OPRA request - Use of force reports 2017-2019
Dear Knowlton Township,
This is a request for public records made under OPRA and the common law right of access. I am not required to fill out an official form. Please acknowledge receipt of this message.
Records requested:
All use of force reports completed by the police department from January 1st 2017 to December 31st, 2019.
Yours faithfully,
Eric K.
Good Morning
I am in receipt of your request for various documents “All use of force reports completed by the police department from January 1st 2017 to December 31st, 2019.” Knowlton Township does not have its own police department and utilizes the New Jersey State Police. Therefore, Knowlton Township is not the Custodian of Records for the requested police records. The New Jersey State Police is the custodian of records. OPRA requires that you submit your request to the appropriate and designated custodian of records. The New Jersey Government Records Council (GRC) has recognized that separate records custodians can be designated for different municipal and state departments. Neff v. Dep’t of Law and Public Safety, Complaint No. 2005-101 (Oct. 7, 2005). In this case the State Police are designated as the custodian of records for the records you are requesting. The Township does not keep or maintain such records. As I stated previously, you can contact the New Jersey State Police Hope Barracks directly ((908) 459-5098). Additionally, the New Jersey State Police have a designated records custodian, who can be reached by calling 609-882-2000 ext. 6585. Alternatively, you may submit an OPRA request online.
I will mark this OPRA request closed.
Thank you
Kristin
Kristin Shipps, RMC, CMR
Knowlton Township