Grace Ferguson v. Stoughton, Town of - Police Department (SPR 20220919)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Rebecca S. Murray Supervisor of Records May 2, 2022 SPR22/0919 Donna M. McNamara Chief of Police Town of Stoughton Police Department 26 Rose Street Stoughton, MA 02072 Dear Chief McNamara: I have received the petition of Grace Ferguson, of WBUR, appealing the nonresponse of the Town of Stoughton Police Department (Department) to a request for public records. G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Ms. Ferguson requested a copy of records concerning sworn officers of the Department dating back to January 1, 2010, specifically: “All internal affairs cases of domestic violence; and All internal affairs cases of sexual violence, including but not limited to rape and sexual assault.” After not receiving a response, Ms. Ferguson petitioned the Supervisor of Records (Supervisor), and this appeal was opened. Despite being notified of this appeal, it remains unclear whether the Department has provided Ms. Ferguson with a response. The Department is advised, a written response must “identify any records, categories of records or portions of records that the agency or municipality intends to withhold, and provide the specific reasons for such withholding, including the specific exemption or exemptions upon which the withholding is based. . . .” See G. L. c. 66, § 10(b)(iv). Conclusion Accordingly, the Department is ordered to provide Ms. Ferguson with a response to her request, in a manner consistent with this order, the Public Records Law and its Regulations within 10 business days. A copy of any such response must be provided to this office. It is preferable to send an electronic copy of this response to this office at pre@sec.state.ma.us. Ms. Ferguson may appeal the substantive nature of the response within 90 calendar days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). 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

Chief Donna M. McNamara SPR22/0919 Page 2 May 2, 2022 Sincerely, Rebecca S. Murray Supervisor of Records cc: Grace Ferguson, WBUR