Good morning Connor I would also like to make a FOIA
request for any records regarding animal control in any complaints for any
parks in Plymouth today July 23, 2023.
Attached are the complaints we have on file related to this request. This includes records related to Request 2023-1552.
Please be advised, however, that the Massachusetts Public Records Law authorizes withholding of “investigatory materials necessarily compiled out of the public view by law enforcement or other investigatory officials the disclosure of which materials would probably so prejudice the possibility of effective law enforcement that such disclosure would not be in the public interest” G.L. c.4, §7(26)(f). The records have been produced absent minor redactions of information that would identify a voluntary witness/complainant who came forward with respect to the underlying investigation at issue regarding an enforcement matter under investigation by Animal Control Officers. In addition to pertaining to ongoing investigations, exemption (f) has also been held to allow investigative officials, in this case Town officials, to provide an assurance of confidentiality to persons so that they will speak openly about matters under investigation. Bougas v. Chief of Police of Lexington, 371 Mass. 59, 62 (1960). For that reason, in this instance, the names, addresses and identifying details of voluntary witnesses or complainants may therefore be withheld from disclosure permanently. Reinstein v. Police Commissioner of Boston, 378 Mass.281, 290 (1979). These redactions have been made to the record only where necessary and no whole pages have been redacted.
Please be advised, however, that the Massachusetts Public Records Law authorizes withholding of “personnel and medical files or information; also any other materials or data relating to a specifically named individual, the disclosure of which may constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.” G.L. c. 4, § 7(26)(c). The Town has redacted license plate numbers and personal addresses because its disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy not outweighed by the public’s interest in disclosure of the material. These redactions have been made to the record only where necessary and no whole pages have been redacted.
Request Date
2023-07-21
Agency Tracking
2023-1566
Acquisition Notes
This record was automatically imported from https://www.townforms.com/FOIADirect-PlymouthMACitizens/