Thread by @andrewqmr

The city of Boston is illegally stonewalling my request for documents related to #OperationCleanSweep. A quick thread: #mapoli #FOIA

Normally a records custodian must provide public records within 15 business days. If they can't, they can take up to 25 business days, but **still must provide a written explanation within 10**. #mapoli #FOIA

The written response, among other things, must clearly explain the reason for the delay. #mapoli #FOIA

The city of Boston says it will delay production of records until up to 25 business days. As you can see from the city's response, no specific reason was given for the delay—just "The Department needs additional time"—which makes the delay unlawful. #FOIA #mapoli

The response was written by Shawn Williams—who is the former Supervisor of Public Records! Clearly Williams understands that what he is doing violates the law. #FOIA #mapoli

I have already filed an appeal with the current Supervisor of Public Records, which might get me the records a little faster, but probably not. #mapoli #FOIA

At the very least, the city should no longer be able to charge any fees for these #OperationCleanSweep records since it failed to provide me with a legally valid response to my request. Always fight #FOIA fees in Mass. if you do not get a valid response. #mapoli

In any case, it seems the city wants to keep these #OperationCleanSweep records out of the public eye for as long as possible. I will post them when the city finally provides them to me. #FOIA #mapoli

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