Lexington Boa Constrictor
| Submitted | July 27, 2023 |
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Communications
From: Adrien Salzberg
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, I hereby request the following records:
Records created as a result of an incident concerning a boa constrictor reported in Lexington on 07/26/23, which was later revealed to be a result of a misunderstanding. The incident was widely reported in local media and on the Lexington Police Department's Facebook page. This includes, but should not be limited to:
- Recordings and/or transcripts of emergency (911) and non-emergency phone calls made to the Lexington Police Department concerning the boa constrictor
- Calls made or forwarded to Lexington's Animal Control Officer about the boa constrictor
- Any after-action reports concerning the boa constrictor
- Emails and/or text messages between the Lexington Police Department, Animal Control, and MassWildlife officials concerning the boa constrictor sighting. Please include in your search all communications between these parties containing the keywords "boa constrictor" and "snake" sent between 7 AM Tuesday, 07/25, and the date and time this request is processed.
- Emails and/or text messages sent internally within the Lexington Police Department concerning the creation of two Facebook posts regarding the boa constrictor, specifically the image included in the second Facebook post regarding the snake: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=692071839630212&set=a.270513318452735
I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as we believe this request is in the public interest, as suggested but not stipulated by the recommendations of the Massachusetts Supervisor of Public Records. The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com, and is not made for commercial usage.
I expect the request to be filled in an accessible format, including for screen readers, which provide text-to-speech for persons unable to read print. Files that are not accessible to screen readers include, for example, .pdf image files as well as physical documents.
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 10 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Adrien Salzberg
From: Police Department
Good Afternoon,
Please find attached the records that we have on the Boa Constrictor incident that happened in Lexington, MA. There are no 911 recordings as the person that wrongly identified it as a loose snake called Mass Wildlife Officials and she was given our Animal Control officers direct line, attached is what he recorded of the conversation off of his line. Also attached are the emails/texts that were sent or received among those that were involved.
Please find attached the Public Record(s) you requested.
The attached report(s) have been redacted in part in accordance with:
The Massachusetts Public Records Law, Exemption C
as I believe the information clearly relates to:
The disclosure of personal data which may constitute and invasion of personal privacy
Which in this case includes specific redactions of Personal Information
You have the right to appeal this decision to the Supervisor of Records, at the address below, within 90 days from your original request. The Appeal must include your original request along with this response.
Supervisor of Records
Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
McCormack Building, Room 1719
One Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108
You also have the right to seek judicial review of an unfavorable decision by commencing a civil action in the superior court.
Thank you,
Donna Dutton
Administrative Assistant
Lexington Police Department
Records Division
173 Bedford St.
Lexington, Ma 02420
Phone: 781-863-9284
Fax: 781-863-1291
________________________________
When writing or responding, please be aware that the Massachusetts Secretary of State has determined that most email is a public record and, therefore, may not be kept confidential.
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