Fourth Estate Journalism v. Somerville, City of - City Clerk (SPR 20250737)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records March 25, 2025 SPR25/0737 Cynthia Amara, Esq. City of Somerville – Law Department 93 Highland Avenue Somerville, MA 02143 Dear Attorney Amara: I have received the petition of Fourth Estate Journalism (FEJ) appealing the nonresponse 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 February 27, 2025, FEJ requested “all public records, spanning from February 27, 2023 to the current date, concerning all reports or complaints-whether oral, written, informal, formal, partial, or fully documented-that involve allegations, concerns, or grievances raised against former and present employees, personnel, or affiliates of the Somerville Police Department. This includes cases in which the reporter or complainant may have chosen not to proceed, opted against further engagement, or otherwise ceased participation at any stage of the process.” Claiming to not yet have received responsive records, FEJ petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR25/0737, was opened as a result. Subsequently, I learned that the City provided FEJ with a response on March 24, 2025. Where this appeal was opened as a result of the City’s lack of a written response, I will now consider this administrative appeal closed. FEJ may appeal the substantive nature of the City’s response within ninety (90) days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Fourth Estate Journalism Matthew V. Sirigu, Esq. 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