Request for Bodycam footage(FOIA)
Dear Merchantville Borough,
Under the authority granted by the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq.), I am formally requesting the release of the below-mentioned body-worn camera and dashcam footage pertaining to the specific incident outlined below:
Incident Case Number: 2023-11633
Officer Name & Badge Number:
1. Officers Tomas Whalen[#61] = bodycam
2. Officer Joseph Clark = bodycam
3. Sgt Nurthern = bodycam
This request encompasses unedited footage from the above-mentioned officer's body-worn cameras and patrol vehicle dashcams involved in the referenced incident.
In compliance with the New Jersey OPRA, I expect a response to this request within seven business days as stipulated by state law. Failure to meet this deadline will result in my seeking judicial relief to enforce compliance under the statute.
Please inform me of any fees associated with the processing of this request prior to proceeding. The timely and unimpeded access to these records is essential for maintaining public transparency and upholding New Jersey's statutory requirements.
Should there be any need for clarification or further details regarding this request, please contact me directly without delay.
I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Pamelina Manna
Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2025 12:52 PM
Subject: RE: OPRA request - Request for Bodycam footage(FOIA)
Mrs. Brouse,
We would like to request an extension for this OPRA request. The administrator who prepares the video and marks them for redaction is out of the office until next week. Upon his return he would need to analyze the footage and determine what, if any, redactions need to be made. Additionally, we would need to assess what fees would be required and receive partial payment prior to proceeding. I believe we should have information for you by the middle of next week regarding fees and should be able to have the disc completed by the week of May 12th. Additionally we do not have the technology in place to send these BWC requests electronically. They would need to be picked up or sent via USPS at the expense of the requestor.
Chief Richard J. Grassia
Merchantville Police Department
1 West Maple Avenue
Merchantville, NJ 08109
E-MAIL Confidentiality Statement:
The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, discussion or other use of, or taking any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you receive this in error, please contact the sender and delete this material from any computer.
Dear Pamelina,
Please see the email correspondence below from the police department regarding your OPRA request.
Let me know how you want to proceed with this request.
Denise L. Brouse
Borough Clerk, QPA, Registrar
O: 856.662.2474 ext. 303
F: 856.662.0461
1 West Maple Ave
Merchantville, NJ 08109
Subject: RE: OPRA request - Request for Bodycam footage(FOIA)
A review of the below OPRA request was conducted and the fees due, per borough ordinance
25-02 Article I SECTION E, are as follows.
The total fee required will be $150.00. Prior to beginning the review, redactions and completion half that fee is required up front. Once the initial payment of $75.00 is received please let us know and we will proceed. Once completed the second $75.00 will be due. Please advise the requestor again that we do not have the technology to email a video. The disc will need to be picked up or mailed.
Merchantville Police Department
Subject: RE: OPRA request - Request for Bodycam footage(FOIA)
Mrs. Brouse,
We would like to request an extension for this OPRA request. The administrator who prepares the video and marks them for redaction is out of the office until next week. Upon his return he would need to analyze the footage and determine what, if any, redactions need to be made. Additionally, we would need to assess what fees would be required and receive partial payment prior to proceeding. I believe we should have information for you by the middle of next week regarding fees and should be able to have the disc completed by the week of May 12th. Additionally we do not have the technology in place to send these BWC requests electronically. They would need to be picked up or sent via USPS at the expense of the requestor.
Merchantville Police Department
E-MAIL Confidentiality Statement:
The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, discussion or other use of, or taking any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you receive this in error, please contact the sender and delete this material from any computer.
Hello Pamelina,
I sent an email on May 14th and have not received a response from my question.
If I do not receive a response from you by the end of the week, May 23rd, I will consider this OPRA request closed.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Denise L. Brouse
Borough Clerk, QPA, Registrar
O: 856.662.2474 ext. 303
F: 856.662.0461
1 West Maple Ave
Merchantville, NJ 08109