Frank LoMonte, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information director, is quoted in “Audit Finds DC 911 Center Failed US Standards” published in Communications Daily on Oct. 20.

The news report focuses on inconsistent emergency call handling and other difficulties at the District of Columbia’s 911 center. Local officials want a review of the records and want corrective action. The Districts’ Office of United Communications was initially fully responsive to Communications Daily’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. But after the publication’s report on the 911 issues, the agency stopped responding to most of their FOIA requests.

“That a requester might use documents to unflatteringly portray an agency isn’t a good reason to subsequently decline to release records,” said LoMonte, “’Image maintenance’ isn’t a good reason to keep documents private.”

“’Either prompt production of the records or some prompt explanation of why you can’t have prompt production of such records’ is generally what’s required of government,” he said.

“’Records of 911 communications are not exempt’ from being publicized under D.C. law, unless it deals with an ongoing investigation,” he noted. “There is not a categorical exclusion for 911 recordings under D.C. law nor in most states. The presumption would be that these records are public.”

Posted: November 1, 2021
Category: Brechner Center, College News
Tagged as: Brechner Center for Freedom of Information, FOIA Requests, Frank LoMonte