Ransomware incidents (Vermont State Police)

September 16, 2021

Via Email: requests@muckrock.com<mailto:requests@muckrock.com>

Dear Ms. North-Best,

I am writing to acknowledge two public records requests, received September 14, 2021, and addressed to the Vermont State Police PRA Office, requesting the following:

1. "[d]ocuments, including but not limited to emails, memos, and incident reports, mentioning or describing any reported or encountered incidents of 'ransomware,' which may be loosely defined as a type of malware that threatens to permanently encrypt and/or (sic) unless a ransom is paid," and;
2. "[r]ecords regarding the potential for violence, unrest, criminal activities or other disturbances associated with protests or other activities on either January 5 or January 6, 2021 at local, regional or national events."

We will respond to your request within three business days of the receipt of the request, by Friday, September 17, 2021.

Sincerely,

Traci Leibowitz
Public Records Request Specialist

September 17, 2021

Via Email: requests@muckrock.com<mailto:requests@muckrock.com>

Dear Ms. North-Best,

I am writing regarding two public records requests, received September 14, 2021, and addressed to the Vermont State Police PRA Office, requesting the following:

1. "[d]ocuments, including but not limited to emails, memos, and incident reports, mentioning or describing any reported or encountered incidents of 'ransomware,' which may be loosely defined as a type of malware that threatens to permanently encrypt and/or (sic) unless a ransom is paid," and;
2. "[r]ecords regarding the potential for violence, unrest, criminal activities or other disturbances associated with protests or other activities on either January 5 or January 6, 2021 at local, regional or national events."

Because of "the need to search for and collect the requested records from field facilities or other establishments that are separate from the office processing the request," and the potential " need to search for, collect, and appropriately examine a voluminous amount of separate and distinct records that are demanded in a single request," the ten business day extension is invoked to process your request. See 1 V.S.A. § 318(b)(5)(A) and (B).

Depending on the amount of records requiring review, we may need additional time beyond the ten days. If this circumstance arises, we will notify you as soon as possible.

Additionally, public agencies are encouraged to "consult with the person making the request in order to clarify the request or obtain additional information that will assist the agency in responding to the request." 1 V.S.A. § 318(d). Further Vermont's Public Records Act permits a public agency to request that a person seeking a voluminous amount of separate and distinct records narrow the scope of a public records request." Id. Thus, please consider identifying a date range for your request. For example, any reports or incidents of ransomware occurring between January 1, 2019 and March 31, 2019. Clarifying the scope will help us process your request more efficiently.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Traci Leibowitz
Public Records Request Specialist

September 28, 2021

Via Email: requests@muckrock.com<mailto:requests@muckrock.com>

Dear Ms. North-Best,

I am writing to acknowledge your public records requests, received September 24, 2021, and addressed to the Vermont State Police PRA Office, requesting the following:

1. Policies, including implementation, termination and expiration notices, mentioning or discussing mask mandates or requirements for employees.
2. Reports regarding alleged violations of or non-compliance with mask mandates or requirements.
3. Records documenting any disciplinary actions taken regarding Item #2.
4. Emails, letters, memos and other written or memorialized discussions with unions or employee representatives regarding actual or proposed mask mandates or requirements (such as those requested in Item #1).

The Department of Public Safety did not generate the information that you seek. Please submit this request to the Vermont Agency of Administration to obtain the records in question.

Thank you,

Traci Leibowitz
Public Records Request Specialist

September 28, 2021

Via Email: requests@muckrock.com<mailto:requests@muckrock.com>

Dear Ms. North-Best,

I am writing regarding two public records requests, received September 14, 2021, and addressed to the Vermont State Police PRA Office, requesting the following:

1. "[d]ocuments, including but not limited to emails, memos, and incident reports, mentioning or describing any reported or encountered incidents of 'ransomware,' which may be loosely defined as a type of malware that threatens to permanently encrypt and/or (sic) unless a ransom is paid," and;
2. "[r]ecords regarding the potential for violence, unrest, criminal activities or other disturbances associated with protests or other activities on either January 5 or January 6, 2021 at local, regional or national events."

Request #1
In an email I sent on September 17, 2021, I asked you to consider narrowing your request. As of today's date, you have not responded with a narrowed request. Additional time is needed to fulfill this request in its current form, because it seeks a potentially voluminous amount of separate and distinct records. We strongly encourage you to submit a more specific request that includes a date range. This will allow us to fulfill your request more efficiently. Alternatively, you may withdraw this request if the information is no longer needed.

Request #2
In the September 17th email, I informed you that, because of "the need to search for and collect the requested records from field facilities...that are separate from the office processing the request," we were invoking the ten business day extension to process your request. See 1 V.S.A. § 318(b)(5)(A). We stated that the compilation and review process may require additional time beyond ten days.

We are now in the process of compiling the records that fall within the scope of your request, and we are currently reviewing them and making any necessary redactions. We will send you our final response with all practicable speed.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at this email address. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Traci Leibowitz
Public Records Request Specialist