Police Inventory Lists (Reading Police Department)
| Submitted | April 30, 2013 |
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Communications
From: George LeVines
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, M.G.L. c.66, ยง10, I hereby request the following records:
Any lists, databases and inventory rosters containing equipment used in the field of duty (i.e., firearms, protective gear, surveillance equipment, tactical and defense equipment, vehicles, etc).
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 fees cannot be waived, 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,
George LeVines
From: Robbins, Richard
Good afternoon, Mr. LeVines: I have received and reviewed your request for "Any lists, databases and inventory rosters containing equipment used in the field of duty (i.e., firearms, protective gear, surveillance equipment, tactical and defense equipment, vehicles, etc.)" Based upon my reading of Exemption (n) in the Secretary of the Commonwealth's "Guide to the Massachusetts Public Record Law", I have determined that your request is not subject to the Public Records Law.
(n) records, including, but not limited to, blueprints, plans, policies,
procedures and schematic drawings, which relate to internal layout
and structural elements, security measures, emergency
preparedness, threat or vulnerability assessments, or any other
records relating to the security or safety of persons or buildings,
structures, facilities, utilities, transportation or other infrastructure
located within the commonwealth, the disclosure of which, in the
reasonable judgment of the record custodian, subject to review by
the supervisor of public records under subsection (b) of section 10
of chapter 66, is likely to jeopardize public safety.
As the guide further states ..."This exemption is intended to secure the safety of persons and public places by restricting access to records that may have been previously open to public inspection." Providing the requested information from a public safety standpoint would reduce this Department's effectiveness for ensuring public safety by revealing what equipment and tactics this department uses to keep its members and the Town safe.
As you know, if you do not agree with my interpretation of Exemption (n) you may appeal the matter to the Supervisor of the Division of Public Records within 90 days of your original request.
Sincerely: Lt Richard W. Robbins
-----Original Message-----
Files
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