California Public Records Act and National Security Events

Question

California Public Records Act and National Security Events

Asked by Melissa Hill on October 18, 2016.

4 answers from Melissa Hill and Jack R-W.

Related request

Republican National Convention (2016) (California Highway Patrol)

Melissa Hill sent this request to the California Highway Patrol of California

Melissa Hill 10/18/2016

Does anyone have more experience with California Public Records Act and trying to get documents on an agency that participated in a National Security Event (i.e. a political convention, super bowl, etc..)? I received a denial letter of all materials that the California Highway Patrol may have regarding the 2016 Republican National Convention because it was a “National Security Event”. Any advice is welcomed.

Answer 1 · 2016-10-20T00:19:17.338034-04:00

Jack R-W 10/20/2016

California has an almost blanket exemption for the police. It’s extremely hard to get anything.

Answer 2 · 2016-10-20T08:03:12.874100-04:00

Melissa Hill 10/20/2016

Thank you Jack for your input. It also looks like the only way to appeal a rejection decision made by an agency is to file a lawsuit. :-/

Answer 3 · 2016-10-21T04:56:31.309148-04:00

Jack R-W 10/21/2016

California sucks, many other states have better laws for this type of request. Try WA, FL, or TX for better results.

Answer 4 · 2016-10-22T11:51:48.953878-04:00

Melissa Hill 10/22/2016

Jack - Yes, I sent this exact same request to multiple agencies across different states so I am getting a variety of responses and quoted fees. I’ll be getting some of the documents soon from agencies that have been much more responsive and reasonable with their fees.