Avery Emison v. Worcester, City of - Police Department (SPR 20241489)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records May 31, 2024 SPR24/1489 Michael Vigneux Records Access Officer City of Worcester – Law Department 455 Main Street, Room 303 Worcester, MA 01608 Dear Mr. Vigneux: I have received the petition of Avery Emison, on behalf of Attorney Mitchell Kosht, of the Committee for Public Counsel Services, Strategic Litigation Unit, appealing the response of the City of Worcester (City) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On February 12, 2024, Ms. Emison, on behalf of Attorney Kosht, requested the following: [1] A list of all police officers currently or formerly employed by Worcester Police Department who attended any courses conducted by any of [a list of] companies . . . [2] A list of all police officers currently or formerly employed by Worcester Police Department who attended any trainings taught by any of [a list of named] individuals . . . [3] Any invoices or receipts showing payments from Worcester Police Department to any of the above-named training companies/individuals. [4] Any invoices or receipts showing proof of reimbursement to officers who paid to attend any trainings conducted by any of the above-named training companies/ individuals; and, [5] A list of all police officers employed by Worcester Police Department who are planning on attending any upcoming training(s) conducted by any of the above named training companies/individuals. The City responded on February 27, 2024, stating that “[t]he City requires more time, up to an additional 15 business days as provided by statute, to complete the work necessary to fulfill this request. If responsive records become available before this timeframe, they will be provided 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

Michael Vigneux SPR24/1489 Page 2 May 31, 2024 as soon as possible.” The City responded again on March 25, 2024, indicating it would require additional time to provide records. Unsatisfied with the City’s responses, Ms. Emison appealed, and this case was opened as a result. Subsequent to the opening of this appeal, based on a telephone conversation between this office and an attorney for the City, I understand that the City intends to provide a supplemental response. Accordingly, said response must be provided in a manner consistent with the Public Records Law and its Regulations within ten 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. If issues remain unresolved, Ms. Emison may appeal the substantive nature of the City’s supplemental response within ninety days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Avery Emison Mitchell Kosht, Esq. Janice Thompson, Esq.