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New England First Amendment Coalition

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October 2024

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Rhode Island

NEFAC, R.I. Open Government Groups Renew Call for Police Body Camera Policy Changes

Policy changes recommended by the groups include:

• Faster uploading of video by officers after their shift.
• Better documentation and explanations for any interruption in camera footage.
• Random audits of officer recordings and adherence to department policies.
• Increased transparency requirements when footage captures an incident where deadly force is used by an officer.

“By providing the means for greater transparency and accountability in police work, the implementation of police body-worn cameras serves as an important oversight tool for both law enforcement and the public,” the groups wrote to the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety.

▶ Read Letter to Rhode Island Dept. of Public Safety

▶ View NEFAC's Previous Testimony on Body Camera Policies

Massachusetts

NEFAC Recommends Steps to Improve Access to Inoperable, Overused Public Court Kiosks

Online access to court records in the state is significantly limited for most members of the public. Courthouse kiosks are typically the only meaningful way to research cases.

“Due to a combination of out-of-service kiosks and individuals using kiosks for an unreasonable amount of time, public access can frequently be denied,” wrote the coalition to the state’s Office of the Trial Court.

“This is a major concern given that many court records, such as documents in criminal cases, cannot be thoroughly researched remotely but must instead be searched for through these kiosks.”

▶ Read Letter to Office of the Trial Court

Rhode Island

Coalition Offers Guidance on Plans to Upgrade Online Court Records System

The state judiciary plans to begin making court records accessible online to all members of the public next spring. The platform re:Search by Tyler Technologies reportedly will be used.

“Members of the public and organizations like ours can share important guidance on how the new system could be successfully launched and done so in a way that maximizes transparency," NEFAC and partner organizations wrote to court officials.

In their letter, they listed examples of complications reported by users of the software in other states. They include policies that unduly restrict access to certain public information court officials deem too sensitive to make available online and search function limitations that make it impossible to find relevant records.

▶ Read Letter to Rhode Island Judiciary