Policies, Procedures and General Orders. Public record law request.

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, M.G.L. c.66, §10, I hereby request the following records:

January 26, 2016
Superintendent of Police William Taylor
Lowell Police Department
50 Arcand Drive
Lowell, MA 01852

Re: Massachusetts Public Records Request

Dear Chief Taylor:

This is a request under the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M. G. L. Chapter 66, Section 10). I am requesting that I be provided a copy of the following records:

The entire Policy & Procedure and General Order Manual. Although not required the reason for this request is as follows:

Police officers are accountable to the people for their decisions and the subsequent consequences. A substantial percentage of police work is done in direct response to citizen complaints. This underscores the frequently unrecognized fact that members of the public are an integral part of the criminal justice system. Though many factors play a role in the success of the system, citizen participation is preeminent. Public confidence in the criminal justice system depends primarily on the trust that the people have in their police.

I recognize that you may charge reasonable costs for copies, as well as for personnel time needed to comply with this request. If you expect costs to exceed $10.00, please provide a detailed fee estimate.

The Public Records Law requires you to provide me with a written response within 10 calendar days. If you cannot comply with my request, you are statutorily required to provide an explanation in writing.
Sincerely,

Arthur G. Grenier
PO BOX 1723
Lowell, MA 01853
978-957-2445
artie70@icloud.com

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, processed by a representative of the news media/press and is made in the process of news gathering and not 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 calendar days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Artie Grenier