The New England First Amendment Coalition and several Rhode Island open government advocates — collectively known as Access/RI — opposed legislation today that would allow sweeping secrecy for vitally important police records.
Bill S 2599 states that: “Any police report” and “all communications between police officers and railroad crew members” shall not be made public.
In their official comments, NEFAC and its partners explained that:
“This bill is overly restrictive and potentially hostile to the public interest. We hope the day never comes, but if Rhode Island were ever to experience a tragic, large-scale railroad incident, such as a collision or derailment, resulting in fatalities, then all law enforcement records relating to the incident would be shielded from the public — despite the obvious and overwhelming public interest in what happened and why.”
NEFAC is the region’s leading defender of First Amendment freedoms and the public’s right to know about government. You can learn more about our advocacy here and explore all our legal briefing and policy letters here.
NEFAC is the region’s leading defender of the First Amendment and open government. The coalition began in 2006 to advance and protect the five freedoms of the First Amendment, including the principle of the public’s right to know. We’re a broad-based organization of people who believe in the power of an informed democratic society.
Our coalition is funded through contributions made by those who value the First Amendment and who strive to keep government accountable. Please make a donation here.
NEFAC appreciates the support of all its donors and contributors. In particular, we would like to recognize the Estate of Gloria L. Negri, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the following Leadership Circle donors: Rhode Island Foundation, The Boston Globe, Paul and Ann Sagan, The Harbus Foundation, Boston University and the Robertson Foundation. Major Supporters of NEFAC’s work include Hearst Connecticut Media Group, Gravel & Shea PC, the Academy of New England Journalists, and Truro News.