Sault Sainte Marie must release its use-of-force policy, the state appeals court rules

The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled that the City of Sault Sainte Marie must release its police use-of-force policy, rejecting vague claims that public access endangers officer safety. The court determined that because the document outlines broad guidelines rather than specific operational instructions, it does not qualify for exemption from disclosure under freedom-of-information laws. This decision underscores the importance of transparency in law enforcement, suggesting that clear, publicly accessible rules enhance safety for both citizens and officers by establishing predictable interaction parameters. The ruling aligns with broader practices where many agencies already publish similar policies, noting a lack of evidence that such transparency leads to increased danger. For open data advocates, this case is significant as it reinforces the principle that police policies are public records essential for accountability. It demonstrates that courts are willing to scrutinize redactions closely, ensuring that general operational guidelines remain available for public scrutiny and promoting greater trust in government institutions through accessible, non-sensitive data.

Source: wmuk.org
Published on 2023-02-23

Sault Sainte Marie must release its use-of-force policy, the state appeals court rules

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