Law enforcement informal and formal settlement data and reports (New Bedford Police Department)
| Multi Request | Law enforcement informal and formal settlement data and reports |
| Submitted | July 29, 2020 |
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Communications
From: Beryl Lipton
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, I hereby request the following records:
Materials related to and sufficient to show all instances of alleged and actual inappropriate or illegal behavior or actions resulting in compensation or expenditures involving this agency.
Responsive materials include records of all settlements (formal and informal) and payments to which this agency was or is a party for the period from January 1, 2010 through the date this request is processed. Responsive materials include those for matters and legal claims resolved prior to the initiation of any litigation.
In particular, materials responsive to this request include all reports, lists, databases, spreadsheets, and other documentation detailing incidents of legal claims or other allegations requiring compensation for claimants, attorneys, or any other party.
If spreadsheets or similar documents are available in response to this request, please provide all segregable data, including but not limited to:
The nature of the claim or legal matter
The claimant and other parties involved
The relevant case and tracking numbers for court and internal systems
The date the lawsuit was served or litigation commenced
The final disposition or current status of the case, including whether a case is still pending
The amount spent to date as a result of the legal engagement
The amount paid to any parties related to the legal claim, including any city payout and any non-monetary compensation
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 10 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Beryl Lipton
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Massachusetts Public Records Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on July 29, 2020. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: New Bedford Police Department
Ms. Lipton,
This is to formally acknowledge receipt of your below public records request which was initially received by the New Bedford Police Department Records Access Officer on August 3, 2020. Your request was forwarded to my attention for reply.
In response to your request the City of New Bedford Solicitor's Office will produce the requested spreadsheet as soon as practicable but no later than September 4, 2020, which is twenty-five business days following the Records Access Officer's initial receipt of your request. The Solicitor's Office is a small department and as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic most of the staff is working remotely and staff who are not working remotely are working on rotating schedules. Therefore, under these circumstances we require additional time to produce the requested record. The City will not charge any fees associated with the production of the records you requested. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to fulfill your request.
You have the right to appeal this determination to the Supervisor of Records under 950 CMR 32.08 (1) within 90 calendar days of this response. Any appeal shall be in writing and include a copy of your original request and this letter. By law, the Supervisor is required to respond within 10 business days of receipt of your appeal. You may also seek judicial review of an unfavorable response by commencing a civil action in the superior court under G.L. c. 66, section 10A(c).
Sincerely,
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Elizabeth Treadup Pio
Associate City Solicitor
City of New Bedford | Office of the City Solicitor
133 William Street, Room 203, New Bedford, MA 02740
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Massachusetts Public Records Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on July 29, 2020. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: New Bedford Police Department
Dear Ms. Lipton,
Thank you for your inquiry. We are still working to produce the requested spreadsheet with the information you requested and intend on providing you with the copy of the spreadsheet within the time frame outlined in our 10-day response which was, as soon as practicable but no later than September 4, 2020, which is twenty-five business days following the Records Access Officer's initial receipt of your request.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Treadup Pio
Associate City Solicitor
City of New Bedford | Office of the City Solicitor
133 William Street, Room 203, New Bedford, MA 02740
From: New Bedford Police Department
Dear Ms. Lipton,
As promised, attached please find a copy of the one responsive record the Solicitor's Office has in its possession; a spreadsheet entitled, "New Bedford Police Department Claims". The enclosed spreadsheet contains a list of claims made against the New Bedford Police Department for which the City has expended monies in defense costs or settlement.
You have the right to appeal this determination to the Supervisor of Records under 950 CMR 32.08 (1) within 90 calendar days of this response. Any appeal shall be in writing and include a copy of your original request and this letter. By law, the Supervisor is required to respond within 10 business days of receipt of your appeal. You may also seek judicial review of an unfavorable response by commencing a civil action in the superior court under G.L. c. 66, section 10A(c).
Sincerely,
[cid:image001.png@01D68214.6EB01A80]
Elizabeth Treadup Pio
Associate City Solicitor
City of New Bedford | Office of the City Solicitor
133 William Street, Room 203, New Bedford, MA 02740
