Police sue over FOIA’d documents
Last September the police released several procedure and training manuals to Mo Karn (member/spokesperson for The Wingnut) in response to a Freedom of Information Act request. Then, the RPD decided releasing those documents was a mistake and requested them back. The RTD has that story:
“In the present circumstances, the dissemination of these documents in any form to the public jeopardizes and endangers Richmond police officers and citizens,” Norwood said in the complaint. “Specifically, this information includes tactical plans for what police do in emergency situations.”
The ACLU of Virginia has since picked up Mo’s case and decided to represent her.
“There are both First Amendment principles and practical considerations at play here, and the City of Richmond has failed on both counts,” said ACLU of Virginia Executive Director Kent Willis. “Once the government has released documents, the First Amendment protects the right of individuals to do with them as they please. Any attempt to restrict the dissemination of the information is censorship, pure and simple.”
Note: comments were accidentally closed on this when it was first posted. I’ve corrected that — feel free to comment away. Totally my fault and I apologize.
Bad move on Norwood’s part. Kinda of hard to unring a bell. I’m sue Mo will get as much mileage as she can with this one.
Actually not sure Norwood would have had the final say in
this – how about the RPD legal counsel? Did they have any part in
this? I would think that Norwood would have sought their advice
before doing this….
HA HA HA!!!! This is story just keeps getting better. http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/news/2011/jan/08/tdmain01-the-wingnut-collective-well-liked-in-comm-ar-760811/