More karma. As you know I am sort of an expert about public disclosure laws and the union fighting this law is another example of their wasteful spending of union dues. Keep in mind I was the president of two separate police unions. I know the game. The public agency that retains the public records cannot impose "conditions" on the release of public records. If they want that, then go to legislature and attempt to change the law, but you will fail and waste more money. Consider the stop sign or street sign by your house, they are in place as safety for the public to be viewed by the public, just like the public records laws. Should we impose a condition on viewing stop signs, so certain people can view them and others cannot?
A similar incident just occurred with a county prosecutor's office. They were in possession of records pertaining to disciplinary records related to alleged dishonesty that had never been sustained. Criminal defense wanted to see these public records; however, the records purpose was to attempt to terminate officers. Their purpose was not to be used in criminal court, right? That's just crazy talk. Prosecutor's office wanted criminal defense to sign a condition of release for that imposed restrictions on what defense could do with the public records. Criminal defense threatened to sue under the Public Records Act claiming a violation of PRA. Prosecutor's office knew all along they had no legal or standing to demand such and would lose a costly law suit with attorney's fee reimbursed to plaintiff.
