Sousa, Michael v. New Bedford, City of - Police Department (SPR 20260186)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records January 30, 2026 SPR26/0186 John V. Barnes Jr. Keeper of Records New Bedford Police Department 871 Rockdale Ave New Bedford, MA 02740 Dear Mr. Barnes: I have received the petition of Michael J. Sousa appealing the nonresponse of the New Bedford 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 October 23, 2025, Mr. Sousa requested the following: [A] complete copy of the case’s file in the possession, custody, and control of this Government agency for [an identified incident], including, but not limited to[:] police reports, incident reports, supplemental reports, police notes, ballistic reports, DNA reports, forensic reports, medical examiner reports, fingerprint reports, experts reports, memos, letters, emails, photographs, sketches, videos, CDs, tapes, written and/or recorded witness statements, etc[.] Claiming to not yet have received responsive records, Mr. Sousa petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR26/0186, was opened as a result. 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 Mr. Sousa with a response to his 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. Mr. Sousa may appeal the substantive nature of the Department’s response within ninety (90) 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

John V. Barnes Jr. SPR26/0186 Page 2 January 30, 2026 Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records Cc: Michael J. Sousa