Editor’s Note: Sunshine Request makes no claim as to the veracity of any statements or information contained in any of the requests, or public records, we receive.
Other (indicate in message) Submitted: December 12, 2023 | Updated: June 28, 2024
(December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to Police Dept. vehicles 01/01/2022 – present.
Hi Gwen, Donna, and Mayor (or Records Officer / Custodian of Records),
Please reply promptly to the following multi-part public records request, which I’m making in accordance with NC Public Records Law. https://www.ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bychapter/chapter_132.html
** I’m simply requesting an electronic copy of an electronic record, if one exists. I’m NOT asking for the opportunity to come in person to "inspect", nor to obtain a printed copy of, this electronic record. I’m requesting explicitly that any responsive info be provided to me via the electronic medium / electronic format (in which the copy of this record should already exist). If you are unable to fulfill any or all parts of this request, please specifically cite where a reason for denial is justified under NC Public Records Law.**
A. I acknowledge that on 11/20/23 you completed a similar request for me in which I had asked for “all GPS activity data for all City of Northwest, NC vehicles that were used on Saturday, August 26, 2023”. However, the new request I am making below is different, and it covers a larger period of time:
Please provide all GPS activity data for all City of Northwest Police vehicles driven by any Full-Time Officers, during the period of January 01, 2023 through the present day (on the date that the query is performed).
B. If such a record exists – Please provide the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to any City of Northwest Police Department vehicles, during the period of January 01, 2022 through the present day (on the date the query is performed).
To clarify. I am not asking for personal info about officers, license numbers, dates, times, locations etc.
————————————
Please note that by submitting this request, I’m NOT agreeing to pay any potential fees or associated costs related to my request. If it isn’t possible to process the request without incurring fees, then please let me know the itemized potential cost and explanations for those charges upfront, and DO NOT proceed until I respond.
By Law I’m not required to provide a name or address to associate with a public records request, but in order to move things along I’d like to clarify that this request is being made by:
Sunshine Request
PO Box 17391
Asheville, NC 28816
The request has been sent solely by me and my email address [email protected] . If anyone other than that email address contacts you to pursue a similar request, it did not come from me. Please do not commingle or treat that as an alteration or cancellation of my request – I intend to continue to pursue my request.
Thank you for your assistance!
** Sunshine Request (www.sunshinerequest.com) makes no claim as to the veracity of any statements or information contained in any of the requests, or public records, we receive.
Status: Government Denied Request
Documents:
Activity:
-
June 28, 2024 6:43 pm
4 days ago
from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: City Clerk <[email protected]>
cc: Sheila Grady <[email protected]>
date: Jun 28, 2024, 6:43 PM
subject: Re: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceGood evening Donna and Sheila,
Under NC Public Records Law, the City is required to “promptly” process all public records requests. I want to highlight again the court case referenced in item #6 of the following article, posted on the NC Press Association website. In this instance: “The trial court held that an unjustified one-month delay in production of records was tantamount to a denial”. http://www.ncpress.
com/stories/a-bakers-dozen- for-2022nc-public-records-law, 2390 Having made all reasonable attempts to follow up on my request, and having received no response since May 13, I will now mark this request as having been “Denied” by your organization (for the second time since it was submitted in December 2023). I would highly recommend that the City of Northwest revisit their current public records request fulfillment process to ensure that you’re in compliance with the Law, and that you fulfill and respond to all requests in a timely manner.
~ The Sunshine Request Team
Status: Government Denied Request -
June 21, 2024 3:16 pm
1 week ago
from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: City Clerk <[email protected]>
cc: Sheila Grady <[email protected]>
date: Jun 21, 2024, 3:16 PM
subject: Re: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceGood afternoon Donna and Mayor Grady,
I submitted the following public records request to the City on December 12, 2023:
(December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to Police Dept. vehicles 01/01/2022 – present.
This is my final attempt to follow up with you since May 13th regarding the request. I have not heard back.
Please provide an anticipated date for when my request will be completed and the responsive records will be sent to me.
Having made all reasonable attempts to follow up — if I do not hear back in 1 week, I will mark this request as having been “Denied” by your organization.
~ The Sunshine Request Team
Status: Follow up -
June 10, 2024 6:38 pm
3 weeks ago
from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: City Clerk <[email protected]>
cc: Sheila Grady <[email protected]>
date: Jun 10, 2024, 6:38 PM
subject: Re: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceHi Donna,
I submitted my records request to the City on December 12, 2023:
(December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to Police Dept. vehicles 01/01/2022 – present.
This is my third attempt to follow up with you since your last update on May 13th. Please provide an anticipated date for when my request will be completed and when the responsive records will be sent to me. I will follow up with you again in 1 week, if I haven’t heard anything else before then.
Thank you.
~ The Sunshine Request Team
Status: Follow up -
May 31, 2024 1:59 pm
1 month ago
from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: City Clerk <[email protected]>
cc: Sheila Grady <[email protected]>
date: May 31, 2024, 1:59 PM
subject: Re: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceGood afternoon Donna and Mayor,
I submitted the following public records request to the City back on December 12, 2023:
(December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to Police Dept. vehicles 01/01/2022 – present.The last message I sent you both about this was on May 07.
Please provide an anticipated timeline or date for when my request will be completed and when the responsive records will be provided to me.
I will follow up again in 1 week, if I haven’t heard anything else before then.
Thank you for your help!
~ The Sunshine Request Team
Status: Follow up -
May 13, 2024 5:25 pm
1 month ago
from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: City Clerk <[email protected]>
cc: Sheila Grady <[email protected]>
date: May 13, 2024, 5:25 PM
subject: Re: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceHi Donna,
Thank you for confirming that you’re going to proceed to fulfill the following records request:
(December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to Police Dept. vehicles 01/01/2022 – present.
I will follow up again at the end of the month, if I haven’t heard anything else before then.
Thank you for your help.
~ The Sunshine Request Team
Status: Government Processing Request -
May 13, 2024 5:04 pm
1 month ago
from: City Clerk <[email protected]>
to: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
date: May 13, 2024, 5:04 PM
subject: RE: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceOK.
Donna Strickland, CMC, NCCMC, NCCTC
City Clerk
910-470-4488 Cell
910-655-3110 ext. 1
Status: Government Processing Request -
May 7, 2024 3:37 pm
1 month ago
from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: City Clerk <[email protected]>
cc: Sheila Grady <[email protected]>
date: May 7, 2024, 3:37 PM
subject: Re: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceGood afternoon Donna,
Thanks for your message!
I understand a section of NC Public Records Law allows you to charge “reasonable” fees under certain circumstances. However, there should not be any fee required for the production of the records I’ve requested in this particular case. I have not requested physical printed copies of GPS data. I have asked specifically for the electronic copy of a record that already exists in an electronic format.
I understand your explanation that you have a need to print these records so that you can redact them. But, since printing is only required due to your chosen method of reviewing and redacting information, NCGS § 132-6(c) is clear that you are required to bear that cost burden: “If it is necessary to separate confidential from nonconfidential information in order to permit the inspection, examination, or copying of the public records, the public agency shall bear the cost of such separation.”
GPS activity data is a common public record, and every public entity needs a mechanism to produce that data or report easily in response to a public records request. You cannot charge for the staff time, labor involved, or other legal fees required to review, redact, or separate confidential from non-confidential information in public records.
Please proceed to fulfill my request.
Thank you for your help!
~ The Sunshine Request Team
Status: Clarification Provided -
May 6, 2024 3:47 pm
1 month ago
from: City Clerk <[email protected]>
to: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
date: May 6, 2024, 3:47 PM
subject: RE: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceHi,
I have worked on providing the GPS activity data and have found that I can run a report that will provide the information. However, we must print it and have the Chief redact the information that is not public. The cost to print this report is $45.80. If you would like me to print this report and mail it to you, please send a check or money order to City of Northwest, 4889 Vernon Road, Northwest, NC 28451.
Sincerely,
Donna Strickland, CMC, NCCMC, NCCTC
City Clerk
910-470-4488 Cell
910-655-3110 ext. 1
Status: Response Received from Government -
May 6, 2024 12:24 pm
1 month ago
from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: City Clerk <[email protected]>
cc: Sheila Grady <[email protected]>
date: May 6, 2024, 12:24 PM
subject: Re: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceHi Donna,
Thank you for confirming to me on April 30th that you’re working to fulfill the following records request:
(December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to Police Dept. vehicles 01/01/2022 – present.
I have now “reopened” the request on our website, and I will follow up with you again at the end of the month, if I don’t hear anything else about my request before then.
Thank you for your help.
~ The Sunshine Request Team
Status: Government Processing Request -
April 30, 2024 12:37 pm
2 months ago
from: City Clerk <[email protected]>
to: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
date: Apr 30, 2024, 12:37 PM
subject: RE: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceI have been working to get this report. There is a way for us to populate the report, I’m just trying to make it digital. The file is large so it seems I will need a zip account.
Sincerely,
Donna Strickland, CMC, NCCMC, NCCTC
City Clerk
910-470-4488 Cell
910-655-3110 ext. 1
Status: Government Processing Request -
April 11, 2024 12:24 pm
2 months ago
from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: City Clerk <[email protected]>
cc: Sheila Grady <[email protected]>
date: Apr 11, 2024, 12:24 PM
subject: Re: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceHi Donna and Sheila,
I submitted the following public records request to your offices on December 12, 2023:
(December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to Police Dept. vehicles 01/01/2022 – present.
The last update I received about the request was on February 15th when Donna said, “The City’s IT will be onsite one day next week. I will check with him on what it will cost him to convert the data. I will send you the amount to print the copies at the same time.” and again on March 5th when she said, “I will have to follow up on this.”
I have not heard from Donna, nor received a response to any of my follow up messages since then.
As indicated in my last email — Under NC Public Records Law, the City is required to “promptly” process all public records requests. I want to highlight again the court case referenced in item #6 of the following article, posted on the NC Press Association website. In this instance: “The trial court held that an unjustified one-month delay in production of records was tantamount to a denial”. http://www.ncpress.com/stories/a-bakers-dozen-for-2022nc-public-records-law,2390
Having made all reasonable attempts to follow up on my request, and having received no response in over a month, I will now mark this request as having been “Denied” by your organization. I would highly recommend that the City of Northwest revisit their current public records request fulfillment process to ensure that you’re in compliance with the Law, and that you fulfill and respond to all requests in a timely manner.
~ The Sunshine Request Team
Status: Government Denied Request -
March 29, 2024 1:43 pm
3 months ago
from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: City Clerk <[email protected]>
cc: Sheila Grady <[email protected]>
date: Mar 29, 2024, 1:43 PM
subject: Re: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceGood afternoon Donna and Mayor,
This is my final attempt to follow up regarding all previous emails about my records request. It was submitted to your offices on December 12, 2023:
(December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to Police Dept. vehicles 01/01/2022 – present.The last updates I received were on February 15th when Donna said, “The City’s IT will be onsite one day next week. I will check with him on what it will cost him to convert the data. I will send you the amount to print the copies at the same time.” and again on March 5th when she said, “I will have to follow up on this.” I have not heard anything else, nor received a response to my follow up message on March 20th.
Under NC Public Records Law, the City is required to “promptly” process all public records requests. Essentially, this means that if you are delaying the fulfillment of a request by allowing it to “sit” until staff has availability to address it, or feels like answering my emails, then this could be considered a denial of a request. With this in mind, I want to highlight again the court case referenced in item #6 of the following article, posted on the NC Press Association website. In this instance: “The trial court held that an unjustified one-month delay in production of records was tantamount to a denial”. http://www.ncpress.com/stories/a-bakers-dozen-for-2022nc-public-records-law,2390
Please let me know what you found out from IT back in February.
If you are unable to respond by the end of next week, then I will mark this request as having been “Denied” by your organization.
Thank you for your assistance.
~ The Sunshine Request Team
Status: Follow up -
March 20, 2024 12:56 pm
3 months ago
from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: City Clerk <[email protected]>
cc: Sheila Grady <[email protected]>
date: Mar 20, 2024, 12:56 PM
subject: Re: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceMy apologies. One sentence in my last email was cut off. The full subject of my request is called:
(December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to Police Dept. vehicles 01/01/2022 – present.
Thank you.
Status: Follow up -
March 20, 2024 12:52 pm
3 months ago
from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: City Clerk <[email protected]>
cc: Sheila Grady <[email protected]>
date: Mar 20, 2024, 12:52 PM
subject: Re: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceHi Donna,
I’m following up again regarding all previous emails about my request:
(December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PolicePlease let me know what you found out from IT in February.
Thank you.
~ The Sunshine Request Team
Status: Follow up -
March 9, 2024 1:40 pm
3 months ago
from: City Clerk <[email protected]>
to: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
date: Mar 9, 2024, 1:40 PM
subject: RE: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceI will have to follow up on this.
Sincerely,
Donna Strickland, CMC, NCCMC, NCCTC
City Clerk
910-470-4488 Cell
910-655-3110 ext. 1
Status: Government Processing Request -
March 5, 2024 3:28 pm
3 months ago
from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: City Clerk <[email protected]>
cc: James Knox <[email protected]>, [email protected], Gwen Spicer <[email protected]>
date: Mar 5, 2024, 3:28 PM
subject: Re: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceGood afternoon Donna,
I’m following up on all previous emails about this request.
Please let me know what you found out from IT.
Thank you.
~ The Sunshine Request Team
Status: Follow up -
February 26, 2024 2:12 pm
4 months ago
from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: City Clerk <[email protected]>
date: Feb 26, 2024, 2:12 PM
subject: Re: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceHi Donna,
I’m following up on my previous email above from Tue, Feb 13, 4:28 PM.
You said on Feb. 15, “The City’s IT will be onsite one day next week. I will check with him on what it will cost him to convert the data. I will send you the amount to print the copies at the same time.”
Please let me know what you found out.
Thank you for your help!
~ The Sunshine Request Team
Status: Follow up -
February 15, 2024 4:08 pm
4 months ago
from: City Clerk <[email protected]>
to: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
date: Feb 15, 2024, 4:08 PM
subject: RE: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceThe City’s IT will be onsite one day next week. I will check with him on what it will cost him to convert the data. I will send you the amount to print the copies at the same time.
Thank you,
Donna Strickland, CMC, NCCMC, NCCTC
City Clerk
910-470-4488 Cell
910-655-3110 ext. 1
Status: Government Processing Request -
February 13, 2024 4:28 pm
4 months ago
from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: William Everett <[email protected]>
cc: Finance Clerk <[email protected]>, James Knox <[email protected]>
date: Feb 13, 2024, 4:28 PM
subject: Re: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceGood afternoon Chief, and Donna CCed,
Thank you for your message / explanations. I appreciate your help!
To further clarify. In fulfillment of my September request, Donna had sent me a Word Document called GPS Data.docx on November 01, 2023. I cannot speak to what format you may have originally given the report to Donna in, or whether she may have changed it once it was sent to me. On my part, I haven’t changed the document from Donna in any way. I simply downloaded the file exactly as it was sent to me, and attached it to the email above for reference.
Regarding the dollar amount for fees for my current request. I have asked Donna to please explain exactly what the fee is you’re attempting to charge, legal explanations, etc. To this point it is not clear if this is supposed to be a fee for printed copies of electronic records (which I did not request), staff time for redactions (which you cannot charge), what the amount is, etc.
I’d really like to understand clearly what the specific charge is before I can decide how to proceed. This should be itemized, and a clear explanation given about where or if this is justified under the NC Public Records Law.
Additionally, I’d like to ask again that you please specify what software you use to generate the GPS activity data report? Donna told me to contact you about this.
I believe that if it is accessed on a computer and can be “printed”, then you are also able to export the electronic records. There shouldn’t be a need to print them in order to send them to me via email.
Thank you again for your assistance!
Status: Clarification Requested -
February 13, 2024 4:05 pm
4 months ago
from: William Everett <[email protected]>
to: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
date: Feb 13, 2024, 4:05 PM
subject: RE: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceGood Afternoon,
The document that you sent me even though it has been changed to a word document or at least that is how it came in this email. It was printed and scanned as I have stated because I did it myself.
You are correct it is redundant that is why it is always take so long for your requests to come back to you because we have less people than most agencies have.
The exact dollar amount I do not know but the City Clerk has that information I do not make the fee schedule.
As far as the full-time personnel I will be more than glad to provide you with what you are requesting, and I will also provide the part time personnel that is no longer employed here just so we can be transparent. Thank you.
Chief David Everett
Northwest Police Department
4889 Vernon Rd
Northwest, NC 28451
Cell: (910) 540-8914
Office: (910) 655-3300
Fax: (910) 655-3005
Status: Clarification Provided -
February 13, 2024 12:06 pm
4 months ago
from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: William Everett <[email protected]>
cc: Finance Clerk <[email protected]>, James Knox <[email protected]>, Gwen Spicer <[email protected]>
date: Feb 13, 2024, 12:07 PM
subject: Re: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceSorry — I left this file out.
Please see attached, below.
**Editor’s Note: Please see the 1 file we’ve referenced (“GPS-Data.docx“) at top left in our Documents section.
from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: William Everett <[email protected]>
cc: Finance Clerk <[email protected]>, James Knox <[email protected]>, Gwen Spicer <[email protected]>
date: Feb 13, 2024, 12:06 PM
subject: Re: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceGood afternoon Chief,
Thank you for your reply.
I acknowledge the report I received in November was much smaller. In that instance it was 3 pages, but it was clearly a digital report, and it was not a scanned document (see attached below). It’s unclear why you’d now need to scan pages of an electronic document in this new case. As you’ve just said, it is possible to download and send me that report, you’d just prefer not to because it will take a while to finish downloading?
It is unclear to me why it should be necessary to print a 400 page report, which is already generated and available to you electronically. And, why must it also be printed, and then scanned to become digitized again? This seems redundant.
Please specify the exact dollar amount and legal explanations for the specific fees you may be attempting to collect to fulfill my request.
As far as the redaction process … I am requesting “all GPS activity data for all City of Northwest Police vehicles driven by any Full-Time Officers, during the period of January 01, 2023 through the present day”. I agree that I do not want or need to receive personally identifying information about victims, case numbers, etc.
According to NCGS § 132-6 – you cannot charge for the labor involved in reviewing records to determine what records or parts of records may be provided. I specifically understand that under § 132-6(c), “If it is necessary to separate confidential from nonconfidential information in order to permit the inspection, examination, or copying of the public records, the public agency shall bear the cost of such separation.” You cannot charge for the staff time, labor involved, or other legal fees required to review, redact, or separate confidential from non-confidential information in public records. That cost burden is yours to bear.
~ The Sunshine Request Team
Status: Follow up -
February 13, 2024 10:51 am
4 months ago
from: William Everett <[email protected]>
to: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
date: Feb 13, 2024, 10:51 AM
subject: RE: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceGood Morning,
I am caught up on the thread, the way we sent it to you last time for August 26, 2023, was only one or so pages which I was able to get the report from the system and I had to print it, scan it and then send it. This report you are requesting now is 400 or more pages. When I attempted to download it, we only had roughly 2% complete in 45 minutes so it is going to take time to process this. As the City Clerk stated we would have to still print it, scan it and send it to you. I would also have to go through each report, cross reference, redact address of victims and active cases personally that are listed in the reports. The number of pages, the time it is going to take to print and redact the addresses there would be a monetary compensation for the process. We are a small department and I run the administration, detective, and patrol. So, it will take time to process so let me know how you would like us to proceed. Thank you and Have a Great Day!
Chief David Everett
Northwest Police Department
4889 Vernon Rd
Northwest, NC 28451
Cell: (910) 540-8914
Office: (910) 655-3300
Fax: (910) 655-3005
Status: Clarification Provided -
February 12, 2024 3:29 pm
4 months ago
from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: City Clerk <[email protected]>
cc: [email protected], James Knox <[email protected]>, Gwen Spicer <[email protected]>
date: Feb 12, 2024, 3:29 PM
subject: Re: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceGood afternoon Donna, and Chief now CCed,
I submitted a public records request to the City in September 2023, in which I asked for the following:
“Please provide all GPS activity data for all City of Northwest, NC vehicles that were used on Saturday, August 26, 2023.”The GPS data was provided to me on 11/06/23, and after some clarification with Donna the request was completed on 11/20/23.
—————————————-On 12/12/23 I submitted a new public records request to the City. Item # A. from that request, is what I’ve been discussing with Donna in our email thread above.
I have asked for the following:
“Please provide all GPS activity data for all City of Northwest Police vehicles driven by any Full-Time Officers, during the period of January 01, 2023 through the present day (on the date that the query is performed).”To this point, Donna has indicated it may not be possible to download the report, and send the file to me via email — and, that there may be some unspecified fee I’d need to pay for the City to print and scan this document …
Can you please specify what software you use to generate this report? I believe that if it is accessed on a computer and can be “printed”, then you are also able to export the electronic records — as you’ve already done for me once before.
I would like for this record to be provided to me in the same format as you’ve already been able to provide it previously when you fulfilled my September request. And, it does not need to be printed or scanned. There should be no cost.
I will follow up again in 1 week, if I don’t hear anything else before then.
Thank you for your help!
~ The Sunshine Request Team
Status: Clarification Provided -
February 12, 2024 9:01 am
4 months ago
from: City Clerk <[email protected]>
to: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
date: Feb 12, 2024, 9:01 AM
subject: RE: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceI have been informed by the Chief that the software we use will print this data as a report and that it can not be converted to a digital format unless we pay someone to convert the data, or we print it and then scan it and then send it. As my knowledge of this software is only through the Chief, please contact him for further explanation at [email protected].
Thank you,
Donna Strickland, CMC, NCCMC, NCCTC
City Clerk
910-470-4488 Cell
910-655-3110 ext. 1
Status: Clarification Provided -
February 8, 2024 3:34 pm
4 months ago
from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: City Clerk <[email protected]>
cc: James Knox <[email protected]>, Gwen Spicer <[email protected]>, [email protected]
date: Feb 8, 2024, 3:34 PM
subject: Re: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceHi Donna,
I am not asking for the records to be compiled in a special way. NC Public Records Law clearly provides the authority for me to request public records in any and all media in which the public agency is capable of providing them, and to request these records in any medium in which they are available to you. And, that my request in any particular medium shall not be denied simply because you prefer to make the records available in some other way.
GPS activity data is by its nature already available to you online, or stored in a database, other electronic format, etc. It’s not clear to me why you’re saying those electronic records need to be “printed” as reports, then “scanned” (digitized again). That does not make technical sense, and I don’t know why there would be any charge for this.
Is there a specific reason that you or IT aren’t able to just generate a report, download it, and email it to me? Or that you can’t just “zip” all of the reports into 1 file or folder, or add them to a google drive / dropbox link, etc. ?
I’m sorry I don’t understand — but, I’d like to ask again that you please provide me with a clear explanation of the exact fees and totals you feel are required to fulfill this request, as well as where it is justified under the Law. I’d like to know the dollar amount, and what it’s supposed to cover. I cannot just agree to “pay a fee” without knowing what it is you think you’re going to charge for and if it’s legal.
I’ll consider my response from there.
Thank you!
Status: Clarification Requested -
February 8, 2024 2:21 pm
4 months ago
from: City Clerk <[email protected]>
to: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
date: Feb 8, 2024, 2:21 PM
subject: RE: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceDr.
The reports were printed, scanned, and then sent to you. The newly requested information covers a larger period and will be approximately 460 pages. We will have to charge for the copies. I understand that you do not wish to pay for the pages and do not want to pay for our IT to create a file.
Thank you,
Donna Strickland, CMC, NCCMC, NCCTC
City Clerk
910-470-4488 Cell
910-655-3110 ext. 1
Status: Response Received from Government -
January 31, 2024 4:48 pm
5 months ago
from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: City Clerk <[email protected]>
date: Jan 31, 2024, 4:48 PM
subject: Re: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceHi Donna,
You’ve previously produced a report like this for me before (though in that instance it covered a very small period of time), so it’s clear that these types of records are kept in an electronic format.
I do not understand what specific aspect of my new request you’re saying would require a fee, how much, or why.
I’ve simply requested an electronic copy of an electronic record, if one exists — which it sounds like it does. I haven’t asked to obtain a printed copy of these electronic records, nor for you to create / compile a record that doesn’t exist, or produce it in any special format. I’ve requested explicitly that any responsive info be provided to me via the electronic medium / format (in which the copy of the record already exists).
While understand there is a section of NC Public Records Law which allows you to charge “reasonable” fees under certain circumstances — I do not expect there should be any fees required for the production of this very simple record, since you’ve already identified or created a 460 page report for “GPS activity data for all City of Northwest Police vehicles driven by any Full-Time Officers, during the period of January 01, 2023 through the present day”.
According to NCGS § 132-6 – you cannot charge for the labor involved in reviewing records to determine what records or parts of records may be provided. I specifically understand that under § 132-6(c), “If it is necessary to separate confidential from nonconfidential information in order to permit the inspection, examination, or copying of the public records, the public agency shall bear the cost of such separation.” You cannot charge for the staff time, labor involved, or other legal fees required to review, redact, or separate confidential from non-confidential information in public records. That cost burden is yours to bear.
If you’re saying it isn’t possible to produce this file without incurring fees, please provide me with a clear description of the exact fees / totals you feel are required, as well as where they are justified under the Law. I’d like to know the $ amount, why it’s necessary, and what it’s supposed to cover. I’ll consider my response from there.
Thank you!
Status: Follow up -
January 31, 2024 3:37 pm
5 months ago
from: City Clerk <[email protected]>
to: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
date: Jan 31, 2024, 3:37 PM
subject: RE: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceI apologize,
I meant to include the information on the same email.
There is approximately 460 pages to the report. We will have to charge for the copies. I understand that you do not wish to pay for the pages and do not want to pay for our IT to create a file.
Thank you,
Donna Strickland, CMC, NCCMC, NCCTC
City Clerk
910-470-4488 Cell
910-655-3110 ext. 1
Status: Clarification Provided -
January 31, 2024 11:19 am
5 months ago
from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: City Clerk <[email protected]>
date: Jan 31, 2024, 11:19 AM
subject: Re: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceHi Donna,
Thanks for sharing that information.
My request called for the following:
A. I acknowledge that on 11/20/23 you completed a similar request for me in which I had asked for “all GPS activity data for all City of Northwest, NC vehicles that were used on Saturday, August 26, 2023”. However, the new request I am making below is different, and it covers a larger period of time:
Please provide all GPS activity data for all City of Northwest Police vehicles driven by any Full-Time Officers, during the period of January 01, 2023 through the present day (on the date that the query is performed).
B. If such a record exists – Please provide the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to any City of Northwest Police Department vehicles, during the period of January 01, 2022 through the present day (on the date the query is performed).
To clarify. I am not asking for personal info about officers, license numbers, dates, times, locations etc.
Your response above seems to satisfy item # B. from my request. Thank you!
Can you please let me know about item # A?
Thank you for your help!
Status: Clarification Requested -
January 31, 2024 9:40 am
5 months ago
from: City Clerk <[email protected]>
to: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
date: Jan 31, 2024, 9:40 AM
subject: RE: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceThank you for your interest in the City of Northwest,
Police vehicle wrecks:
2014 Dodge Charger – PT Officer went through median and front bumper and front-end damage.
2014 Dodge Charger – Full Time Officer – Hit a bear.
Donna Strickland, CMC, NCCMC, NCCTC
City Clerk
910-470-4488 Cell
910-655-3110 ext. 1
Status: Response Received from Government -
January 30, 2024 5:05 pm
5 months ago
from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: Finance Clerk <[email protected]>
cc: James Knox <[email protected]>, Gwen Spicer <[email protected]>, [email protected]
date: Jan 30, 2024, 5:05 PM
subject: Re: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceGood evening Donna, Gwen, Mayor,
I hope you’re having a good week so far!
I submitted the following public records request to your offices on December 12th:
from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: Finance Clerk <[email protected]>
cc: James Knox <[email protected]>, Gwen Spicer <[email protected]>, [email protected]
date: Dec 12, 2023, 2:40 PM
subject: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to Police Dept. vehicles 01/01/2022 – present.The last update I received was from Donna on December 27th: “I have received your request. I will not have anyone available to begin pulling the information until January 10th. I will send it as soon as it is gathered.”
Now that some time has passed, I’m just following up to ask if you’re able to provide an anticipated date for the completion of my request?
I’ll check in again in another week or so, if I don’t hear anything else before then.
Thank you for your help!
~ The Sunshine Request Team
Status: Follow up -
December 27, 2023 4:51 pm
6 months ago
from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: City Clerk <[email protected]>
date: Dec 27, 2023, 4:51 PM
subject: Re: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceHi Donna,
Thank you very much for the update!
I’ll check in with you again around mid to late January, if I don’t hear anything else before then.
Have a great evening!
~ The Sunshine Request Team
Status: Government Processing Request -
December 27, 2023 2:15 pm
6 months ago
from: City Clerk <[email protected]>
to: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
date: Dec 27, 2023, 2:15 PM
subject: RE: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to PoliceI have received your request. I will not have anyone available to begin pulling the information until January 10th. I will send it as soon as it is gathered.
Warmest regards,
Donna Strickland, CMC, NCCMC, NCCTC
City Clerk
910-470-4488 Cell
910-655-3110 ext. 1
Status: Government Processing Request -
December 12, 2023 2:40 pm
6 months ago
from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: Finance Clerk <[email protected]>
cc: James Knox <[email protected]>, Gwen Spicer <[email protected]>, [email protected]
date: Dec 12, 2023, 2:40 PM
subject: Public Records Request. (December 2023) City of Northwest, NC Government: Multi-part request. GPS activity data for all Full-Time Officer Police vehicles used 01/01/2023 – present. And the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to Police Dept. vehicles 01/01/2022 – present.Hi Gwen, Donna, and Mayor (or Records Officer / Custodian of Records),
Please reply promptly to the following multi-part public records request, which I’m making in accordance with NC Public Records Law. https://www.ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bychapter/chapter_132.html
** I’m simply requesting an electronic copy of an electronic record, if one exists. I’m NOT asking for the opportunity to come in person to “inspect”, nor to obtain a printed copy of, this electronic record. I’m requesting explicitly that any responsive info be provided to me via the electronic medium / electronic format (in which the copy of this record should already exist). If you are unable to fulfill any or all parts of this request, please specifically cite where a reason for denial is justified under NC Public Records Law.**
A. I acknowledge that on 11/20/23 you completed a similar request for me in which I had asked for “all GPS activity data for all City of Northwest, NC vehicles that were used on Saturday, August 26, 2023”. However, the new request I am making below is different, and it covers a larger period of time:
Please provide all GPS activity data for all City of Northwest Police vehicles driven by any Full-Time Officers, during the period of January 01, 2023 through the present day (on the date that the query is performed).
B. If such a record exists – Please provide the total number of “vehicle wrecks” that have happened to any City of Northwest Police Department vehicles, during the period of January 01, 2022 through the present day (on the date the query is performed).
To clarify. I am not asking for personal info about officers, license numbers, dates, times, locations etc.
————————————Please note that by submitting this request, I’m NOT agreeing to pay any potential fees or associated costs related to my request. If it isn’t possible to process the request without incurring fees, then please let me know the itemized potential cost and explanations for those charges upfront, and DO NOT proceed until I respond.
By Law I’m not required to provide a name or address to associate with a public records request, but in order to move things along I’d like to clarify that this request is being made by:
Sunshine Request
PO Box 17391
Asheville, NC 28816The request has been sent solely by me and my email address [email protected] . If anyone other than that email address contacts you to pursue a similar request, it did not come from me. Please do not commingle or treat that as an alteration or cancellation of my request – I intend to continue to pursue my request.
Thank you for your assistance!
** Sunshine Request (www.sunshinerequest.com) makes no claim as to the veracity of any statements or information contained in any of the requests, or public records, we receive.
Status: Sent to Government -
December 12, 2023 2:35 pm
6 months ago
Submitted to Sunshine Request
Status: Pending