A word change in the state's Open Records law may mean police can't withhold incident reports just because no one was arrested. That's a plus for the public which has been denied information in the past.
For years, police have interpreted the law to allow them to withhold incident reports from the public and the press because no one was arrested.
The change took effect Nov. 1. State law requires release of all documents unless an exemption applies. Law enforcement tend to work in the opposite direction. Documents are withheld unless specifically identified as being open.
The big chill on any police records is the "ongoing investigation" tag. Law enforcement tends to label anything they don't want released as an "ongoing investigation" and keep it sealed. They also delay arrests to keep from releasing an initial incident report.
Oddly enough, the change came about to provide more information to consumers. State Rep. John Carey, D-Durant, authored legislation that would open the records.
Mr. Carey said homeowners have the right to learn whether the property they are about to purchase has been the subject of multiple calls for police service, or whether a meth lab just moved out of the premises.
Whatever the motivation, we appreciate the extra work to keep records open. A little sunshine is always good for public agencies.
