Number
200263
Version
SUBSTITUTE 2
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. STAMPER, RAINEY, LEWIS, PEREZ AND KOVAC
Title
Substitute resolution requesting the Fire and Police Commission to adopt a policy to implement a database providing information to the public regarding police officers' and firefighters’ badge or other identification numbers and their records.
Analysis
This resolution requests that the Fire and Police Commission adopt a policy to implement a database that provides information to the public regarding police officers’ and firefighters’ records pertaining to incident reports, disciplinary actions, citizen complaints, and related information, which would be searchable by name and badge or other identification number.
Body
Whereas, Publicly-available information about those charged with carrying out the work of the government is integral to the bedrock of society; and
Whereas, The intent of public records law is to provide information to the public; and
Whereas, The function of public records law can serve to obscure the intent; and
Whereas, It is essential to balance the right of the public to obtain information about the public acts of those who are funded by taxpayer dollars and concerns regarding safeguarding strategic decisions for public welfare; and
Whereas, Making information available to the public regarding the acts of police officers or firefighters that are at odds with safeguarding the people they are charged with serving and protecting is essential to not only public welfare but also to the wellbeing of the Police Department and Fire Department; and
Whereas, Some states, including Minnesota, have a public, searchable database with information related to police officers’ records pertaining to incident reports, disciplinary actions, citizen complaints, and other related information, which is searchable by name and badge number; and
Whereas, Implementing this type of database would provide the public with information regarding public s...
Click here for full text