Right to Observe and Record
| Submitted | July 17, 2017 |
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Communications
From: Grace Raih
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, M.G.L. c.66, §10, I hereby request the following records:
Somerville Police Department's policies regarding
- a citizen's right to observe and record police action
- an officer’s rights when being recorded
- badges and identification cards
- the search and seizure of audio and video recording devices
- body camera operation and footage
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,
Grace Raih
From: Shannon Phillips
Dear Grace:
In response to your below public records request dated July 27, 2017, please see the following link http://somervillepd.com/index.php/general-information/general-orders-tab
By clicking on this link, you will have immediate access to all current Somerville Police Department General Policies & Procedures, inclusive of the ones you are requesting below. This is the format in which the documents exist within the Somerville Police Department. My understanding is that these policies and procedures are in an accessible format for screen readers.
Please let me know should you require any additional information in response to your request. Thank you.
Shannon T. Phillips, Esq.
Assistant City Solicitor
City of Somerville
93 Highland Avenue
Somerville, MA 02143
617-625-6600, ext.4403<tel:(617)%20625-6600>
This message and any attached documents contain information which may be confidential, subject to privilege or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. These materials are intended only for the use of the intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient of this transmission, you are hereby notified that any distribution, disclosure, printing, copying, storage, modification or the taking of any action in reliance upon this transmission is strictly prohibited. Delivery of this message to any person other than the intended recipient shall not compromise or waive such confidentiality, privilege or exemption from disclosure as to this communication. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify the sender and delete the message from your system. Thank you.
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From: Grace Raih
Good afternoon Shannon,
Thank you, I appreciate your help with this request. To clarify, Somerville PD has no set policies or guidelines related to the audio or video recording of police on duty? Its is possible I may have just not been able to locate them, or related material, on your website.
Best,
Grace Raih
From: Shannon Phillips
Good Afternoon:
There is currently no written policy in the Somerville Police Department which specifically addresses the audio or video recording of police on duty. The link I previously sent to you encompasses all current Somerville Police Department General Policies & Procedures. Please let me know should you have any additional questions or concerns.
Shannon T. Phillips, Esq.
Assistant City Solicitor
City of Somerville
93 Highland Avenue
Somerville, MA 02143
617-625-6600, ext.4403<tel:(617)%20625-6600>
This message and any attached documents contain information which may be confidential, subject to privilege or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. These materials are intended only for the use of the intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient of this transmission, you are hereby notified that any distribution, disclosure, printing, copying, storage, modification or the taking of any action in reliance upon this transmission is strictly prohibited. Delivery of this message to any person other than the intended recipient shall not compromise or waive such confidentiality, privilege or exemption from disclosure as to this communication. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify the sender and delete the message from your system. Thank you.
From: Grace Raih
Shannon,
Great, thank you for clarifying!
Sincerely,
Grace Raih