Boston’s Public Records team expanded

Today, Mayor Kim Janey announced new staff positions dedicated to responding to public records requests. With roles added in both the City’s Law Department and in the Boston Police Department, this move will increase the number of staff members dedicated solely to public records transparency.  

“I strongly believe that public transparency is the foundation for building public trust and ensuring public accountability,” said Mayor Janey. “Upholding the public records law is a critical way that we deliver a more transparent City government. Too often, it takes too long to review and respond to public records requests. This investment in public records staff will help the City responsibility respond to requests in a more timely manner.”

Currently, the Law Department has two staff solely dedicated to responding to public records requests, in addition to one vacancy. Within the Boston Police Department, responding to public records requests is a shared responsibility across several staff members who also have other portfolios. Through this investment, an additional staff person will be added to the Public Records Division within the City’s Law Department and its current vacancy will be filled; in addition, a new staff person will be added within the Boston Police Department to focus entirely on responding to public records requests.  

Over the course of this calendar year, the City of Boston has received over 3,000 formal public records requests, and fulfilled more than 80% of them.