PaFOIC

Denied: Transcripts of 911 calls

Denied: A request for a copy of transcripts of 911 calls, which are specifically exempt from release under the Right to Know Law.
From the Pennsylvania Freedom of Information Coalition

Denied:
A request for a copy of transcripts of 911 calls, which are specifically exempt from release under the Right to Know Law.

The Office of Open Records noted that while the law allows for an exception where the agency or court determines that the public interest outweighs the interest in nondisclosure, the requester pointed to no such agency or court determination in support of his request for the transcripts. Further, it said, the discretion to release such a record for public policy reasons rests with the agency:

"It the agency chooses to exercise its discretion to release this report, it has authority under the law to do that. Otherwise, however, the local agency is permitted to withhold release of this record."

Coyne vs. Lackawanna County -- AP 2009-0079