Eric-

At this time, your request requires an additional 15 days beyond the seven (7) business days to review, and if appropriate, provide the documents to fulfill your request. As you know, OPRA allows custodians to seek extensions of the time pursuant to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5(i). In addition, the statute has recently been amended to provide that the normal deadlines shall not apply, provided however, that the custodian of a governmental record shall make a reasonable effort, as the circumstances permit, to respond to a request for access to a governmental record within seven (7) business days or as soon as possible thereafter. Be advised that we are making a reasonable effort, as the circumstances permit, to review and respond to your request, which includes an extension of time as needed.

I anticipate being able to provide the records to you by July 2nd.

Dawn M. Liedtka, RMC, CMR
Waterford Township Clerk and Registrar
2131 Auburn Avenue
Atco, NJ 08004
p. 856-768-2300 ext. 221

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Dear Eric,

The Township of Waterford received your Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request May 28, 2020. As such, the seven (7) business day deadline to respond to your request was June 8, 2020. An extension was requested making the due date July 2, 2020.

The following documents are attached and are responsive to your request:
1. Use of Force Reports for 2017, 2018, and 2019 by the Waterford Township Police Department.

Please note that redactions were made when force was used based on an individual being described in the UFR as suicidal, emotionally disturbed or any other description of a purported psychological condition and/or when subject was a minor or victim of domestic violence as permitted by N.J.S.A 47:1A-1 for Privacy Interests.

If your request for access to a government record has been denied or unfilled within the seven (7) business days required by law, you have a right to challenge the decision by the Township of Waterford to deny access. At your option, you may either institute a proceeding in the Superior Court of New Jersey or file a complaint with the Government Records Council (GRC) by completing the Denial of Access Complaint Form. You may contact the GRC by toll-free telephone at 866-850-0511, by mail at P.O. Box 819, Trenton, NJ, 08625, by e-mail at [email address], or at their web site at www.state.nj.us/grc. The GRC can also answer other questions about the law. All questions regarding complaints filed in Superior Court should be directed to the Court Clerk in your County.

Respectfully,

Dawn M. Liedtka, RMC, CMR
Waterford Township Clerk and Registrar
2131 Auburn Avenue
Atco, NJ 08004
p. 856-768-2300 ext. 221

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