Freedom of information act???
- Thread starter kirb1985
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Could you be a little more specific? Are you looking for a particular series of transmissions like all the PD radio traffic between 3:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on August 1, 2008 or something like that? If you are then you can get the approriate form from the PD and make a formal written request under the Freedom of Information Act. However, they may charge you a fee as in the hourly time of the employee that it will take to research the tape, make a copy and send to you the tape. If what you are requesting is part of a criminal investigation your request may be denied. If you meant something else you need to be more specific.
tuttleje
Member
I can't speak for Prince William County...however, here are the exemptions for disclosure under Virginia's FOIA: http://law.justia.com/virginia/codes/toc0202000/2.2-3705.2.html
If your looking for radio communication structure information there might be a problem under the terrorism exemption.
"Plans and information to prevent or respond to terrorist activity, the disclosure of which would jeopardize the safety of any person, including (i) critical infrastructure sector or structural components; (ii) vulnerability assessments, operational, procedural, transportation, and tactical planning or training manuals, and staff meeting minutes or other records; and (iii) engineering or architectural records, or records containing information derived from such records, to the extent such records reveal the location or operation of security equipment and systems, elevators, ventilation, fire protection, emergency, electrical, telecommunications or utility equipment and systems of any public building, structure or information storage facility, or telecommunications or utility equipment or systems. The same categories of records of any governmental or nongovernmental person or entity submitted to a public body for the purpose of antiterrorism response planning may be withheld from disclosure if such person or entity in writing (a) invokes the protections of this subdivision, (b) identifies with specificity the records or portions thereof for which protection is sought, and (c) states with reasonable particularity why the protection of such records from public disclosure is necessary to meet the objective of antiterrorism planning or protection. Such statement shall be a public record and shall be disclosed upon request. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to prohibit the disclosure of records relating to the structural or environmental soundness of any building, nor shall it prevent the disclosure of information relating to any building in connection with an inquiry into the performance of that building after it has been subjected to fire, explosion, natural disaster or other catastrophic event."
Hope that helps....
If your looking for radio communication structure information there might be a problem under the terrorism exemption.
"Plans and information to prevent or respond to terrorist activity, the disclosure of which would jeopardize the safety of any person, including (i) critical infrastructure sector or structural components; (ii) vulnerability assessments, operational, procedural, transportation, and tactical planning or training manuals, and staff meeting minutes or other records; and (iii) engineering or architectural records, or records containing information derived from such records, to the extent such records reveal the location or operation of security equipment and systems, elevators, ventilation, fire protection, emergency, electrical, telecommunications or utility equipment and systems of any public building, structure or information storage facility, or telecommunications or utility equipment or systems. The same categories of records of any governmental or nongovernmental person or entity submitted to a public body for the purpose of antiterrorism response planning may be withheld from disclosure if such person or entity in writing (a) invokes the protections of this subdivision, (b) identifies with specificity the records or portions thereof for which protection is sought, and (c) states with reasonable particularity why the protection of such records from public disclosure is necessary to meet the objective of antiterrorism planning or protection. Such statement shall be a public record and shall be disclosed upon request. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to prohibit the disclosure of records relating to the structural or environmental soundness of any building, nor shall it prevent the disclosure of information relating to any building in connection with an inquiry into the performance of that building after it has been subjected to fire, explosion, natural disaster or other catastrophic event."
Hope that helps....
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I know the exact time and which specfic radio channels. This is in reference to this murder http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/1108/571292.html
I was listening to the scanner the night when all of this happend. The police were at their residence 30 minutes before the fire on a domestic dispute. This has not come out on a single media outlet. I want a little proof. Why his this info been kept a secret?
I was listening to the scanner the night when all of this happend. The police were at their residence 30 minutes before the fire on a domestic dispute. This has not come out on a single media outlet. I want a little proof. Why his this info been kept a secret?
MOTORHEAD3902
Member
I dont have specific knowledge of the case to which you refer, but the details not released to the media may be relevant to a criminal investigation. Pursuant to this end, it may be that it is desirable to NOT have all details released to the media.
Just one possible angle...
Just one possible angle...
It could also be the media (sic) itself. They report the 'breaking news headline' but can never seem to find the time to follow up.
But as two others have stated, this could very well be part of the on going investigation which the police do not want the media to screw up (which we all know they would do in a heartbeat to make their ratings).
And yes, I am very down on what we call the 'news' media. It is too bad they cannot report the news and not try to make a documentary out of it.
But as two others have stated, this could very well be part of the on going investigation which the police do not want the media to screw up (which we all know they would do in a heartbeat to make their ratings).
And yes, I am very down on what we call the 'news' media. It is too bad they cannot report the news and not try to make a documentary out of it.
There was also an interesting situation on June 17th, where a Richmond police car was stolen and never reported. And if you asked...they could say it's an ongonig investigation!
73/Allen (N4JRI)
73/Allen (N4JRI)
JoeyC
Senior Member
Apples and oranges.
BoxAlarm187
Level 6 RR Member (Since 1998)
As the others have said, the agency may not be compelled to release the complete tape if there is an on-going investigation, or may redact portions of the tape relevant to the investigation.
As far as this case is concerned, I'm not sure why it's much different than many other domestics that occur across the US. As unfortunate as it might be, LEO's are not able to control either domestic partner when they (the police) leave the scene. If there was no reason to effect an arrest, the police can be limited in their effectiveness in preventing additional harm to either party.
As for the information being kept a "secret," how do you know that the media doesn't already know about this, and simply haven't broadcast it? I'm a little lost as to what you'd do with the tape if you did get it?
Well here is one news outlets report. http://www.wusa9.com/rss/local_article.aspx?storyid=78451
In this they said the "Prince William County Police say they have no record of any previous domestic disturbance calls at the victim's address."
There is something wrong with that report. Either the reporter, police or myself have it wrong. I have talked with other neighbors who have said this couples situation was well known by the police.
I just want to get the truth out there. If I do receive the tape I would post it in some form wether here or another relivant board. Again the only reason I had to bring this up is that no where has it been reported that the police were there 30 mins prior to the fire. I belive that to be a major piece of info in this case.
In this they said the "Prince William County Police say they have no record of any previous domestic disturbance calls at the victim's address."
There is something wrong with that report. Either the reporter, police or myself have it wrong. I have talked with other neighbors who have said this couples situation was well known by the police.
I just want to get the truth out there. If I do receive the tape I would post it in some form wether here or another relivant board. Again the only reason I had to bring this up is that no where has it been reported that the police were there 30 mins prior to the fire. I belive that to be a major piece of info in this case.
i can say as it has been released to the media...the husband in the case you reference has been arrested on murder and arson charges. Anything pertaining to this incident is going to be considered part of the criminal investigation and as such is not going to be released until the trial has been concluded. As you said there may be more to the story than what was initially reported but trust me when I say there is nothing shady going on here.
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