Alexa Podalsky v. Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (SPR 20232732)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records November 22, 2023 SPR23/2731; SPR23/2732 Arielle Mullaney, Esq. Records Access Officer Executive Office of Public Safety and Security 1 Ashburton Place Boston, MA 02108 Dear Attorney Mullaney: I have received the petitions of Alexa Podalsky appealing the nonresponse of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) to two requests for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On October 23, 2023, Ms. Podalsky requested the following records: SPR23/2731 [1.] Any and all communications and/or records that detail the visiting policies and/or social distancing policies used at MCI-Norfolk regarding the COVID-19 [p]andemic in the years 2020 and 2021. [2.] Any and all communications and/or records that list when MCI-Norfolk was open to visitors in the years 2020 and 2021. [3.] Any and all records and/or communications of violations of these policies, including guard interactions with inmates. SPR23/2732 [1.] Any and all communications and/or records that refer to smuggles contraband and/or controlled substances from the years 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 from MCI[-]Norfolk and/or other correctional institutions within the state of Massachusetts. [2.] Any and all communications and/or records that refer to the professional standards unit report at MCI-Norfolk regarding the illegal smuggling of 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

Arielle Mullaney, Esq. SPR23/2731; SPR23/2732 Page 2 November 22, 2023 contraband and/or controlled substances. [3.] Any and all records, including disciplinary reports, against any employees of the Department of Correction regarding any and all of these incidents at MCI- Norfolk and/or other correctional institutions within the state of Massachusetts. Claiming to not yet have received a response, Ms. Podalsky petitioned this office and these appeals, SPR23/2731 and SPR23/2732 were opened as a result. Despite being notified of the opening of these appeals, it remains unclear whether EOPSS has provided a response. Accordingly, EOPSS is ordered to provide Ms. Podalsky with a response to her requests, provided in a manner consistent with this order, the Public Records Law and its Regulations within ten (10) business days. A copy of any such response must be provided to this office. It is preferable to send an electronic copy of the response to this office at pre@sec.state.ma.us. Ms. Podalsky may appeal the substantive nature of EOPSS’ response within 90 days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Alexa Podalsky