Sunday
June 18, 2023
Dear Public Records Officer:
This is a request under the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.
G. L. Chapter 66, Section 10). I am requesting that I be provided access to the
following public records:
Materials related to any background checks
of Scott Wood Jr. from 2010 to the present
I request access to these records be provided in a digital format
and on a rolling basis.
I do not believe the records are exempt under MGL Chapter 66,
Section 10. However, if you believe the records contain exempt material, the
law requires that you redact only those portions of the records and release the
rest of the documents.
If you expect costs to exceed $10.00, please provide a detailed
fee estimate.
I am seeking a waiver of any fee for access to these public records.
Disclosure of these requested records are in the public interest because it is
likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or
activities of the government and is not primarily in the commercial interest of
the requestor.
I am a reporter for the Boston Globe who regularly reports on
government operations, and release of these records would contribute to this
coverage.
The Public Records Law requires you to provide me with a written
response within 10 business days. If you cannot comply with my request, you are
statutorily required to provide an explanation in writing.
Sincerely,
John Hilliard
Reporter
The Boston Globe
john.hilliard@globe.com
Dear Mr. John Hillard,
Attached you will find a December, 2022 Brady Disclosure memorandum along with two Haverhill Police Department investigative reports that the Methuen Police Department received from the Essex County District Attorney’s office. As per the memorandum, the investigative reports were redacted by the DA’s office under Exemption (f), Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 4, § 7, clause 26(f). Thus, the only copies of the Haverhill investigative reports that are in the possession, custody, or control of the Methuen Police Department are the redacted versions furnished by the Essex County District Attorney’s office.
In regards to your request for materials relating to the background check and corresponding personnel file of Mr. Scott Wood, the records that you seek are exempt from disclosure pursuant to Exemption (c), Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 4, §. 7, clause 26(c), under the Exemption’s express reference to the non-public nature of personnel records that do not pertain to a law enforcement misconduct investigation.
Please be advised that an administrative appeal of the city’s response to your request may be made by filing a written protest to the Supervisor of Public Records within ninety days, Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, One Ashburton Place, Room 1719, Boston MA 02108, in accordance with 950 CMR 32.08(1); or you may seek judicial review by commencing a civil action in Superior Court.
Request Date
2023-06-20
Agency Tracking
2023-0169
Acquisition Notes
This record was automatically imported from https://www.townforms.com/FOIADirect-MethuenMACitizens/