(1) and (C)(2)(a) and (b), a record
of
formal complaint against a police officer for violation of an
ordinance
or statute regarding criminal battery and assault, involving domestic
violence may be expunged if the complaint was anonymous and the
charges
are not substantiated within 12 months of the lodging of the
complaint.
Also, any record of a formal complaint for violation of an ordinance
or
statute regarding criminal trespass, criminal damage to property, or
disturbing the peace, involving domestic violence may be expunged if
the
complaint was anonymous and the charges are not substantiated within
12
months of the lodging of the complaint.
Otherwise, La. R.S. 44:36 requires only that a 3 year retention period
be followed.
With these potential limitations in mind, please be advised that we
anticipate that it can take up to 5 business days to research, review,
retrieve and/or possibly redact the information being requested. I
just
wanted to touch base with you to advise that your request has been
received and is being worked on.
If you have any questions in the interim, please do not hesitate to
contact me.
Joy C. Rabalais
Borne, Wilkes & Rabalais, L.L.C.
337-232-1604 Ext. 232
P. O. Box 4305
Lafayette, LA 70502-4305
rabalais@bornewilkes.com
OUR SYSTEM NOW SCANS AND FILTERS ALL INCOMING E-MAIL FOR INAPPROPRIATE
CONTENT. ANY SUCH E-MAIL WILL NOT BE DELIVERED TO THE INTENDED
RECIPIENT. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A TIMELY REPLY TO YOUR E-MAIL, PLEASE
CALL 337-232-1604.
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE
The information contained in this e-mail message is legally privileged
and confidential information intended only for the use of the
individual
or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the
intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination,
distribution
or copy of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received
this
e-mail transmission in error, please immediately notify us by
telephone
(337-232-1604). Thank you.
---
On Aug. 18, 2017:
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the the Louisiana Public Records Act, I hereby request the
following records:
We are Economics Professors in the College of Business at Ferris State
University, and are engaged in an empirical research project on police
behavior and citizen complaints. This project requires us to request
data from your department. If you have questions about this request or
suggestions, we would be happy to discuss them with you.
We have your internal affairs report for 2011-2016, could you please
send the report for 2007-2015? If not, could you please provide the
information below:
1. What is the total number of citizen complaints (allegations of
misconduct) made against your department’s officers annually for the
last 10 years? If your department logs complaints in a database,
spreadsheet, or other log, a copy of those logs is fine instead.
Please include the type of complaint (i.e., use of force, abuse
language, unwarranted search) and the result of complaint (i.e.,
sustained, exonerated).
2. What is the total number of complaints police officers made against
their peer officers in department annually for the last 10 years? If
your department logs complaints in a database, spreadsheet, or other
log, a copy of those logs is fine instead.
Please include the type of complaint (i.e., use of force, abuse
language, unwarranted search) and the result of complaint (i.e.,
sustained, exonerated).
3. What is the total number of calls for service your department
received annually for the past 10 years? If your department logs calls
for service in a database, spreadsheet, or other log, a copy of those
logs is fine instead.
4. How many officer-involved-shootings were there per year for the
last
10 years in your department? Any documentation or reports that detail
the annual number of officer-involved shootings in your department for
the past 10 years would be sufficient.
Please include documentation regarding how many of these
officer-involved shootings involved disciplinary action. (Please list
officer firearm discharge directed at a person separately from a
shooting involving an animal and separately from accidental firearm
discharges).
Please include the number of officer-involved shootings resulting in
discipline.
5. Which of the above data are published publicly? Please provide a
link to any and all publicly available reports containing the data
above.
Collecting this information is very important to our research, so we
would like to emphasize, if you have questions about my request or
suggestions, we would be happy to discuss them with you.
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 3
business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Alexander Cartwright and Jennifer Dirmeyer
------
Filed via MuckRock.com
E-mail (Preferred): requests@muckrock.com
Upload documents directly:
https://www.muckrock.com/accounts/agency_login/lafayette-police-deparment-5973/lafayette-la-pd-citizen-complaints-41472/?email=Rabalais%40bornewilkes.com&uuid-login=4a2fa8de-1d9c-4e0c-b9eb-b13cd31f28df#agency-reply
Is this email coming to the wrong contact? Something else wrong? Use
the above link to let us know.
For mailed responses, please address (see note):
MuckRock
DEPT MR 41472
411A Highland Ave
Somerville, MA 02144-2516
PLEASE NOTE: This request is not filed by a MuckRock staff member, but
is being sent through MuckRock by the above in order to better track,
share, and manage public records requests. Also note that improperly
addressed (i.e., with the requester's name rather than "MuckRock News"
and the department number) requests might be returned as
undeliverable.
------
---
On Sept. 10, 2017:
Ms. Rabalais,
Thank you for following up. The 5 business days you requested has long
passed. Can you please provide an update on our request?
Respectfully, Alex Cartwright
---
On Sept. 10, 2017:
Hello,
Thank you very much for the update. Thank you for accommodating our
request. I look forward to receiving the data.
Respectfully,
Alex Cartwright
---
On Aug. 28, 2017:
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request,
copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 18, 2017. Please let me
know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further
clarification is needed.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is
needed.
---
On Aug. 23, 2017:
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request,
copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 18, 2017. Please let me
know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further
clarification is needed.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is
needed.
---
On Aug. 22, 2017:
Mr. Cartwright and Ms. Dirmeyer,
My name is Joy Rabalais. I am an Assistant City Attorney for Lafayette
City-Parish Consolidated Government, and your recent public records
request (PRR) requesting documentation from the Lafayette Police
Department has been referred to my law firm for handling and formal
response.
We have been in touch with several departments within Lafayette Police
Department to obtain the documentation requested. Please note that under
Louisiana law (La. R.S. 40:2533(C)(1) and (C)(2)(a) and (b), a record of
formal complaint against a police officer for violation of an ordinance
or statute regarding criminal battery and assault, involving domestic
violence may be expunged if the complaint was anonymous and the charges
are not substantiated within 12 months of the lodging of the complaint.
Also, any record of a formal complaint for violation of an ordinance or
statute regarding criminal trespass, criminal damage to property, or
disturbing the peace, involving domestic violence may be expunged if the
complaint was anonymous and the charges are not substantiated within 12
months of the lodging of the complaint.
Otherwise, La. R.S. 44:36 requires only that a 3 year retention period
be followed.
With these potential limitations in mind, please be advised that we
anticipate that it can take up to 5 business days to research, review,
retrieve and/or possibly redact the information being requested. I just
wanted to touch base with you to advise that your request has been
received and is being worked on.
If you have any questions in the interim, please do not hesitate to
contact me.
Joy C. Rabalais
Borne, Wilkes & Rabalais, L.L.C.
337-232-1604 Ext. 232
P. O. Box 4305
Lafayette, LA 70502-4305
rabalais@bornewilkes.com

OUR SYSTEM NOW SCANS AND FILTERS ALL INCOMING E-MAIL FOR INAPPROPRIATE
CONTENT. ANY SUCH E-MAIL WILL NOT BE DELIVERED TO THE INTENDED
RECIPIENT. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A TIMELY REPLY TO YOUR E-MAIL, PLEASE
CALL 337-232-1604.
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE
The information contained in this e-mail message is legally privileged
and confidential information intended only for the use of the individual
or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution
or copy of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received this
e-mail transmission in error, please immediately notify us by telephone
(337-232-1604). Thank you.
---
On Aug. 18, 2017:
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the the Louisiana Public Records Act, I hereby request the
following records:
We are Economics Professors in the College of Business at Ferris State
University, and are engaged in an empirical research project on police
behavior and citizen complaints. This project requires us to request
data from your department. If you have questions about this request or
suggestions, we would be happy to discuss them with you.
We have your internal affairs report for 2011-2016, could you please
send the report for 2007-2015? If not, could you please provide the
information below:
1. What is the total number of citizen complaints (allegations of
misconduct) made against your department’s officers annually for the
last 10 years? If your department logs complaints in a database,
spreadsheet, or other log, a copy of those logs is fine instead.
Please include the type of complaint (i.e., use of force, abuse
language, unwarranted search) and the result of complaint (i.e.,
sustained, exonerated).
2. What is the total number of complaints police officers made against
their peer officers in department annually for the last 10 years? If
your department logs complaints in a database, spreadsheet, or other
log, a copy of those logs is fine instead.
Please include the type of complaint (i.e., use of force, abuse
language, unwarranted search) and the result of complaint (i.e.,
sustained, exonerated).
3. What is the total number of calls for service your department
received annually for the past 10 years? If your department logs calls
for service in a database, spreadsheet, or other log, a copy of those
logs is fine instead.
4. How many officer-involved-shootings were there per year for the last
10 years in your department? Any documentation or reports that detail
the annual number of officer-involved shootings in your department for
the past 10 years would be sufficient.
Please include documentation regarding how many of these
officer-involved shootings involved disciplinary action. (Please list
officer firearm discharge directed at a person separately from a
shooting involving an animal and separately from accidental firearm
discharges).
Please include the number of officer-involved shootings resulting in
discipline.
5. Which of the above data are published publicly? Please provide a
link to any and all publicly available reports containing the data
above.
Collecting this information is very important to our research, so we
would like to emphasize, if you have questions about my request or
suggestions, we would be happy to discuss them with you.
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 3
business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Alexander Cartwright and Jennifer Dirmeyer
------
Filed via MuckRock.com
E-mail (Preferred): requests@muckrock.com
Upload documents directly:
https://www.muckrock.com/accounts/agency_login/lafayette-police-deparment-5973/lafayette-la-pd-citizen-complaints-41472/?uuid-login=9b531f0b-0c56-4dd9-a996-00d109677daf&email=Rabalais%40bornewilkes.com#agency-reply
Is this email coming to the wrong contact? Something else wrong? Use
the above link to let us know.
For mailed responses, please address (see note):
MuckRock
DEPT MR 41472
411A Highland Ave
Somerville, MA 02144-2516
PLEASE NOTE: This request is not filed by a MuckRock staff member, but
is being sent through MuckRock by the above in order to better track,
share, and manage public records requests. Also note that improperly
addressed (i.e., with the requester's name rather than "MuckRock News"
and the department number) requests might be returned as undeliverable.
------

A "Shift level complaint" is an intermediary type complaint, wherein the
officer is investigated internally, i.e., within the ranks of the shift
he works, and the review and ultimate decision is made by the officer's
shift commander.

With regards to "internal complaints" or peer complaints, the Louisiana
Public Records Act does not require disclosure of a complainant's name,
even if it is a fellow employee who makes the complaint. In addition,
there is not a separation of peer complaints from outside complaints for
the 3 categories/types of investigations conducted by LPD. What we can
provide, based on the information previously provided, is that there
were peer complaints for the following years/categories, as follows:

Administrative Internal Investigations -- All of these, with the
exception of one in 2008, one in 2010, and one in 2010 was brought
against co-workers and/or superior officers.

Shift Level Investigations -- In 2007, 14 complaints were made by
co-workers or superior officers; In 2008, 10 complaints were made by
co-workers or superior officers; In 2009, 18 such complaints were made;
In 2010, 18 complaints were made; In 2011, 12 were made; In 2012, 13
were made In 2013, 5 were made, In 2014, 7 were made, In 2015, 2 were
made; In 2016, 1 was made; and In 2017, 1 has been made up to the date
of you request.

The PDF entitled Citizen Complaints 2007 to 2017 does in fact reference
complaints made by the general populace.

I hope that this response satisfies your inquiries. Of course, if you
have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Joy

>>> <requests@muckrock.com> 9/18/2017 3:50 PM >>>

September 18, 2017
Lafayette Police Department
Lafayette Police Department
900 E. University Ave
Lafayette, LA 70502
This is a follow up to a previous request:
Thank you very much for this information. We truly appreciate it. One
question: what is a "shift level complaint"?
Regarding number 2 of our request (for peer complaints) some
departments call this "internal complaints" - do you have data on
internal complaints that hasn't already been provided?
Respectfully,
Alex Cartwright
---
On Sept. 14, 2017:
Attached please find copies of the logs for Citizen Complaints, IA
Investigations and Shift Level Investigations for LPD from 2007-2017.
Note that we have redacted the name of the complainants (either
civilian
or law enforcement), as per City of Baton Rouge v. Capital City Press,
L.L.C., 2007-1088 (La. App. 1 Cir. 2/13/09), 7 So.3d 21.
We believe that this production should satisfy your public records
request, and we ask that you confirm receipt.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Joy
Joy C. Rabalais
Borne, Wilkes & Rabalais, L.L.C.
337-232-1604 Ext. 232
P. O. Box 4305
Lafayette, LA 70502-4305
rabalais@bornewilkes.com

OUR SYSTEM NOW SCANS AND FILTERS ALL INCOMING E-MAIL FOR INAPPROPRIATE
CONTENT. ANY SUCH E-MAIL WILL NOT BE DELIVERED TO THE INTENDED
RECIPIENT. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A TIMELY REPLY TO YOUR E-MAIL, PLEASE
CALL 337-232-1604.
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE
The information contained in this e-mail message is legally privileged
and confidential information intended only for the use of the
individual
or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the
intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination,
distribution or copy of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you
have
received this e-mail transmission in error, please immediately notify
us
by telephone (337-232-1604). Thank you.
>>> <requests@muckrock.com> 9/12/2017 6:46 PM >>>
September 12, 2017
Lafayette Police Department
Lafayette Police Department
900 E. University Ave
Lafayette, LA 70502
This is a follow up to a previous request:
Hello,
Thank you very much for the update. Thank you for accommodating our
request. I look forward to receiving the data.
Respectfully,
Alex Cartwright
---
On Sept. 11, 2017:
Mr. Cartwright,
My apologies. I was out of town in court all week last week. I
believe I have the data ready; however, I had a question for the
Sergeant who provided it to me. I am hopeful to have an answer today,
then we will forward the documentation.
Thanks for your continued patience.
Joy
Joy C. Rabalais
Borne, Wilkes & Rabalais, L.L.C.
337-232-1604 Ext. 232
P. O. Box 4305
Lafayette, LA 70502-4305
rabalais@bornewilkes.com
OUR SYSTEM NOW SCANS AND FILTERS ALL INCOMING E-MAIL FOR INAPPROPRIATE
CONTENT. ANY SUCH E-MAIL WILL NOT BE DELIVERED TO THE INTENDED
RECIPIENT. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A TIMELY REPLY TO YOUR E-MAIL, PLEASE
CALL 337-232-1604.
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE
The information contained in this e-mail message is legally privileged
and confidential information intended only for the use of the
individual
or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the
intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination,
distribution or copy of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you
have
received this e-mail transmission in error, please immediately notify
us
by telephone (337-232-1604). Thank you.
>>> <requests@muckrock.com> 9/10/2017 4:42 PM >>>
September 10, 2017
Lafayette Police Department
Lafayette Police Department
900 E. University Ave
Lafayette, LA 70502
This is a follow up to a previous request:
Hello,
Thank you very much for the update. Thank you for accommodating our
request. I look forward to receiving the data.
Respectfully,
Alex Cartwright
---
On Aug. 28, 2017:
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request,
copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 18, 2017. Please let me
know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further
clarification is needed.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is
needed.
---
On Aug. 23, 2017:
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request,
copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 18, 2017. Please let me
know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further
clarification is needed.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is
needed.
---
On Aug. 22, 2017:
Mr. Cartwright and Ms. Dirmeyer,
My name is Joy Rabalais. I am an Assistant City Attorney for Lafayette
City-Parish Consolidated Government, and your recent public records
request (PRR) requesting documentation from the Lafayette Police
Department has been referred to my law firm for handling and formal
response.
We have been in touch with several departments within Lafayette Police
Department to obtain the documentation requested. Please note that
under
Louisiana law (La. R.S. 40:2533(C)(1) and (C)(2)(a) and (b), a record
of
formal complaint against a police officer for violation of an
ordinance
or statute regarding criminal battery and assault, involving domestic
violence may be expunged if the complaint was anonymous and the
charges
are not substantiated within 12 months of the lodging of the
complaint.
Also, any record of a formal complaint for violation of an ordinance
or
statute regarding criminal trespass, criminal damage to property, or
disturbing the peace, involving domestic violence may be expunged if
the
complaint was anonymous and the charges are not substantiated within
12
months of the lodging of the complaint.
Otherwise, La. R.S. 44:36 requires only that a 3 year retention period
be followed.
With these potential limitations in mind, please be advised that we
anticipate that it can take up to 5 business days to research, review,
retrieve and/or possibly redact the information being requested. I
just
wanted to touch base with you to advise that your request has been
received and is being worked on.
If you have any questions in the interim, please do not hesitate to
contact me.
Joy C. Rabalais
Borne, Wilkes & Rabalais, L.L.C.
337-232-1604 Ext. 232
P. O. Box 4305
Lafayette, LA 70502-4305
rabalais@bornewilkes.com
OUR SYSTEM NOW SCANS AND FILTERS ALL INCOMING E-MAIL FOR INAPPROPRIATE
CONTENT. ANY SUCH E-MAIL WILL NOT BE DELIVERED TO THE INTENDED
RECIPIENT. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A TIMELY REPLY TO YOUR E-MAIL, PLEASE
CALL 337-232-1604.
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE
The information contained in this e-mail message is legally privileged
and confidential information intended only for the use of the
individual
or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the
intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination,
distribution
or copy of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received
this
e-mail transmission in error, please immediately notify us by
telephone
(337-232-1604). Thank you.
---
On Aug. 18, 2017:
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the the Louisiana Public Records Act, I hereby request the
following records:
We are Economics Professors in the College of Business at Ferris State
University, and are engaged in an empirical research project on police
behavior and citizen complaints. This project requires us to request
data from your department. If you have questions about this request or
suggestions, we would be happy to discuss them with you.
We have your internal affairs report for 2011-2016, could you please
send the report for 2007-2015? If not, could you please provide the
information below:
1. What is the total number of citizen complaints (allegations of
misconduct) made against your department’s officers annually for the
last 10 years? If your department logs complaints in a database,
spreadsheet, or other log, a copy of those logs is fine instead.
Please include the type of complaint (i.e., use of force, abuse
language, unwarranted search) and the result of complaint (i.e.,
sustained, exonerated).
2. What is the total number of complaints police officers made against
their peer officers in department annually for the last 10 years? If
your department logs complaints in a database, spreadsheet, or other
log, a copy of those logs is fine instead.
Please include the type of complaint (i.e., use of force, abuse
language, unwarranted search) and the result of complaint (i.e.,
sustained, exonerated).
3. What is the total number of calls for service your department
received annually for the past 10 years? If your department logs calls
for service in a database, spreadsheet, or other log, a copy of those
logs is fine instead.
4. How many officer-involved-shootings were there per year for the
last
10 years in your department? Any documentation or reports that detail
the annual number of officer-involved shootings in your department for
the past 10 years would be sufficient.
Please include documentation regarding how many of these
officer-involved shootings involved disciplinary action. (Please list
officer firearm discharge directed at a person separately from a
shooting involving an animal and separately from accidental firearm
discharges).
Please include the number of officer-involved shootings resulting in
discipline.
5. Which of the above data are published publicly? Please provide a
link to any and all publicly available reports containing the data
above.
Collecting this information is very important to our research, so we
would like to emphasize, if you have questions about my request or
suggestions, we would be happy to discuss them with you.
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 3
business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Alexander Cartwright and Jennifer Dirmeyer
------
Filed via MuckRock.com
E-mail (Preferred): requests@muckrock.com
Upload documents directly:
https://www.muckrock.com/accounts/agency_login/lafayette-police-deparment-5973/lafayette-la-pd-citizen-complaints-41472/?email=Rabalais%40bornewilkes.com&uuid-login=4a2fa8de-1d9c-4e0c-b9eb-b13cd31f28df#agency-reply
Is this email coming to the wrong contact? Something else wrong? Use
the above link to let us know.
For mailed responses, please address (see note):
MuckRock
DEPT MR 41472
411A Highland Ave
Somerville, MA 02144-2516
PLEASE NOTE: This request is not filed by a MuckRock staff member, but
is being sent through MuckRock by the above in order to better track,
share, and manage public records requests. Also note that improperly
addressed (i.e., with the requester's name rather than "MuckRock News"
and the department number) requests might be returned as
undeliverable.
------
---
On Sept. 10, 2017:
Ms. Rabalais,
Thank you for following up. The 5 business days you requested has long
passed. Can you please provide an update on our request?
Respectfully, Alex Cartwright
---
On Sept. 10, 2017:
Hello,
Thank you very much for the update. Thank you for accommodating our
request. I look forward to receiving the data.
Respectfully,
Alex Cartwright
---
On Aug. 28, 2017:
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request,
copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 18, 2017. Please let me
know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further
clarification is needed.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is
needed.
---
On Aug. 23, 2017:
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request,
copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 18, 2017. Please let me
know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further
clarification is needed.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is
needed.
---
On Aug. 22, 2017:
Mr. Cartwright and Ms. Dirmeyer,
My name is Joy Rabalais. I am an Assistant City Attorney for Lafayette
City-Parish Consolidated Government, and your recent public records
request (PRR) requesting documentation from the Lafayette Police
Department has been referred to my law firm for handling and formal
response.
We have been in touch with several departments within Lafayette Police
Department to obtain the documentation requested. Please note that
under
Louisiana law (La. R.S. 40:2533(C)(1) and (C)(2)(a) and (b), a record
of
formal complaint against a police officer for violation of an
ordinance
or statute regarding criminal battery and assault, involving domestic
violence may be expunged if the complaint was anonymous and the
charges
are not substantiated within 12 months of the lodging of the
complaint.
Also, any record of a formal complaint for violation of an ordinance
or
statute regarding criminal trespass, criminal damage to property, or
disturbing the peace, involving domestic violence may be expunged if
the
complaint was anonymous and the charges are not substantiated within
12
months of the lodging of the complaint.
Otherwise, La. R.S. 44:36 requires only that a 3 year retention period
be followed.
With these potential limitations in mind, please be advised that we
anticipate that it can take up to 5 business days to research, review,
retrieve and/or possibly redact the information being requested. I
just
wanted to touch base with you to advise that your request has been
received and is being worked on.
If you have any questions in the interim, please do not hesitate to
contact me.
Joy C. Rabalais
Borne, Wilkes & Rabalais, L.L.C.
337-232-1604 Ext. 232
P. O. Box 4305
Lafayette, LA 70502-4305
rabalais@bornewilkes.com
OUR SYSTEM NOW SCANS AND FILTERS ALL INCOMING E-MAIL FOR INAPPROPRIATE
CONTENT. ANY SUCH E-MAIL WILL NOT BE DELIVERED TO THE INTENDED
RECIPIENT. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A TIMELY REPLY TO YOUR E-MAIL, PLEASE
CALL 337-232-1604.
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE
The information contained in this e-mail message is legally privileged
and confidential information intended only for the use of the
individual
or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the
intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination,
distribution
or copy of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received
this
e-mail transmission in error, please immediately notify us by
telephone
(337-232-1604). Thank you.
---
On Aug. 18, 2017:
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the the Louisiana Public Records Act, I hereby request the
following records:
We are Economics Professors in the College of Business at Ferris State
University, and are engaged in an empirical research project on police
behavior and citizen complaints. This project requires us to request
data from your department. If you have questions about this request or
suggestions, we would be happy to discuss them with you.
We have your internal affairs report for 2011-2016, could you please
send the report for 2007-2015? If not, could you please provide the
information below:
1. What is the total number of citizen complaints (allegations of
misconduct) made against your department’s officers annually for the
last 10 years? If your department logs complaints in a database,
spreadsheet, or other log, a copy of those logs is fine instead.
Please include the type of complaint (i.e., use of force, abuse
language, unwarranted search) and the result of complaint (i.e.,
sustained, exonerated).
2. What is the total number of complaints police officers made against
their peer officers in department annually for the last 10 years? If
your department logs complaints in a database, spreadsheet, or other
log, a copy of those logs is fine instead.
Please include the type of complaint (i.e., use of force, abuse
language, unwarranted search) and the result of complaint (i.e.,
sustained, exonerated).
3. What is the total number of calls for service your department
received annually for the past 10 years? If your department logs calls
for service in a database, spreadsheet, or other log, a copy of those
logs is fine instead.
4. How many officer-involved-shootings were there per year for the
last
10 years in your department? Any documentation or reports that detail
the annual number of officer-involved shootings in your department for
the past 10 years would be sufficient.
Please include documentation regarding how many of these
officer-involved shootings involved disciplinary action. (Please list
officer firearm discharge directed at a person separately from a
shooting involving an animal and separately from accidental firearm
discharges).
Please include the number of officer-involved shootings resulting in
discipline.
5. Which of the above data are published publicly? Please provide a
link to any and all publicly available reports containing the data
above.
Collecting this information is very important to our research, so we
would like to emphasize, if you have questions about my request or
suggestions, we would be happy to discuss them with you.
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 3
business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Alexander Cartwright and Jennifer Dirmeyer
------
Filed via MuckRock.com
E-mail (Preferred): requests@muckrock.com
Upload documents directly:
https://www.muckrock.com/accounts/agency_login/lafayette-police-deparment-5973/lafayette-la-pd-citizen-complaints-41472/?uuid-login=9b531f0b-0c56-4dd9-a996-00d109677daf&email=Rabalais%40bornewilkes.com#agency-reply
Is this email coming to the wrong contact? Something else wrong? Use
the above link to let us know.
For mailed responses, please address (see note):
MuckRock
DEPT MR 41472
411A Highland Ave
Somerville, MA 02144-2516
PLEASE NOTE: This request is not filed by a MuckRock staff member, but
is being sent through MuckRock by the above in order to better track,
share, and manage public records requests. Also note that improperly
addressed (i.e., with the requester's name rather than "MuckRock News"
and the department number) requests might be returned as
undeliverable.
------
---
On Sept. 12, 2017:
Hello,
Thank you very much for the update. Thank you for accommodating our
request. I look forward to receiving the data.
Respectfully,
Alex Cartwright
---
On Sept. 11, 2017:
Mr. Cartwright,
My apologies. I was out of town in court all week last week. I
believe I have the data ready; however, I had a question for the
Sergeant who provided it to me. I am hopeful to have an answer today,
then we will forward the documentation.
Thanks for your continued patience.
Joy
Joy C. Rabalais
Borne, Wilkes & Rabalais, L.L.C.
337-232-1604 Ext. 232
P. O. Box 4305
Lafayette, LA 70502-4305
rabalais@bornewilkes.com

OUR SYSTEM NOW SCANS AND FILTERS ALL INCOMING E-MAIL FOR INAPPROPRIATE
CONTENT. ANY SUCH E-MAIL WILL NOT BE DELIVERED TO THE INTENDED
RECIPIENT. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A TIMELY REPLY TO YOUR E-MAIL, PLEASE
CALL 337-232-1604.
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE
The information contained in this e-mail message is legally privileged
and confidential information intended only for the use of the
individual
or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the
intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination,
distribution or copy of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you
have
received this e-mail transmission in error, please immediately notify
us
by telephone (337-232-1604). Thank you.
>>> <requests@muckrock.com> 9/10/2017 4:42 PM >>>
September 10, 2017
Lafayette Police Department
Lafayette Police Department
900 E. University Ave
Lafayette, LA 70502
This is a follow up to a previous request:
Hello,
Thank you very much for the update. Thank you for accommodating our
request. I look forward to receiving the data.
Respectfully,
Alex Cartwright
---
On Aug. 28, 2017:
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request,
copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 18, 2017. Please let me
know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further
clarification is needed.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is
needed.
---
On Aug. 23, 2017:
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request,
copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 18, 2017. Please let me
know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further
clarification is needed.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is
needed.
---
On Aug. 22, 2017:
Mr. Cartwright and Ms. Dirmeyer,
My name is Joy Rabalais. I am an Assistant City Attorney for Lafayette
City-Parish Consolidated Government, and your recent public records
request (PRR) requesting documentation from the Lafayette Police
Department has been referred to my law firm for handling and formal
response.
We have been in touch with several departments within Lafayette Police
Department to obtain the documentation requested. Please note that
under
Louisiana law (La. R.S. 40:2533(C)(1) and (C)(2)(a) and (b), a record
of
formal complaint against a police officer for violation of an
ordinance
or statute regarding criminal battery and assault, involving domestic
violence may be expunged if the complaint was anonymous and the
charges
are not substantiated within 12 months of the lodging of the
complaint.
Also, any record of a formal complaint for violation of an ordinance
or
statute regarding criminal trespass, criminal damage to property, or
disturbing the peace, involving domestic violence may be expunged if
the
complaint was anonymous and the charges are not substantiated within
12
months of the lodging of the complaint.
Otherwise, La. R.S. 44:36 requires only that a 3 year retention period
be followed.
With these potential limitations in mind, please be advised that we
anticipate that it can take up to 5 business days to research, review,
retrieve and/or possibly redact the information being requested. I
just
wanted to touch base with you to advise that your request has been
received and is being worked on.
If you have any questions in the interim, please do not hesitate to
contact me.
Joy C. Rabalais
Borne, Wilkes & Rabalais, L.L.C.
337-232-1604 Ext. 232
P. O. Box 4305
Lafayette, LA 70502-4305
rabalais@bornewilkes.com
OUR SYSTEM NOW SCANS AND FILTERS ALL INCOMING E-MAIL FOR INAPPROPRIATE
CONTENT. ANY SUCH E-MAIL WILL NOT BE DELIVERED TO THE INTENDED
RECIPIENT. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A TIMELY REPLY TO YOUR E-MAIL, PLEASE
CALL 337-232-1604.
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE
The information contained in this e-mail message is legally privileged
and confidential information intended only for the use of the
individual
or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the
intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination,
distribution
or copy of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received
this
e-mail transmission in error, please immediately notify us by
telephone
(337-232-1604). Thank you.
---
On Aug. 18, 2017:
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the the Louisiana Public Records Act, I hereby request the
following records:
We are Economics Professors in the College of Business at Ferris State
University, and are engaged in an empirical research project on police
behavior and citizen complaints. This project requires us to request
data from your department. If you have questions about this request or
suggestions, we would be happy to discuss them with you.
We have your internal affairs report for 2011-2016, could you please
send the report for 2007-2015? If not, could you please provide the
information below:
1. What is the total number of citizen complaints (allegations of
misconduct) made against your department’s officers annually for the
last 10 years? If your department logs complaints in a database,
spreadsheet, or other log, a copy of those logs is fine instead.
Please include the type of complaint (i.e., use of force, abuse
language, unwarranted search) and the result of complaint (i.e.,
sustained, exonerated).
2. What is the total number of complaints police officers made against
their peer officers in department annually for the last 10 years? If
your department logs complaints in a database, spreadsheet, or other
log, a copy of those logs is fine instead.
Please include the type of complaint (i.e., use of force, abuse
language, unwarranted search) and the result of complaint (i.e.,
sustained, exonerated).
3. What is the total number of calls for service your department
received annually for the past 10 years? If your department logs calls
for service in a database, spreadsheet, or other log, a copy of those
logs is fine instead.
4. How many officer-involved-shootings were there per year for the
last
10 years in your department? Any documentation or reports that detail
the annual number of officer-involved shootings in your department for
the past 10 years would be sufficient.
Please include documentation regarding how many of these
officer-involved shootings involved disciplinary action. (Please list
officer firearm discharge directed at a person separately from a
shooting involving an animal and separately from accidental firearm
discharges).
Please include the number of officer-involved shootings resulting in
discipline.
5. Which of the above data are published publicly? Please provide a
link to any and all publicly available reports containing the data
above.
Collecting this information is very important to our research, so we
would like to emphasize, if you have questions about my request or
suggestions, we would be happy to discuss them with you.
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 3
business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Alexander Cartwright and Jennifer Dirmeyer
------
Filed via MuckRock.com
E-mail (Preferred): requests@muckrock.com
Upload documents directly:
https://www.muckrock.com/accounts/agency_login/lafayette-police-deparment-5973/lafayette-la-pd-citizen-complaints-41472/?email=Rabalais%40bornewilkes.com&uuid-login=4a2fa8de-1d9c-4e0c-b9eb-b13cd31f28df#agency-reply
Is this email coming to the wrong contact? Something else wrong? Use
the above link to let us know.
For mailed responses, please address (see note):
MuckRock
DEPT MR 41472
411A Highland Ave
Somerville, MA 02144-2516
PLEASE NOTE: This request is not filed by a MuckRock staff member, but
is being sent through MuckRock by the above in order to better track,
share, and manage public records requests. Also note that improperly
addressed (i.e., with the requester's name rather than "MuckRock News"
and the department number) requests might be returned as
undeliverable.
------
---
On Sept. 10, 2017:
Ms. Rabalais,
Thank you for following up. The 5 business days you requested has long
passed. Can you please provide an update on our request?
Respectfully, Alex Cartwright
---
On Sept. 10, 2017:
Hello,
Thank you very much for the update. Thank you for accommodating our
request. I look forward to receiving the data.
Respectfully,
Alex Cartwright
---
On Aug. 28, 2017:
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request,
copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 18, 2017. Please let me
know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further
clarification is needed.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is
needed.
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On Aug. 23, 2017:
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request,
copied below, and originally submitted on Aug. 18, 2017. Please let me
know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further
clarification is needed.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is
needed.
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On Aug. 22, 2017:
Mr. Cartwright and Ms. Dirmeyer,
My name is Joy Rabalais. I am an Assistant City Attorney for Lafayette
City-Parish Consolidated Government, and your recent public records
request (PRR) requesting documentation from the Lafayette Police
Department has been referred to my law firm for handling and formal
response.
We have been in touch with several departments within Lafayette Police
Department to obtain the documentation requested. Please note that under
Louisiana law (La. R.S. 40:2533(C)(1) and (C)(2)(a) and (b), a record of
formal complaint against a police officer for violation of an ordinance
or statute regarding criminal battery and assault, involving domestic
violence may be expunged if the complaint was anonymous and the charges
are not substantiated within 12 months of the lodging of the complaint.
Also, any record of a formal complaint for violation of an ordinance or
statute regarding criminal trespass, criminal damage to property, or
disturbing the peace, involving domestic violence may be expunged if the
complaint was anonymous and the charges are not substantiated within 12
months of the lodging of the complaint.
Otherwise, La. R.S. 44:36 requires only that a 3 year retention period
be followed.
With these potential limitations in mind, please be advised that we
anticipate that it can take up to 5 business days to research, review,
retrieve and/or possibly redact the information being requested. I just
wanted to touch base with you to advise that your request has been
received and is being worked on.
If you have any questions in the interim, please do not hesitate to
contact me.
Joy C. Rabalais
Borne, Wilkes & Rabalais, L.L.C.
337-232-1604 Ext. 232
P. O. Box 4305
Lafayette, LA 70502-4305
rabalais@bornewilkes.com

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---
On Aug. 18, 2017:
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the the Louisiana Public Records Act, I hereby request the
following records:
We are Economics Professors in the College of Business at Ferris State
University, and are engaged in an empirical research project on police
behavior and citizen complaints. This project requires us to request
data from your department. If you have questions about this request or
suggestions, we would be happy to discuss them with you.
We have your internal affairs report for 2011-2016, could you please
send the report for 2007-2015? If not, could you please provide the
information below:
1. What is the total number of citizen complaints (allegations of
misconduct) made against your department’s officers annually for the
last 10 years? If your department logs complaints in a database,
spreadsheet, or other log, a copy of those logs is fine instead.
Please include the type of complaint (i.e., use of force, abuse
language, unwarranted search) and the result of complaint (i.e.,
sustained, exonerated).
2. What is the total number of complaints police officers made against
their peer officers in department annually for the last 10 years? If
your department logs complaints in a database, spreadsheet, or other
log, a copy of those logs is fine instead.
Please include the type of complaint (i.e., use of force, abuse
language, unwarranted search) and the result of complaint (i.e.,
sustained, exonerated).
3. What is the total number of calls for service your department
received annually for the past 10 years? If your department logs calls
for service in a database, spreadsheet, or other log, a copy of those
logs is fine instead.
4. How many officer-involved-shootings were there per year for the last
10 years in your department? Any documentation or reports that detail
the annual number of officer-involved shootings in your department for
the past 10 years would be sufficient.
Please include documentation regarding how many of these
officer-involved shootings involved disciplinary action. (Please list
officer firearm discharge directed at a person separately from a
shooting involving an animal and separately from accidental firearm
discharges).
Please include the number of officer-involved shootings resulting in
discipline.
5. Which of the above data are published publicly? Please provide a
link to any and all publicly available reports containing the data
above.
Collecting this information is very important to our research, so we
would like to emphasize, if you have questions about my request or
suggestions, we would be happy to discuss them with you.
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 3
business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Alexander Cartwright and Jennifer Dirmeyer
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