Example Public Records Request Regarding Pedicab Laws in Boston to Police Commissioner Bill Evans
In June, 2015 I submitted Public Records Requests to the Boston Police Department in general and to specific officers, to the Boston Department of Transportation (general, specific), and to several attorneys working for/in those departments, as well as the Mayor’s office. This is a sample to show contents.
6/15/15
Commissioner William Evans
Boston Police Department
1 Shroeder Plaza
Boston, MA 02120
Dear Commissioner Evans,
This is a request under the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M. G. L. Chapter 66, Section 10). I am requesting that I be provided a copy of the following records:
-Any memos, emails, reports, regulations, or meeting minutes pertaining to the creation of the Police Department’s SO-07-062, the “Interim Pedicab Rule.”
-Any memos, emails, reports, regulations, or meeting minutes pertaining to the increase in pedicab permits from 25 to 35.
-Any memos, emails, reports, regulations, or meeting minutes pertaining to the “public process” mentioned in SO-07-062.
-Any memos, emails, reports, regulations, or meeting minutes pertaining to the fees (specifically dollar amounts) assessed for annual pedicab licensing and inspection.
-Any memos, emails, reports or meeting minutes pertaining to the safety requirements of pedicabs.
-Any memos, emails, reports or meeting minutes pertaining to the insurance requirements of pedicab operators (drivers and permit owning-companies).
-Any memos, emails, reports or meeting minutes pertaining to the employment classification expectations for pedicab drivers.
-Any memos, emails, reports or meeting minutes pertaining to the fares which pedicab drivers are allowed to charge.
-Any memos, emails, reports or meeting minutes pertaining to the wages which pedicab drivers must be paid.
-Any memos, emails, reports or meeting minutes pertaining to the advertising materials placed on the exterior of pedicabs.
-Any memos, emails, reports or meeting minutes pertaining to the rental fees pedicab leasing companies may charge their customers (pedicab drivers).
-Any memos, emails, reports or meeting minutes pertaining to the procedure for issuing new pedicab operating permits.
-Any memos, emails, reports or meeting minutes pertaining to Boston Municipal Code 16-12.39 titled “Pedicabs.” Specifically, I am seeking information which indicates whether the city utilizes Municipal Code 16-12.39 or the Police Commissioner’s Special Order SO-07-062 as the official rule on pedicabs.
(Please note that pedicab is hyphenated to “pedi-cab” in some city records).
I recognize that you may charge reasonable costs for copies, as well as for personnel time needed to comply with this request. If you expect costs to exceed $10.00, please provide a detailed fee estimate.
The Public Records Law requires you to provide me with a written response within 10 calendar days. If you cannot comply with my request, you are statutorily required to provide an explanation in writing.
Sincerely,
Ryan XXX