Anderson County Sheriff Department (Tenn.) investigation into library books
| Submitted | April 21, 2023 |
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Communications
From: Adam Steinbaugh
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Tennessee Public Records Act, I hereby request the following records:
1. Any letter, email, text message, or other correspondence concerning any complaint or investigation concerning the content of books, materials, or programs at any public library. . This includes, but is not limited to any correspondence sent to received from any County Commissioner, the County Law Director (or any Assistant Law Director), the District Attorney (or any Assistant District Attorney), and any complainant or witness to such an investigation.
2. The letter from Sheriff Barker to the County Commission (or its members) stating that: "Both books appear to have a political agenda that promotes a specific ideology related to gender and sexuality, which may be confusing or potentially harmful to young readers who are still developing their understanding of these concepts."
3. A copy of the March 29, 2023 opinion by Anderson County District Attorney General David Clark concerning library books.
4. Any complaints, incident reports, narrative reports, or other records relating to any complaint or investigation concerning the content of books, materials, or programs at any public library.
5. Any records generated or received in connection with any investigation concerning the content of books, materials, or programs at any public library. This includes any records referenced in any complaint or incident report concerning such an investigation. These records may also include photographs, video, or body camera footage generated or received during the investigation.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 7 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Kent Hoover, a citizen of Tennessee, in coordination with Adam Steinbaugh.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Tennessee Public Records Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 21, 2023. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Anderson County Sheriff
2nd Email Attempt
Good afternoon,
As the public records coordinator for Anderson County Government, please accept this email as notification that I am in receipt of a public letter received via USPS mail on 5/1/2023 dated 4/21/2023 addressed to Anderson Sheriff, TPRA Office, 101 S Main St., Ste 400, Clinton, TN.
For your convenience, I am including a link for Anderson County Government's Public Records Policy (Policy). https://andersoncountytn.gov/humanresources/public-records-request/ . Please find the County's fillable request form here<chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/viewer.html?pdfurl=https%3A%2F%2Fandersoncountytn.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F11%2FRecords-Request-Form.pdf&clen=93267&chunk=true>. Once completed, please email or fax back to me for processing.
There are a few items that are found helpful in the facilitation of your request. Please pay close attention to No. 2 and 4. Proof of TN residency must be provided for the requestor. Please make certain you complete No. 4 in full (i.e. specify if you are waiving inspection). Additionally, if you wish to place a monetary limit less than specified on page 7, VI, G of the Policy ($100), please let me know. If you prefer your request response be submitted in a specific form (i.e. electronic, paper, etc.), if applicable, please specify on No. 3 or within this email.
Sincerely,
Kim
Kim Jeffers-Whitaker, SCP
Director of Human Resource & Risk Management
Anderson County Government
100 N Main St., Room 102
Clinton, TN 37716
Main Tel 865.264.6300<tel:865.264.6300> | Direct 865.264.6330<tel:865.264.6330> | Fax 865.264.6259<tel:865.264.6259> | Cell 865.363.6321
kwhitaker@andersoncountytn.gov<mailto:kwhitaker@andersoncountytn.govorg> | Website<https://andersoncountytn.gov/humanresources/> | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/HRRMofACG/>
In every crisis, doubt or confusion, take the higher path - the path of compassion, courage ~ Amit Ray, Author
Confidentiality Note: The information contained in this e-mail transmission is privileged and confidential and is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If the reader of this message is not the recipient(s) named above or an authorized agent of such recipient(s) responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient(s), you are hereby notified that you have received this e-mail in error, and that any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this transmission (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail reply. Thank you!
From: Muckrock Staff
Hello Kim,
Please see the attached requested documents, including the public records request form [REDACTED], supplemental document and ID verification [REDACTED]. Please know that we only received one email from you thus far. I noticed that in your email, you stated that was the second email attempt. Please let us know if you experience any issues with responding or uploading documents. We would be more than happy to help!
Thank you for your assistance with this request.
Sincerely,
MuckRock Staff
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MR_144839.rtf
From: Anderson County Sheriff
Mr. Hoover,
Please find attached a formal notice for extension of time to complete your request.
Sincerely,
Kim
Kim Jeffers-Whitaker, SCP
Director of Human Resource & Risk Management
Anderson County Government
100 N Main St., Room 102
Clinton, TN 37716
Main Tel 865.264.6300<tel:865.264.6300> | Direct 865.264.6330<tel:865.264.6330> | Fax 865.264.6259<tel:865.264.6259> | Cell 865.363.6321
kwhitaker@andersoncountytn.gov<mailto:kwhitaker@andersoncountytn.govorg> | Website<https://andersoncountytn.gov/humanresources/> | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/HRRMofACG/>
In every crisis, doubt or confusion, take the higher path - the path of compassion, courage ~ Amit Ray, Author
Confidentiality Note: The information contained in this e-mail transmission is privileged and confidential and is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If the reader of this message is not the recipient(s) named above or an authorized agent of such recipient(s) responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient(s), you are hereby notified that you have received this e-mail in error, and that any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this transmission (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail reply. Thank you!
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From: Anderson County Sheriff
Mr. Hoover,
Due to the size and number of custodians of your requests, as the coordinator I have been unable to determine the exact associated fees. Yet, I am submitting the below as estimated cost subject to be modified once all documentation has been compiled and submitted.
In accordance with Policy<chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https:/andersoncountytn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Anderson-County-Public-Records-Policy.pdf> stated below and subject to your prior waiver of inspection of records, the cost associated with the electronic copies reimbursement of a thumb drive is $2.70 per drive. Additionally, the current associated cost for retrieving, redacting, etc. is $122, which is subject to increase based upon the remaining custodian’s submission of time spent compiling. If you request the thumb drive(s) be mailed to your Kingston Springs, TN address rather than retrieving in person, you are also required to cover the cost of shipping. Once the exact amount can be determined, I will notify a detailed cost amount. If electing to receive the data via United States Postal Service, we will mail the thumb drive(s) once the check payment has been received.
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This Office is moving forward with your request and will contact you on or around May 30th to discuss the process you wish to move forward with in receiving your requested documentation.
Feel free to contact me if you have further questions or concerns before then.
Sincerely,
Kim
Kim Jeffers-Whitaker, SCP
Director of Human Resource & Risk Management
Anderson County Government
100 N Main St., Room 102
Clinton, TN 37716
Main Tel 865.264.6300<tel:865.264.6300> | Direct 865.264.6330<tel:865.264.6330> | Fax 865.264.6259<tel:865.264.6259> | Cell 865.363.6321
kwhitaker@andersoncountytn.gov<mailto:kwhitaker@andersoncountytn.govorg> | Website<https://andersoncountytn.gov/humanresources/> | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/HRRMofACG/>
In every crisis, doubt or confusion, take the higher path - the path of compassion, courage ~ Amit Ray, Author
Confidentiality Note: The information contained in this e-mail transmission is privileged and confidential and is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If the reader of this message is not the recipient(s) named above or an authorized agent of such recipient(s) responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient(s), you are hereby notified that you have received this e-mail in error, and that any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this transmission (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail reply. Thank you!
From: Anderson County Sheriff
Good morning Mr. Hoover,
Please accept this email as formal notice that your request for documentation has been completed.
The associated cost for 1,044 page document is $368.64
$50.40 336 printed pages @ $0.15 per page
$2.70 thumb drive reimbursement rate
$0.84 postage reimbursement rate
$314.70 Labor: 1st hour of labor is free @ $53.43
1 hour labor @ $53.43
4 hours labor @5.27 = $21.08
3.5 hours @ $3.76 = $13.16
3 hours @ $42.08 = $126.24
1 hour @ $37.28
3 hours @ $21.17 = $63.51
Please mail a check to the address below at my attention. Once received, the thumb drive will be mailed to your home address on file.
Sincerely,
Kim
Kim Jeffers-Whitaker, SCP
Director of Human Resource & Risk Management
Anderson County Government
100 N Main St., Room 102
Clinton, TN 37716
Main Tel 865.264.6300<tel:865.264.6300> | Direct 865.264.6330<tel:865.264.6330> | Fax 865.264.6259<tel:865.264.6259>
kwhitaker@andersoncountytn.gov<mailto:kwhitaker@andersoncountytn.govorg> | Website<https://andersoncountytn.gov/humanresources/> | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/HRRMofACG/>
In every crisis, doubt or confusion, take the higher path - the path of compassion, courage ~ Amit Ray, Author
Confidentiality Note: The information contained in this e-mail transmission is privileged and confidential and is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If the reader of this message is not the recipient(s) named above or an authorized agent of such recipient(s) responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient(s), you are hereby notified that you have received this e-mail in error, and that any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this transmission (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail reply. Thank you!
From: Adam Steinbaugh
To Whom It May Concern:
Please find enclosed a check for $368.64 to satisfy the fee associated with the attached public records request.
Thank you.
From: Anderson County Sheriff
A letter stating the requester must agree to or prepay assessed or estimated fees in order for the agency to continue processing the request.
Anderson County Government
Public Records Request Coordinator
Room 102
100 N Main St.
Clinton, TN 37716
From: Anderson County Sheriff
A copy of documents responsive to the request.
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Responsive Documents
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I'm following up on the following Tennessee Public Records Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 21, 2023. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on May 30, 2023. I wanted to check on the status of my request, and to see if there was a new estimated completion date.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Anderson County Sheriff
Mr. Hoover,
Your payment was received yesterday. The thumb drive with the requested documentation will be mailed to your home address listed on your DL today. Please advise if you do not receive it by Friday of next week, 6/30/2023.
Sincerely,
Kim
Kim Jeffers-Whitaker, SCP
Director of Human Resource & Risk Management
Anderson County Government
100 N Main St., Room 102
Clinton, TN 37716
Main Tel 865.264.6300<tel:865.264.6300> | Direct 865.264.6330<tel:865.264.6330> | Fax 865.264.6259<tel:865.264.6259> | Cell 865.363.6321
kwhitaker@andersoncountytn.gov<mailto:kwhitaker@andersoncountytn.govorg> | Website<https://andersoncountytn.gov/humanresources/> | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/HRRMofACG/>
In every crisis, doubt or confusion, take the higher path - the path of compassion, courage ~ Amit Ray, Author
Confidentiality Note: The information contained in this e-mail transmission is privileged and confidential and is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If the reader of this message is not the recipient(s) named above or an authorized agent of such recipient(s) responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient(s), you are hereby notified that you have received this e-mail in error, and that any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this transmission (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail reply. Thank you!
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I'm following up on the following Tennessee Public Records Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 21, 2023. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on May 30, 2023. I wanted to check on the status of my request, and to see if there was a new estimated completion date.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Anderson County Sheriff
Good morning,
According to USPS tracking, below, the documentation as delivered on June 27, 2023 at 3:54 pm. If this is incorrect, please let me know.
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Sincerely,
Kim
Kim Jeffers-Whitaker, SCP
Pronouns: She | Her | Hers
Director of Human Resource & Risk Management
Anderson County Government
100 N Main St., Room 102
Clinton, TN 37716
Main Tel 865.264.6300<tel:865.264.6300> | Direct 865.264.6330<tel:865.264.6330> | Fax 865.264.6259<tel:865.264.6259> | Cell 865.363.6321
kwhitaker@andersoncountytn.gov<mailto:kwhitaker@andersoncountytn.govorg> | Website<https://andersoncountytn.gov/humanresources/> | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/HRRMofACG/>
In every crisis, doubt or confusion, take the higher path - the path of compassion, courage ~ Amit Ray, Author
Confidentiality Note: The information contained in this e-mail transmission is privileged and confidential and is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If the reader of this message is not the recipient(s) named above or an authorized agent of such recipient(s) responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient(s), you are hereby notified that you have received this e-mail in error, and that any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this transmission (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail reply. Thank you!
