FOIFT, Author at Freedom of Information Foundation Texas

Austin man acquitted in misdemeanor case stemming from photographing police

FOIFT2014-10-30T13:34:10-05:00

By Jazmine Ulloa Austin American-Statesman Originally published Oct. 29, 2014 In likely the most hotly contested misdemeanor trial in Austin’s recent history, a panel of five city jurors on Wednesday handed activist Antonio Buehler a legal victory, deliberating nearly six hours before acquitting him of failing to comply with the order of an officer in a controversial arrest on New Year’s Day 2012. Buehler, a 37-year-old Army veteran and outspoken founder of the Peaceful Streets Project, had been facing a fine of up $500 for the offense, which stemmed from his refusal to put his arms behind his back as he [...]

Austin man acquitted in misdemeanor case stemming from photographing policeFOIFT2014-10-30T13:34:10-05:00

Lubbock police: No more blanket policy on identifying officers in shootings

FOIFT2014-10-27T15:05:50-05:00

By Gabriel Monte Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Originally published Oct. 25, 2014 In an effort to protect the safety of officers and their families, Lubbock Police Department officials are moving away from a blanket policy of identifying officers involved in a shooting. Greg Stevens, Lubbock police assistant chief, said the decision was made after asking police officials from other Texas cities about their policies regarding identifying officers. “The leading answer was: We don’t identify the officer unless there is wrongdoing on the officer’s part, and of course then they do,” he said. “And so with that, (Lubbock police) Chief (Roger) Ellis and I [...]

Lubbock police: No more blanket policy on identifying officers in shootingsFOIFT2014-10-27T15:05:50-05:00

Dallas Morning News sues DA Craig Watkins over release of documents

FOIFT2014-10-24T15:54:11-05:00

By Sarah Mervosh The Dallas Morning News Originally published Oct. 23, 2014 The Dallas Morning News sued Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins on Thursday in an attempt to obtain documents about how Watkins has spent public money. The newspaper asked a state district judge to order Watkins to turn over public documents after the district attorney refused to release them in the time frame outlined by state law, according to the lawsuit. Watkins’ spokeswoman, Debbie Denmon, said the district attorney’s office has received an “unusually high number” of public information requests recently and is bound by its limited resources. She [...]

Dallas Morning News sues DA Craig Watkins over release of documentsFOIFT2014-10-24T15:54:11-05:00

FOI experts share tips for smoother access to public information

FOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:44-05:00

By Kelley Shannon FOI Foundation of Texas Executive Director ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The National Freedom of Information Coalition Summit this week featured a discussion with journalists, attorneys and open government advocates on how to write better public information requests and how to overcome barriers to access. Participating panelists were Florida journalist Kris Hundley; Thomas Susman, director of governmental affairs for the American Bar Association; Shane Shifflett, developer of FOIA Machine; and Barbara Petersen, president of the First Amendment Foundation of Florida. Here's a quick look at some of their tips: -When seeking a government document in electronic format, specify that [...]

FOI experts share tips for smoother access to public informationFOIFT2022-03-31T17:08:44-05:00

Fifty groups push Obama on FOIA legislation proposed by Cornyn, Leahy

FOIFT2014-10-24T13:21:59-05:00

By Mario Trujillo The Hill Originally published Oct. 23, 2014 A coalition of 50 groups urging more government transparency called on President Obama to publicly support legislation that would reform the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process. The conglomerate — including government watchdogs, civil liberties groups and media advocacy groups — wants a commitment that a number of reforms will remain in place after the president leaves office. "Only statutory reform and your public commitment to that reform will ensure the commitments you have made last beyond your presidency," the coalition said in a letter sent Wednesday, adding that legislation would "breathe [...]

Fifty groups push Obama on FOIA legislation proposed by Cornyn, LeahyFOIFT2014-10-24T13:21:59-05:00

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