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:

ATTENTION: CUSTODIAN OF RECORDS OPRA REQUEST

THE CITY OF PATERSON:
THE PATERSON CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
PASSAIC COUNTY, NEW JERSEY

DEPARTMENT OF LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY
OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL RECORDS CUSTODIAN

TO:
* THE CITY CLERK,
* RECORDS CUSTODIAN (DPLS-OAG),

I trust this correspondence finds you well. I am writing to formally request access to any and all internal affairs investigative reports concerning Chief Engelbert Ribeiro of the Paterson Police Department. If we cannot access all records we specifically request any internal affairs reports concerning the Chief from November 15th, 2023 under the guidance in Riveria v. Union County Prosecutor’s Office. (The asking of both all internal affairs documents and then the specific internal affairs investigative file for November 15, 2023 constitutes two separate line items within this OPRA)

This request is made pursuant to the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) and the common law right of access, I am not required to fill out an official form.

The specific incident prompting this request occurred on November 15th, 2023, when Chief Ribeiro was contacted by Internal Affairs. Given the substantial local and national news coverage of this matter, it has garnered significant attention, elevating its importance within the public domain.

As demonstrated in extensive media coverage, this case holds immense significance both locally and nationally, making it imperative to access information related to Chief Ribeiro's interaction with Internal Affairs. This request seeks the disclosure of any and all internal affairs reports regarding the Chief, or any existing internal affairs reports concerning Chief Ribeiro for the specified incident, aligning with recent legal precedents, particularly the New Jersey Supreme Court's decision in Rivera v. Union County Prosecutor’s Office. The court emphasized the paramount importance of transparency when public interest outweighs confidentiality concerns, articulating key considerations such as the nature and seriousness of misconduct, substantiation of allegations, disciplinary actions, the official's position, and the individual's record of misconduct.

The comprehensive news coverage surrounding Chief Ribeiro's situation underscores the profound public interest in this matter. It is crucial to underscore that this request is not grounded in personal or frivolous motivations but seeks to address broader public concerns and uphold principles of transparency and accountability within law enforcement.

In accordance with the legal framework established in Rivera v. Union County Prosecutor’s Office, we assert that the public interest in this matter is substantial and necessitates the disclosure of internal affairs reports on Chief Engelbert Ribeiro. To ensure compliance with legal standards, we trust that any necessary redactions will be applied judiciously. This framework has been applied in other cases such as Chief Joshua Moline of the former Woodbury Heights PD.

We appreciate your attention to this request, recognizing its legal and public significance. Your timely response to this matter is of utmost importance to maintain transparency and uphold public trust in law enforcement.

It is imperative to note that we are available solely for e-mail correspondence regarding this matter. This stipulation ensures streamlined and efficient communication, aligned with the exigencies of these requests and the nuances inherent in matters of public interest.

Since it is possible, I am requesting records containing personal information, under the penalty of N.J.S.A. 2C:28-3, I certify that I HAVE NOT been convicted of any indictable offense under the laws of New Jersey, any other state, or the United States.

Sincerely,

The Team @ FratLawzOPRA
[email address]