To the Editor:
With regards to the story “Survey Grades Westport Police ‘F’ on FOI Compliance” (WestportNow, March 19, 2013), we have conducted an investigation as to what may have occurred. It appears that our emergency dispatchers were approached by someone during a busy time asking for an arrest log. Our dispatcher told them to wait until they could clear the emergency calls. The requester did not wait.
Our records system is computerized and an arrest log must be generated from our computer system. It is not a hard copy written log. Our records clerks were not approached and asked for this information. Had our clerks been approached they would have been able to obtain it for the requester. Our clerks and personnel receive FOIA training and we take our responsibility of complying with the law seriously.
As you pointed out in your story “The newspaper’s F grade to Westport came despite frequent distribution –- usually weekly but often several times a week—to local media of a complete list of all arrests, including motor vehicle infractions, with additional details provided in a synopsis of all criminal arrests.” We appreciate you pointing this out in your story. We make every effort to cooperate with the media and the public in providing information as required by FOIA. Our daily arrest log is available by e-mail to those who request it.
Thank you.
Capt. John A. Calka
Staff Commander
Westport Police Department
The State needs to rationalize it’s taxing system. It also needs to take into account the systemic over spending that exceeds the tax revenues. The wealthy should pay their fair share but the keep in mind the wealthy are the ones who have the most financial flexibility and will vote with their feet and move to another state. They will move if they are over taxed on their income generation or estate taxes.
I also called the reporter, and then interviewed the analyst who visited the Westport Police Department. He confirmed that he spent no more than 45 seconds in the lobby before he left.
We are grateful for our police department’s dedication to Westport residents.
Avi Kaner
Second Selectman