Police Data Collection Request (2021)

To whom it may concern,
I am writing to let you know that we have received your request and we are doing our best to pull the information together and get it to you as soon as possible. Please understand that there is a large amount of material that will have to be scrutinized and possibly redacted and this may take longer that the 10 business days as stipulated in the Public Records Law.
We are working on it and will get it to you as soon as we can.
Best Regards,

Captain James Flynn

Lynn Police Department

300 Washington St Lynn Ma

781 477-4307

jflynn@lynnpolice.org

Thank you for your inquiry. Please see the attached document and answers to your questions listed below.

Lynn Police Department
PRL Office
300 Washington Street
Lynn, MA 01902-4718

October 5, 2022

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, I hereby request the following records:

1. the total number of use of force incidents, separated by type of force and year used in 2021 (for example, information that specifies the number of taser incidents in 2021, baton incidents in 2021, etc.)

Please see the attached document for a breakdown of Use of Force incidents for 2021. This breakdown also includes a comparison from 2015 through 2021.

2. the total number of civilian complaints alleging any form of law enforcement misconduct that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.

In 2022 we changed the way we handle civilian complaints and are now using new software. Prior to January of 22, all complaints were entered into the division daily reports. I do not have an exact number of all complaints recorded in such a manner. These were reviewed by the command staff and if further review was needed, were sent to the Internal Affairs Department. As a matter of policy any civilian who wished to make a formal complaint was given the opportunity to fill out a civilian complaint form. There were five such forms filled out in 2021.

3. the total number of civilian complaints alleging law enforcement use of excessive force that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.

One of the five complaints mentioned above initially alleged excessive force but was later withdrawn by the complainant.

4. the total number of civilian complaints alleging biased policing or racial profiling that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.

One of the written complaints alleged bias policing. This complaint was not sustained.

5. the total number of civilian complaints alleging criminal conduct that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.

There were eight instances of alleged criminal conduct which were all sustained. Four officers resigned, two were terminated and there were two suspensions.

6. the total number of officer involved shootings in 2021, both fatal and non-fatal.

None

When available, I would appreciate being sent individualized data for each item in this request in spreadsheet format. If individualized data are unavailable, please send information that includes aggregate statistics for the item instead.

Note that my requests for civilian complaints are specifically for civilian complaints alleging police misconduct, please do not include complaints filed by one officer/the department against another officer.

I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as we believe this request is in the public interest, as suggested but not stipulated by the recommendations of the Massachusetts Supervisor of Public Records. The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com, processed by a representative of the news media/press and is made in the process of news gathering and not for commercial usage.

I expect the request to be filled in an accessible format, including for screen readers, which provide text-to-speech for persons unable to read print. Files that are not accessible to screen readers include, for example, .pdf image files as well as physical documents.

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 10 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Samuel Sinyangwe

View request history, upload responsive documents, and report problems here:
https://www.muckrock.com/

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DEPT MR 134791
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Boston, MA 02115

PLEASE NOTE: This request is not filed by a MuckRock staff member, but is being sent through MuckRock by the above in order to better track, share, and manage public records requests. Also note that improperly addressed (i.e., with the requester's name rather than "MuckRock News" and the department number) requests might be returned as undeliverable.
Best Regards,

Captain James Flynn

Lynn Police Department

300 Washington St Lynn Ma

781 477-4307

jflynn@lynnpolice.org