Joseph F. Savage v. Boston, City of - Police Department (SPR 20231679)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records August 3, 2023 SPR23/1679 Shawn A. Williams, Esq. Director of Public Records Records Access Officer City of Boston One City Hall Square Boston, MA 02201 Dear Attorney Williams: I have received the petition of Joseph F. Savage, Esq., appealing the response of the City of Boston (City) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On February 6, 2023, Attorney Savage requested “…all public records in the possession, custody, or control of the Boston Police Department and the City of Boston (collectively, the ‘Boston Police’) that constitute or relate in any way to the following: [1.] All Materials relating to former BPD Detective . . . including, but not limited to personnel files and disciplinary records, including civil actions against the Commonwealth relating to allegations involving [specified individual].” The City provided a response on February 15, 2023. Unsatisfied with the City’s response, Attorney Savage petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR23/1679, was opened as a result. Current Petition In his petition dated July 17, 2023, Attorney Savage petitioned this office to appeal the City’s February 15, 2023 response. The Public Records Access Regulations, which govern the procedural aspects of all appeals, require that an appeal to this office be filed within ninety calendar days of the date of the request letter, or within ninety calendar days of the date of a written response from the record custodian. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1)(d); 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1)(e). The petition is requesting the appeal of the City’s February 15, 2023 response, which exceeds the ninety day limit. Attorney Savage may make a new request to the City for the same information. The City would then have ten business days in which to respond to his new request. G. L. c. 66, § l0(a)- 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

Shawn A. Williams, Esq. SPR23/1679 Page 2 August 3, 2023 (b). If the City denies his request or fails to respond within ten business days, he may appeal to this office within the above timeframe. At that time this office will review the matter. Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Joseph F. Savage, Esq.