Boston police agree to eliminate public records backlog within 6 months, settling lawsuit

posted in: City, Why We Need Reform | 0

Boston Police HeadquartersCRAIG F. WALKER/GLOBE STAFF

In a settlement with Lawyers for Civil Rights, the Boston Police Department has agreed to clear out its public records backlog within the next six months, a victory for those who have at times waited months to receive requests from the department.

As part of the agreement, which was signed earlier this month and announced Thursday, Boston police also agreed to submit proof to the Lawyers for Civil Rights and Suffolk Superior Court that the backlog is cleared.

“People don’t see public records as being connected to police reform, but it’s the one thing that normal people can access in a simple and easy way that can lead to real transparency and accountability,” said Sophia Hall, deputy litigation director for Lawyers for Civil Rights.