Police Records & APRA (H 6602, S 2708)

Prompted by an Attorney General advisory opinion which allows law enforcement agencies to withhold from the public the final reports of internal investigations of police misconduct, we supported legislation which would have clarified the Access to Public Records Act (APRA) to ensure police accountability and transparency when it comes to those findings. The AG opinion held that only the results of citizen-generated complaints – not those internally initiated by a department – need be disclosed. That distinction makes no sense, and robs the public of vital information. This bill would make clear that the public can see all final reports of police misconduct investigations and reinstate public oversight of law enforcement that the AG opinion undermines. Unfortunately, this legislation died in committee.