Carlton E. Williams v. Somerville, City of (SPR 20242136)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records August 8, 2024 SPR24/2136 David Shapiro, Esq. Deputy City Solicitor City of Somerville 93 Highland Avenue Somerville, MA 02143 Dear Attorney Shapiro: I have received the petition of Professor Carlton E. Williams, Esq., appealing the response of the City of Somerville (City) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On June 26, 2024, Professor Williams requested, “any and all records, photos, investigation, recorded, analog or digital file, video, audio materials, emails, text messages, press releases, memo, or similar in relation to Internal Affairs matters” concerning an identified Somerville Police Department employee. In an email dated July 10, 2024, a representative of the City inquired as to whether Professor Williams sought “records in the internal affairs file(s) of [the identified employee] on file with the Somerville Police Office of Professional Standards . . . or . . . all records related to [the identified employee] in the [City’s] . . . possession[.]” In an email on July 11, 2024, Professor Williams clarified his request, stating that he sought “[b]oth sets of . . . records.” The City responded on July 25, 2024, providing a fee estimate. Objecting to the fees, Professor Williams appealed, and this case was opened as a result. Subsequently, I learned that the City provided a further response concerning its fee estimate to Professor Williams on August 6, 2024. Where this appeal was opened as a result of the City’s July 25, 2024 response, I will now consider this administrative appeal closed. Professor Williams may appeal the substantive nature of the City’s August 6th response within ninety (90) days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). One Ash burton Place, Room 1719, Boston, Massachusetts 02108 • (617) 727-2832• Fax: (617) 727-5914 sec.state.ma.us/pre • pre@sec.state.ma.us

David Shapiro, Esq. SPR24/2136 Page 2 August 8, 2024 Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Professor Carlton E. Williams, Esq.