Christian A. Williams v. Massachusetts Department of State Police (SPR 20211223)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Rebecca S. Murray Supervisor of Records May 26, 2021 SPR21/1223 Jennifer M. Staples, Esq. Records Access Officer Massachusetts State Police 470 Worcester Road Framingham, MA 01702 Dear Attorney Staples: I have received the petition of Christian A. Williams of Harvard Law School/Criminal Justice Institute appealing the response of the Department of State Police (Department) to a request for public records. G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On May 2, 2021, Mr. Williams requested, “… the police reports and booking sheets for the motor vehicle stop of [an identified person] … on or about 12/30/2000 by [named] State Police Trooper in Milton.” The Department responded on May 13, 2021. Unsatisfied with the response, Mr. Williams appealed and SPR21/1223 was opened as a result. Based upon a conversation between a Public Records Department staff attorney and a Department representative, it is my understanding that the Department intends on providing a subsequent response to Mr. Williams. Accordingly, the Department is ordered to provide Mr. Williams with a response to his request in a manner consistent with the Public Records Law and its Access Regulations within 10 business days. It is preferable to send an electronic copy of this response to this office at pre@sec.state.ma.us. Mr. Williams may appeal the substantive nature of the Department's response within ninety days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Rebecca S. Murray Supervisor of Records cc: Christian A. Williams One Ashburton Place, Room 1719, Boston, Massachusetts 02108 • (617) 727-2832• Fax: (617) 727-5914 sec.state.ma.us/pre • pre@sec.state.ma.us