STATEHOUSE – Senate Bill (SB) 369, which addresses public safety records, passed out of the House yesterday with a unanimous vote. State Representative Randy Frye (R-Greensburg) sponsored the measure. SB 369 allows law enforcement agencies to withhold the disclosure of certain criminal intelligence records. If the disclosure of those records poses a threat to public safety, law enforcement agencies may opt not to release the information. “Sometimes disclosing criminal intelligence records can pose a threat to public safety,” said Rep. Frye. “For instance, if a police department is studying drug trafficking, they would not want members of a drug cartel to find out about the law enforcement’s study.” To ensure that the power to withhold information is not abused, the bill also provides for an appeal process. Also, if someone is denied access to records, they will now receive the name and position of the person responsible for withholding the records. “It is important to protect the sensitivity of intelligence records,” said Rep. Frye. “However, we were careful to provide safeguards against the possibility of corruption or abuse of the system.” The Indiana State Police Department and the Hoosier State Press Association are in support of this legislation. Due to amendments, SB 369 will be returned to the Senate. -30- Rep. Frye (R-Greensburg) represents Ohio and Switzerland counties, as well as portions of Ripley, Decatur, Jennings, Jefferson and Dearborn counties |
