Forensic hospital admissions

Dear Jamie Lewis:

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:

Any anonymized documents, databases or communication, print or electronic, regarding the admission of inmates to either Bridgewater State Hospital or Lemuel Shattuck Hospital Correctional Unit, including the date of admission and the day of release as to adhere to M.G.L c.4, §7 cl. 26(a) (Criminal Offender Records Act) and M.G.L c.4, §7 cl. 26(c) (personnel files, medical records, or information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.

Any anonymized documents, databases or communication, print or electronic, regarding the failure to admit an inmate to either Bridgewater State Hospital or Lemuel Shattuck Hospital Correctional Unit as to adhere to M.G.L c.4, §7 cl. 26(a) (Criminal Offender Records Act) and M.G.L c.4, §7 cl. 26(c) (personnel files, medical records, or information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy).

Any database, documents or communication, print or electronic, regarding the number of available beds, structural capacity, capacity as of 12/15/2017 and the number of inmates currently waiting for a bed.

I expect the request to be filled in an accessible format. These formats include .csv, .xlsx, .docx, .pdf and .jpg. I understand that names may need to be redacted.

I recognize that you may charge reasonable costs for copies, as well as for personnel time needed to comply with this request. I 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 and processed by a representative of the news media/press and is made in the process of news gathering and not for commercial usage.

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

Sincerely,
Heather Mongilio

Hi Kate,

Would it be possible to receive the documents by the end of the month?

Thank you,
Heather

Hi Kate,

Absolutely. Are you available Thursday morning or Friday?

Also, I realize I misunderstood your time frame question. I am looking for the documents, databases and communications for 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Thank you,
Heather

Hi Kate,

I’m just now seeing this. Would it be possible to switch to email to work out a time? My email is mongilio@mit.edu.

Thank you,
Heather

Hey Kate,

I gave you a call the other day, but I just want to check to see if you saw my message about the information I am requesting. I'll also try to give you a call today.

Thank you,
Heather