Lakeidra Chavis v. Stoughton, Town of - Police Department (SPR 20240685)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records March 15, 2024 SPR24/0685 Sergeant Michael Cowgill Records Access Officer Stoughton Police Department 26 Rose Street Stoughton, MA 02072 Dear Sergeant Cowgill: I have received the petition of Lakeidra Chavis, of the Marshall Project, appealing the nonresponse of the Stoughton Police Department (Department) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On February 14, 2023, Ms. Chavis requested the following records: [1.] A copy of all internal affairs investigations, reprimands, and/or disciplinary actions taken against officers involved in the Stoughton Police Department’s Explorer program from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2016… [2.] A copy of all ride-along logs maintained by the Stoughton Police Department for its Explorer program from January 1, 2010 through December 13, 2016… [3.] A list of all participants in the Stoughton Police Department’s Explorer program from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2016… [4.] Copies of all emails received and/or sent by [an identified individual] [from the] Stoughton Police Department from October 1, 2023 through February 14, 2024 that include “The Marshall Project” and/or [an identified individual]… [5.] Copies of all emails received by [an identified individual] [from the] Stoughton Police Department from January 1, 2020 through February 14, 2024 regarding the Explorer program, keyword searching ‘Explorers’ and ‘Explorer’. Claiming to not yet have received responsive records, Ms. Chavis petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR24/0685, was opened as a result. 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

Sergeant Michael Cowgill SPR24/0685 Page 2 March 15, 2024 Despite being notified of the opening of this appeal, it remains unclear whether the Department has provided a response. Accordingly, the Department is ordered to provide Ms. Chavis with a response to her request, 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. Chavis may appeal the substantive nature of the Department’s response within ninety (90) days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Lakeidra Chavis