Freedom of Information Act Request – Complaints and Disciplinary Records for Officers Halfmann and Haynes

Dear Mike Davis:
Thank you for your interest in public records of Lansing Police Department. Your request has been received and is being processed in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, Public Act 422 of 1976, as amended, MCL. 15.231 et. seq. Your request was received in this office on 8/27/2023 and given the reference number P018660-082723 for tracking purposes. With Electronic Requests, the statutory response time does not begin until the following business day. Records Requested: To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following records:

Dear FOIA Officer,

I am writing to formally request access to certain public records under the provisions of the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL § 15.231 et seq. I am seeking records related to complaints and disciplinary actions involving officers Halfmann and Haynes of the Lansing Police Department.

I am specifically requesting copies of the following documents:

Any formal complaints filed against officers Halfmann and Haynes by members of the public or fellow officers.

Any internal investigations conducted in response to these complaints, including findings and conclusions.

Any disciplinary actions taken against officers Halfmann and Haynes as a result of these complaints, including but not limited to suspension records, reprimands, and training records related to corrective actions.

Any records detailing the current status, rank, and assignment of officers Halfmann and Haynes within the Lansing Police Department.

I understand that there may be fees associated with processing this request, and I am willing to pay reasonable costs for duplicating and providing the requested documents. If the estimated cost of fulfilling this request exceeds $XX, please inform me before proceeding.

In accordance with the Michigan FOIA, I am requesting that these records be provided in electronic format, if possible, to expedite the process. If electronic format is not feasible, I am open to receiving physical copies.

To assist you in locating the requested records, I am providing the following details:

Officer Halfmann
Officer Haynes
If there are any additional details or requirements needed to process this request, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at [Your Email Address] or by phone at [Your Phone Number].

I understand that the Michigan FOIA requires a response within five business days of receiving this request. If any portion of this request is denied, please provide a written explanation for the denial as well as the applicable FOIA exemption.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.

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,

Mike Davis

Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/
Your request will be forwarded to the relevant department(s) to locate the information you seek and to determine the volume and any costs associated with satisfying your request. You will be contacted about the availability and/or provided with copies of the records in question. PLEASE NOTE: The Freedom of Information Act, Public Act 422 of 1976, as amended, MCL. 15.231 et. seq.does not require a governmental body to create new information, to do legal research, or to answer questions.
You can monitor the progress of your request at the link below and you'll receive an email when your request has been completed. Again, thank you for using the FOIA Records Center.
Lansing Police Department

Dear Mike Davis:
Thank you for your interest in public records of Lansing Police Department. Your request has been received and is being processed in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, Public Act 422 of 1976, as amended, MCL. 15.231 et. seq. Your request was received in this office on 8/28/2023 and given the reference number P018660-082723 for tracking purposes. With Electronic Requests, the statutory response time does not begin until the following business day. Records Requested: To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following records:

Dear FOIA Officer,

I am writing to formally request access to certain public records under the provisions of the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL § 15.231 et seq. I am seeking records related to complaints and disciplinary actions involving officers Halfmann and Haynes of the Lansing Police Department.

I am specifically requesting copies of the following documents:

Any formal complaints filed against officers Halfmann and Haynes by members of the public or fellow officers.

Any internal investigations conducted in response to these complaints, including findings and conclusions.

Any disciplinary actions taken against officers Halfmann and Haynes as a result of these complaints, including but not limited to suspension records, reprimands, and training records related to corrective actions.

Any records detailing the current status, rank, and assignment of officers Halfmann and Haynes within the Lansing Police Department.

I understand that there may be fees associated with processing this request, and I am willing to pay reasonable costs for duplicating and providing the requested documents. If the estimated cost of fulfilling this request exceeds $XX, please inform me before proceeding.

In accordance with the Michigan FOIA, I am requesting that these records be provided in electronic format, if possible, to expedite the process. If electronic format is not feasible, I am open to receiving physical copies.

To assist you in locating the requested records, I am providing the following details:

Officer Halfmann
Officer Haynes
If there are any additional details or requirements needed to process this request, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at [Your Email Address] or by phone at [Your Phone Number].

I understand that the Michigan FOIA requires a response within five business days of receiving this request. If any portion of this request is denied, please provide a written explanation for the denial as well as the applicable FOIA exemption.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.

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,

Mike Davis

Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/
Your request will be forwarded to the relevant department(s) to locate the information you seek and to determine the volume and any costs associated with satisfying your request. You will be contacted about the availability and/or provided with copies of the records in question. PLEASE NOTE: The Freedom of Information Act, Public Act 422 of 1976, as amended, MCL. 15.231 et. seq.does not require a governmental body to create new information, to do legal research, or to answer questions.
You can monitor the progress of your request at the link below and you'll receive an email when your request has been completed. Again, thank you for using the FOIA Records Center.
Lansing Police Department

Dear Mike Davis,

The City has received your request for public records under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
In order to determine whether the City possesses records responsive to your request, we are extending the time for responding to your request by ten (10) business days, as permitted under MCL 15.235, Section 5(2)(d). Therefore, a written response will be issued on or before September 18, 2023.
If you have any questions concerning this matter, please feel free to contact our office by replying to this email or phone number below.
Please be advised that the City has adopted Procedures and Guidelines and a Written Public Summary, both of which are available on the City’s website at:
https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/5d087b72-e05a-4ed7-924a-1fedd81b3643 Request Details:
Reference # P018660-082723
Description of Records Requested: To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following records:

Dear FOIA Officer,

I am writing to formally request access to certain public records under the provisions of the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL § 15.231 et seq. I am seeking records related to complaints and disciplinary actions involving officers Halfmann and Haynes of the Lansing Police Department.

I am specifically requesting copies of the following documents:

Any formal complaints filed against officers Halfmann and Haynes by members of the public or fellow officers.

Any internal investigations conducted in response to these complaints, including findings and conclusions.

Any disciplinary actions taken against officers Halfmann and Haynes as a result of these complaints, including but not limited to suspension records, reprimands, and training records related to corrective actions.

Any records detailing the current status, rank, and assignment of officers Halfmann and Haynes within the Lansing Police Department.

I understand that there may be fees associated with processing this request, and I am willing to pay reasonable costs for duplicating and providing the requested documents. If the estimated cost of fulfilling this request exceeds $XX, please inform me before proceeding.

In accordance with the Michigan FOIA, I am requesting that these records be provided in electronic format, if possible, to expedite the process. If electronic format is not feasible, I am open to receiving physical copies.

To assist you in locating the requested records, I am providing the following details:

Officer Halfmann
Officer Haynes
If there are any additional details or requirements needed to process this request, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at [Your Email Address] or by phone at [Your Phone Number].

I understand that the Michigan FOIA requires a response within five business days of receiving this request. If any portion of this request is denied, please provide a written explanation for the denial as well as the applicable FOIA exemption.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.

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,

Mike Davis

Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/
If you have any further questions, please contact me at my office.
Sincerely,
Matthew Staples
Assistant City Attorney
City Attorney

--- Please respond above this line ---

RE: PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST of August 28, 2023, Reference # P018660-082723
Dear Mike Davis,
The Lansing Police Department received a public information request from you on August 28, 2023. Your request was stated as: “To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following records:

Dear FOIA Officer,

I am writing to formally request access to certain public records under the provisions of the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL § 15.231 et seq. I am seeking records related to complaints and disciplinary actions involving officers Halfmann and Haynes of the Lansing Police Department.

I am specifically requesting copies of the following documents:

Any formal complaints filed against officers Halfmann and Haynes by members of the public or fellow officers.

Any internal investigations conducted in response to these complaints, including findings and conclusions.

Any disciplinary actions taken against officers Halfmann and Haynes as a result of these complaints, including but not limited to suspension records, reprimands, and training records related to corrective actions.

Any records detailing the current status, rank, and assignment of officers Halfmann and Haynes within the Lansing Police Department.

I understand that there may be fees associated with processing this request, and I am willing to pay reasonable costs for duplicating and providing the requested documents. If the estimated cost of fulfilling this request exceeds $XX, please inform me before proceeding.

In accordance with the Michigan FOIA, I am requesting that these records be provided in electronic format, if possible, to expedite the process. If electronic format is not feasible, I am open to receiving physical copies.

To assist you in locating the requested records, I am providing the following details:

Officer Halfmann
Officer Haynes
If there are any additional details or requirements needed to process this request, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at [Your Email Address] or by phone at [Your Phone Number].

I understand that the Michigan FOIA requires a response within five business days of receiving this request. If any portion of this request is denied, please provide a written explanation for the denial as well as the applicable FOIA exemption.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.

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,

Mike Davis

Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/
The Lansing Police Department has reviewed its files and your request is granted in part and denied in part.
Your request for records related to Officer Halfmann is granted. Please log in to the FOIA Records Center at the following link to retrieve the appropriate responsive document(s). Police - FOIA Request - P018660-082723
Your request for records involving Officer Haynes is denied pursuant to MCL 15.235(5)(b), as no responsive records were located. This letter serves as a certificate that the requested documents do not exist under the name provided by you or another name reasonably known to the Lansing Police Department.
Please be advised that the City has adopted Procedures and Guidelines and a Written Public Summary, both of which are available on the City’s website at:

https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/5d087b72-e05a-4ed7-924a-1fedd81b3643 Appeal of denial of records. You are entitled under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, MCL 15.240, to appeal this denial to the President of City Council or to commence an action in the Circuit Court within 180 days after the City’s final determination to deny a request, to compel disclosure of the requested records if you believe they were wrongfully withheld from disclosure. If, after judicial review, the court determines that the City has not complied with MCL 15.235 in making this denial and orders disclosure of all or a portion of a public record, you have the right to receive attorneys’ fees and damages as provided in MCL 15.240. If the court determines in an action commenced under this section that the public body has arbitrarily and capriciously violated this act by refusal or delay in disclosing or providing copies of a public record, the court shall order the public body to pay a civil fine of $1,000.00, which shall be deposited into the general fund of the state treasury. The court shall award, in addition to any actual or compensatory damages, punitive damages in the amount of $1,000.00 to the person seeking the right to inspect or receive a copy of a public record. Appeal of excessive fee. You are entitled under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, MCL 15.240a, to appeal a FOIA fee that you believe exceeds the amount permitted under the City’s written Procedures and Guidelines to the President of City Council or to commence an action in the Circuit Court for a fee reduction within 45 days after receiving the notice of the required fee or a determination of an appeal to the President of City Council. If a civil action is commenced in court, the City is not obligated to compete processing the request until the court resolves the fee dispute. If the court determines that the City required a fee that exceeded the permitted amount, the court shall reduce the fee to a permissible amount.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss this further, you may contact my office at 517-483-4320.
Sincerely,
Angelica Lira
Central Records Supervisor/FOIA Designate
Lansing Police Department – Staff Services Division