Sidney Mecham Case
| Tracking # |
C384715-022525 |
| Submitted | Feb. 23, 2025 |
| Est. Completion | None |
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Communications
From: Jordan Lassiter
Jordan Lassiter
February 23, 2025
FOIA Officer
Portland Police Bureau
1111 SW 2nd Ave
Portland, OR 97204
Subject: Public Records Request – Sidney Mecham Case (Closed) & Demand for Record Preservation
DISCLAIMER:
Please read this FOIA request carefully and abide by all requested points. All communications regarding this request are public and will be disclosed as appropriate.
Dear FOIA Officer,
Pursuant to the Oregon Public Records Law (ORS 192.311 – 192.478), I request access to the following records related to Sidney Mecham’s arrest, investigation, and prosecution for driving through the closed Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade on June 10, 2023. Mecham was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison, making all related law enforcement records subject to public disclosure.
I formally demand the preservation of all responsive records, including but not limited to:
• Body-worn camera footage
• Dashcam recordings
• 911 call recordings and transcripts
• Police dispatch logs
• Arrest reports and investigative files
• Internal police communications related to the case
Destroying, altering, or withholding these records without legal justification could constitute a violation of public records law and a due process violation under Chaudhry v. City of Los Angeles, 751 F.3d 1096 (9th Cir. 2014). Further, Public Citizen v. U.S. Dept. of Justice, 491 U.S. 440 (1989) reaffirms the public’s right to government transparency.
1. Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Footage
Requested Records:
• All footage from officers who responded to Sidney Mecham’s incident on June 10, 2023.
Legal Basis:
• ORS 133.741 requires law enforcement to retain and disclose BWC footage unless exempt.
• ACLU of Nevada v. City of Las Vegas, 333 F.3d 1092 (9th Cir. 2003) confirmed that police bodycam recordings are subject to public records laws.
• Reference: ORS 133.741
2. Dashcam Footage
Requested Records:
• All police vehicle dashcam recordings related to Mecham’s arrest.
Legal Basis:
• ORS 192.345(3) requires disclosure of police video records unless they interfere with an active case, which is not applicable here.
• Hayden v. City of Portland, 183 Or App 647 (2002) established mandatory disclosure of non-exempt police records.
• Reference: ORS 192.345(3)
3. 911 Call Recordings and Transcripts
Requested Records:
• All 911 call recordings and transcripts related to Mecham’s actions and arrest.
Legal Basis:
• ORS 192.345(3) states that 911 calls are public records unless an exemption applies.
• State v. Worthington, 138 Or App 104 (1995) upheld that 911 call transcripts must be disclosed unless privacy outweighs public interest.
• Reference: ORS 192.345(3)
4. Police Dispatch Audio and Transcripts
Requested Records:
• All officer-dispatch communications related to Sidney Mecham’s arrest.
Legal Basis:
• ORS 192.311 provides for the disclosure of police communication records.
• New York Times Co. v. NASA, 852 F.2d 602 (D.C. Cir. 1988) affirmed that public agencies must disclose internal communications unless an exemption applies.
• Reference: ORS 192.311
5. Arrest and Booking Reports
Requested Records:
• Complete arrest and booking reports related to Mecham’s case, including officer narratives.
Legal Basis:
• ORS 192.345(3) mandates disclosure of completed law enforcement reports.
• Afshar v. Dept. of State, 702 F.2d 1125 (D.C. Cir. 1983) held that agencies must disclose non-exempt portions of law enforcement records.
• Reference: ORS 192.345(3)
6. Investigative Case Files & Final Police Reports
Requested Records:
• All finalized investigative reports, officer statements, and internal police memos regarding the Mecham case.
Legal Basis:
• ORS 192.345(3) confirms that records in closed cases are subject to public disclosure.
• Landano v. U.S. Dept. of Justice, 508 U.S. 165 (1993) held that FBI investigative reports must be disclosed unless explicitly exempted.
• Reference: ORS 192.345(3)
7. Mugshot and Booking Photos
Requested Records:
• Any official mugshot taken of Sidney Mecham at the time of his arrest.
Legal Basis:
• ORS 192.355 allows for the disclosure of booking photos unless explicitly exempted.
• Detroit Free Press v. DOJ, 829 F.3d 478 (6th Cir. 2016) held that mugshots are public records unless there is a compelling exemption.
• Reference: ORS 192.355
Request for Fee Waiver
Pursuant to ORS 192.324(5), I request a waiver of all fees as this request serves the public interest in promoting transparency regarding law enforcement actions and public safety policies.
• Public Citizen v. Dept. of Justice, 491 U.S. 440 (1989) held that government information disclosure fosters accountability.
• Reference: ORS 192.324(5)
Preservation of Records
I formally demand that all responsive records be preserved under:
• 44 U.S.C. § 3106 (prohibiting unlawful destruction of public records).
• 5 U.S.C. § 552 (ensuring preservation of records subject to FOIA requests).
Conclusion
If this request is denied in whole or in part, please provide:
• A written explanation citing the specific FOIA exemptions invoked.
• All segregable portions of otherwise exempt material.
Please confirm receipt of this request and provide an estimated timeline for processing. If clarification is needed, I can be reached at Jordan@Lassiter.eu.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Jordan Lassiter
Investigative Journalist
Jordan@Lassiter.eu
From: Portland Police Bureau
Dear Jordan Lassiter,
Thank you for your inquiry with the Portland Police Bureau Governmental Request Portal. Your credentials have not been validated as it does not appear as though you are a governmental agency.
If you are seeking public records, please use the Portland Public Records Request Center portal to submit your request.
Thank you for your patience in awaiting this information.
From: Portland Police Bureau
Dear Jordan:
The City of Portland acknowledges receipt of your Public Records Request. Your request was received in this office on February 25, 2025 and given the reference number C384715-022525 for tracking purposes.
Record Requested: Jordan Lassiter
February 23, 2025
FOIA Officer
Portland Police Bureau
1111 SW 2nd Ave
Portland, OR 97204
Subject: Public Records Request – Sidney Mecham Case (Closed) & Demand for Record Preservation
DISCLAIMER:
Please read this FOIA request carefully and abide by all requested points. All communications regarding this request are public and will be disclosed as appropriate.
Dear FOIA Officer,
Pursuant to the Oregon Public Records Law (ORS 192.311 – 192.478), I request access to the following records related to Sidney Mecham’s arrest, investigation, and prosecution for driving through the closed Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade on June 10, 2023. Mecham was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison, making all related law enforcement records subject to public disclosure.
I formally demand the preservation of all responsive records, including but not limited to:
• Body-worn camera footage
• Dashcam recordings
• 911 call recordings and transcripts
• Police dispatch logs
• Arrest reports and investigative files
• Internal police communications related to the case
Destroying, altering, or withholding these records without legal justification could constitute a violation of public records law and a due process violation under Chaudhry v. City of Los Angeles, 751 F.3d 1096 (9th Cir. 2014). Further, Public Citizen v. U.S. Dept. of Justice, 491 U.S. 440 (1989) reaffirms the public’s right to government transparency.
1. Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Footage
Requested Records:
• All footage from officers who responded to Sidney Mecham’s incident on June 10, 2023.
Legal Basis:
• ORS 133.741 requires law enforcement to retain and disclose BWC footage unless exempt.
• ACLU of Nevada v. City of Las Vegas, 333 F.3d 1092 (9th Cir. 2003) confirmed that police bodycam recordings are subject to public records laws.
• Reference: ORS 133.741
2. Dashcam Footage
Requested Records:
• All police vehicle dashcam recordings related to Mecham’s arrest.
Legal Basis:
• ORS 192.345(3) requires disclosure of police video records unless they interfere with an active case, which is not applicable here.
• Hayden v. City of Portland, 183 Or App 647 (2002) established mandatory disclosure of non-exempt police records.
• Reference: ORS 192.345(3)
3. 911 Call Recordings and Transcripts
Requested Records:
• All 911 call recordings and transcripts related to Mecham’s actions and arrest.
Legal Basis:
• ORS 192.345(3) states that 911 calls are public records unless an exemption applies.
• State v. Worthington, 138 Or App 104 (1995) upheld that 911 call transcripts must be disclosed unless privacy outweighs public interest.
• Reference: ORS 192.345(3)
4. Police Dispatch Audio and Transcripts
Requested Records:
• All officer-dispatch communications related to Sidney Mecham’s arrest.
Legal Basis:
• ORS 192.311 provides for the disclosure of police communication records.
• New York Times Co. v. NASA, 852 F.2d 602 (D.C. Cir. 1988) affirmed that public agencies must disclose internal communications unless an exemption applies.
• Reference: ORS 192.311
5. Arrest and Booking Reports
Requested Records:
• Complete arrest and booking reports related to Mecham’s case, including officer narratives.
Legal Basis:
• ORS 192.345(3) mandates disclosure of completed law enforcement reports.
• Afshar v. Dept. of State, 702 F.2d 1125 (D.C. Cir. 1983) held that agencies must disclose non-exempt portions of law enforcement records.
• Reference: ORS 192.345(3)
6. Investigative Case Files & Final Police Reports
Requested Records:
• All finalized investigative reports, officer statements, and internal police memos regarding the Mecham case.
Legal Basis:
• ORS 192.345(3) confirms that records in closed cases are subject to public disclosure.
• Landano v. U.S. Dept. of Justice, 508 U.S. 165 (1993) held that FBI investigative reports must be disclosed unless explicitly exempted.
• Reference: ORS 192.345(3)
7. Mugshot and Booking Photos
Requested Records:
• Any official mugshot taken of Sidney Mecham at the time of his arrest.
Legal Basis:
• ORS 192.355 allows for the disclosure of booking photos unless explicitly exempted.
• Detroit Free Press v. DOJ, 829 F.3d 478 (6th Cir. 2016) held that mugshots are public records unless there is a compelling exemption.
• Reference: ORS 192.355
Request for Fee Waiver
Pursuant to ORS 192.324(5), I request a waiver of all fees as this request serves the public interest in promoting transparency regarding law enforcement actions and public safety policies.
• Public Citizen v. Dept. of Justice, 491 U.S. 440 (1989) held that government information disclosure fosters accountability.
• Reference: ORS 192.324(5)
Preservation of Records
I formally demand that all responsive records be preserved under:
• 44 U.S.C. § 3106 (prohibiting unlawful destruction of public records).
• 5 U.S.C. § 552 (ensuring preservation of records subject to FOIA requests).
Conclusion
If this request is denied in whole or in part, please provide:
• A written explanation citing the specific FOIA exemptions invoked.
• All segregable portions of otherwise exempt material.
Please confirm receipt of this request and provide an estimated timeline for processing. If clarification is needed, I can be reached at Jordan@Lassiter.eu.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Jordan Lassiter
Investigative Journalist
Jordan@Lassiter.eu
Attachments:
https://cdn.muckrock.com/outbound_composer_attachments/TheJ/152851/Fee_Waiver_Letter_copy.pdf
Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/
At this time, the City is uncertain whether it is the custodian of the requested record. The City will review your request to determine if it has responsive records. The City will then gather an estimate of the costs to provide copies of requested public records for which the City does not claim an exemption from disclosure. The City is permitted to charge its actual costs to provide records. Fees include research time to locate and analyze the requested records, even if no records are located or if the requested records are determined to be exempt from disclosure.
You can monitor the progress of your request at the link below. Thank you for using the Portland Public Records Request Center.
From: Portland Police Bureau
RE: Public Records Request#: C384715-022525
Dear Jordan Lassiter,
PAYMENT DUE
The City may be the custodian of at least some of the requested public records and a payment is due to continue processing this request. Please log into the Portland Public Records Request Center to pay these fees.
Fees include research time to locate and analyze the requested records, even if no records are located or if the requested records are determined to be exempt from disclosure. We will not be working on your request until we receive the payment.
Please log in to the Portland Public Records Request Center (copy and right click this link to open it in your browser) and make a payment on this request.
You may pay by electronic check or credit card by going to "My Public Records Request Center" and select "View My Invoices." Then scroll to find your open invoice and select "Make Payment." Follow the screen prompts to make a payment.
Mailing a check could delay the response time and it is preferable that you use the online payment portal to make an electronic payment. However, if you need to mail a check, please reply to this message and ask for the correct address. Please be sure and provide your Reference Number (C384715-022525) on your check.
Please be advised that pursuant to ORS 192.329(3)(b) and (4)(b), your public records request will be closed if payment is not received within sixty (60) days of this invoice.
Sincerely,
City of Portland Public Records Responder
*Please note that you will need to disable your pop-up blocker on your browser's settings in order to make an online payment.
*Please see this Answer for more information: A006257-010816 If you are having technical difficulties with the website, please contact the website administrator by phone or email. (503) 823-6040 or prrhelp@portlandoregon.gov
From: Portland Police Bureau
--- Please respond above this line ---
RE: Public Records Requests of February 25, 2025 Reference#C384715-022525
Dear Jordan,
This City of Portland received a Public Records Request from you on February 25, 2025 for the following:Jordan Lassiter
February 23, 2025
FOIA Officer
Portland Police Bureau
1111 SW 2nd Ave
Portland, OR 97204
Subject: Public Records Request – Sidney Mecham Case (Closed) & Demand for Record Preservation
DISCLAIMER:
Please read this FOIA request carefully and abide by all requested points. All communications regarding this request are public and will be disclosed as appropriate.
Dear FOIA Officer,
Pursuant to the Oregon Public Records Law (ORS 192.311 – 192.478), I request access to the following records related to Sidney Mecham’s arrest, investigation, and prosecution for driving through the closed Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade on June 10, 2023. Mecham was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison, making all related law enforcement records subject to public disclosure.
I formally demand the preservation of all responsive records, including but not limited to:
• Body-worn camera footage
• Dashcam recordings
• 911 call recordings and transcripts
• Police dispatch logs
• Arrest reports and investigative files
• Internal police communications related to the case
Destroying, altering, or withholding these records without legal justification could constitute a violation of public records law and a due process violation under Chaudhry v. City of Los Angeles, 751 F.3d 1096 (9th Cir. 2014). Further, Public Citizen v. U.S. Dept. of Justice, 491 U.S. 440 (1989) reaffirms the public’s right to government transparency.
1. Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Footage
Requested Records:
• All footage from officers who responded to Sidney Mecham’s incident on June 10, 2023.
Legal Basis:
• ORS 133.741 requires law enforcement to retain and disclose BWC footage unless exempt.
• ACLU of Nevada v. City of Las Vegas, 333 F.3d 1092 (9th Cir. 2003) confirmed that police bodycam recordings are subject to public records laws.
• Reference: ORS 133.741
2. Dashcam Footage
Requested Records:
• All police vehicle dashcam recordings related to Mecham’s arrest.
Legal Basis:
• ORS 192.345(3) requires disclosure of police video records unless they interfere with an active case, which is not applicable here.
• Hayden v. City of Portland, 183 Or App 647 (2002) established mandatory disclosure of non-exempt police records.
• Reference: ORS 192.345(3)
3. 911 Call Recordings and Transcripts
Requested Records:
• All 911 call recordings and transcripts related to Mecham’s actions and arrest.
Legal Basis:
• ORS 192.345(3) states that 911 calls are public records unless an exemption applies.
• State v. Worthington, 138 Or App 104 (1995) upheld that 911 call transcripts must be disclosed unless privacy outweighs public interest.
• Reference: ORS 192.345(3)
4. Police Dispatch Audio and Transcripts
Requested Records:
• All officer-dispatch communications related to Sidney Mecham’s arrest.
Legal Basis:
• ORS 192.311 provides for the disclosure of police communication records.
• New York Times Co. v. NASA, 852 F.2d 602 (D.C. Cir. 1988) affirmed that public agencies must disclose internal communications unless an exemption applies.
• Reference: ORS 192.311
5. Arrest and Booking Reports
Requested Records:
• Complete arrest and booking reports related to Mecham’s case, including officer narratives.
Legal Basis:
• ORS 192.345(3) mandates disclosure of completed law enforcement reports.
• Afshar v. Dept. of State, 702 F.2d 1125 (D.C. Cir. 1983) held that agencies must disclose non-exempt portions of law enforcement records.
• Reference: ORS 192.345(3)
6. Investigative Case Files & Final Police Reports
Requested Records:
• All finalized investigative reports, officer statements, and internal police memos regarding the Mecham case.
Legal Basis:
• ORS 192.345(3) confirms that records in closed cases are subject to public disclosure.
• Landano v. U.S. Dept. of Justice, 508 U.S. 165 (1993) held that FBI investigative reports must be disclosed unless explicitly exempted.
• Reference: ORS 192.345(3)
7. Mugshot and Booking Photos
Requested Records:
• Any official mugshot taken of Sidney Mecham at the time of his arrest.
Legal Basis:
• ORS 192.355 allows for the disclosure of booking photos unless explicitly exempted.
• Detroit Free Press v. DOJ, 829 F.3d 478 (6th Cir. 2016) held that mugshots are public records unless there is a compelling exemption.
• Reference: ORS 192.355
Request for Fee Waiver
Pursuant to ORS 192.324(5), I request a waiver of all fees as this request serves the public interest in promoting transparency regarding law enforcement actions and public safety policies.
• Public Citizen v. Dept. of Justice, 491 U.S. 440 (1989) held that government information disclosure fosters accountability.
• Reference: ORS 192.324(5)
Preservation of Records
I formally demand that all responsive records be preserved under:
• 44 U.S.C. § 3106 (prohibiting unlawful destruction of public records).
• 5 U.S.C. § 552 (ensuring preservation of records subject to FOIA requests).
Conclusion
If this request is denied in whole or in part, please provide:
• A written explanation citing the specific FOIA exemptions invoked.
• All segregable portions of otherwise exempt material.
Please confirm receipt of this request and provide an estimated timeline for processing. If clarification is needed, I can be reached at Jordan@Lassiter.eu.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Jordan Lassiter
Investigative Journalist
Jordan@Lassiter.eu
You requested a fee waiver. The City considered the information you provided and evaluated whether providing the requested records would primarily benefit the public then balanced that interest against the burden to the Police Bureau. Even if the City assumed that you articulated a public interest, the burden on the Police Bureau to research and provide the requested records outweighs the public interest. Therefore your fee waiver is denied and payment is required for the requested records.
Sincerely,
Ryan Rees
Portland Police Bureau - Digital & Public Records Unit 503-823-0756
If you are having technical difficulties with the website, please contact the website administrator by phone or email. (503) 823-6040 or prrhelp@portlandoregon.gov
From: Portland Police Bureau
--- Please respond above this line ---
RE: Public Records Requests of February 25, 2025 Reference #C384715-022525
Dear Jordan,
The City of Portland received a Public Records Request from you on February 25, 2025 for the following:
1. Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Footage
Requested Records:
• All footage from officers who responded to Sidney Mecham’s incident on June 10, 2023.
No PPB body worn camera exists for 23-152688.
2. Dashcam Footage
Requested Records:
• All police vehicle dashcam recordings related to Mecham’s arrest.
No PPB dash cam exists for 23-152688. Although there is dash video footage from the arrested vehicle that can be requested and added to an invoice.
3. 911 Call Recordings and Transcripts
Requested Records:
• All 911 call recordings and transcripts related to Mecham’s actions and arrest.
Requests related specifically to the 911 call need to be sent to Emergency Communications/911(BOEC). That can be done at this same Portland request site but directed to that bureau.
4. Police Dispatch Audio and Transcripts
Requested Records:
• All officer-dispatch communications related to Sidney Mecham’s arrest.
See #3. Any dispatch radio recordings will be through Emergency Communications.
5. Arrest and Booking Reports
Requested Records:
• Complete arrest and booking reports related to Mecham’s case, including officer narratives.
An invoice was created to show processing of an estimated 95 page police report, 23-152688.
6. Investigative Case Files & Final Police Reports
These will be included with #5 and the 95 page police report.
7. Mugshot and Booking Photos
These will need to be requested from Multnomah County Sheriff's Office. https://multco.us/services/public-records-requests
Jeff Cammack Portland Police Bureau - Digital & Public Records 503-823-0756
If you are having technical difficulties with the website, please contact the website administrator by phone or email. (503) 823-6040 or prrhelp@portlandoregon.gov
From: Jordan Lassiter
To Whom It May Concern:
Please find enclosed a check for $32.75 to satisfy the fee associated with the attached public records request.
Thank you.
From: Jordan Lassiter
To Whom It May Concern:
Please know we have started processing a check for this request fee. A check will be sent out within the next couple of days to Portland Police Bureau, Records Division, 1111 SW 2nd Avenue, Room 1126, Portland, OR 97204.
Thank you.
Portland Police Bureau
Records Division
Room 1126
1111 SW 2nd Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
From: Jordan Lassiter
Hello can you please invoice the dashcam of his arrest thank you
From: Portland Police Bureau
RE: Public Records Request#: C384715-022525
Dear Jordan Lassiter,
PAYMENT DUE
The City may be the custodian of at least some of the requested public records and a payment is due to continue processing this request. Please log into the Portland Public Records Request Center to pay these fees.
Fees include research time to locate and analyze the requested records, even if no records are located or if the requested records are determined to be exempt from disclosure. We will not be working on your request until we receive the payment.
Please log in to the Portland Public Records Request Center (copy and right click this link to open it in your browser) and make a payment on this request.
You may pay by electronic check or credit card by going to "My Public Records Request Center" and select "View My Invoices." Then scroll to find your open invoice and select "Make Payment." Follow the screen prompts to make a payment.
Mailing a check could delay the response time and it is preferable that you use the online payment portal to make an electronic payment. However, if you need to mail a check, please reply to this message and ask for the correct address. Please be sure and provide your Reference Number (C384715-022525) on your check.
Please be advised that pursuant to ORS 192.329(3)(b) and (4)(b), your public records request will be closed if payment is not received within sixty (60) days of this invoice.
Sincerely,
City of Portland Public Records Responder
*Please note that you will need to disable your pop-up blocker on your browser's settings in order to make an online payment.
*Please see this Answer for more information: A006257-010816 If you are having technical difficulties with the website, please contact the website administrator by phone or email. (503) 823-6040 or prrhelp@portlandoregon.gov
From: Jordan Lassiter
Hello a payment of $32.75 was already submitted for the original invoice I would like to confirm this is for the additional files requested
From: Portland Police Bureau
--- Please respond above this line ---
RE: Public Records Requests of February 25, 2025 Reference #C384715-022525
Dear Jordan,
No payment was made on the initial invoice so instead of requiring you to make any additional request for the report or video that we can provide, on 3/12 we modified the invoice to show a charge for the full report and video to process on this single request. A bit later you messaged that a check was being sent.
On 3/17 you messaged "Hello can you please invoice the dashcam of his arrest thank you", so since I don't see any received check yet, I cycled the current invoice that existed guessing you might pay online instead.
It was not an additional invoice on top of the first one.
The $32.75 would be for the full report and only dash video associated to the report which is from the subject's vehicle. There is no Portland Police dash video. If these aren't what is hoped for, please let me know.
Thank you. Sorry if the resending of the invoice caused confusion.
Jeff Cammack Portland Police Bureau - Digital & Public Records 503-823-0756
If you are having technical difficulties with the website, please contact the website administrator by phone or email. (503) 823-6040 or prrhelp@portlandoregon.gov
From: Portland Police Bureau
RE: Public Records Request#: C384715-022525
Dear Jordan Lassiter,
We have received your payment on invoice number INV25-C384715-2 of $ on 03/21/2025 for Request #C384715-022525. Invoice Payments
Payment Date Payment Method Payment Amount
3/21/2025 Check $32.75
Your confirmation# is INV25-C384715-2.
If you are paying the estimate or prepayment, we will place your request in the queue and it will be processed in the order it was received. Once we have gathered responsive, non-exempt documents, a final statement of the remaining balance owed will be sent to you. This amount may change from the estimate depending on how much time and labor is actually spent on your request. Full payment is required before we release the records to you.
If you are making your final payment, we will contact you once your request is fulfilled and the documents are available for you online at " My Public Records Request Center".
Sincerely,
The City of Portland
