Policies on OC (Northampton Police Department)

To Whom It May Concern:

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

For this request the time frame is 1/1/10. I seek records on OC (pepper spray) and a specific list of the records sought is included below:

-Policies on OC Spray. This includes policies on storage, what divisions receive OC, and the proper use of OC such as when to deploy it and how to specifically use pepper spray.

-All infractions for the time frame listed above for officers on the misuse of OC including excessive amounts deployed, using it during situations it was uncalled for, and improper storage. Other causes for infractions likely exist.

-Complaints to the department concerning the deployment of OC such as excessive amount used, or OC being deployed in a situation in which it was uncalled for.

-Policies on the discipline of officers who misuse OC.

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 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Curtis Waltman