McGowan, Scott v. West Stockbridge, Town of - Police Department (SPR 20260304)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records February 4, 2026 SPR26/0304 Officer Daniel T. Hamill West Stockbridge Police Department 21 State Line Road West Stockbridge, MA 01266 Dear Officer Hamill: I have received the petition of Scott McGowan appealing the response of the West Stockbridge 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 January 13, 2026, Mr. McGowan requested, “[a]ny and all records, whether in electronic, hard copy, or any other format … regarding the WSPD assignment(s) and participation in the law enforcement escort of [an identified] Hinsdale Police Sergeant, on or about, January 10, 2026. These records include, but are not limited to, letters, memoranda, electronic mail, notes, text messages, payroll records, and telephone records.” The Department provided responses on January 15, January 22, and January 28, 2026. Unsatisfied with the Department’s January 28th response, Mr. McGowan petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR26/0304, was opened as a result. Subsequently, I learned that the Department provided Mr. McGowan with a further response on February 4, 2026. Where this appeal was opened as a result of the Department’s January 28th response, I will now consider this administrative appeal closed. Mr. McGowan may appeal the substantive nature of the Department’s February 4th response within ninety (90) days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Scott McGowan 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