Jenna Brownson v. Ayer, Town of - Police Department (SPR 20242181)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records August 14, 2024 SPR24/2181 Brian Gill Deputy Chief Ayer Police Department 54 Park Street Ayer, MA 01432 Dear Deputy Chief Gill: I have received the petition of Jenna Brownson appealing the response of the Ayer 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 June 14, 2024, Ms. Brownson requested, “a copy of a police report or reports relative to an incident that occurred in early 1997, likely March 1997 at [a specified location] concerning [an identified individual][.]” Previous Appeal This request was the subject of a previous appeal. See SPR24/1907 Determination of the Supervisor of Records (July 18, 2024). In my July 18th Determination, I ordered the Department to provide Ms. Brownson with a response to her request. The Department provided a response on August 1, 2024, denying the request and claiming the responsive records are exempt from disclosure under G. L. c. 41, § 97D, as it operates through Exemption (a) of the Public Records Law. See G. L. c. 4, § 7(26)(a). Unsatisfied with the Department’s response, Ms. Brownson petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR24/2181, was opened as a result. Based on a telephone conversation between this office and the Department on August 8, 2024, I understand that the Department intends to provide a supplemental response to Ms. Brownson. Accordingly, said response must be provided in a manner consistent with the Public Records Law and its Regulations within ten business days. 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. Brownson may appeal the substantive nature of the Department’s response within ninety days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). 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

Brian Gill SPR24/2181 Page 2 August 14, 2024 Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Jenna Brownson