Talitha Consultants report on policing

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Vermont Public Records Act, I hereby request a copy of the recent report from Talitha Consultants, described in the VTDigger article "Consulting firm’s assessment of Burlington Police has major omissions and errors, analyst says" (https://vtdigger.org/2021/08/04/consulting-firms-assessment-of-burlington-police-has-major-omissions-and-errors-analyst-says/).

The article mentions that the city is not planning to release the report publicly, because "the city is attempting to organize the disaggregated data by identity group that the firm provided in a raw format. Releasing it as is would not be easily understandable to the public," instead planning to release an executive summary of the report next week. I am requesting the original report from Talitha, not the work-in-progress executive summary.

If the city intends not to publish the report openly, that is their choice. However, the document is a record subject to the Vermont Public Records Act, and I am requesting a copy under that law.

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 3 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,
Brian Waters

Thanks Sara!

Brian Waters