Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas

Concerns raised about accessibility of police body cam footage

2016-02-08T14:34:53-06:00

By St. John-Barned Smith Houston Chronicle Originally published Feb. 7, 2016 Months after statewide body camera legislation took effect and the Houston Police Department outlined its policies regarding the devices, local criminal justice watchdogs worry that some video from high-profile incidents may never see the light of day. At issue, they say, are provisions in the law that could stymie requests for camera footage, privacy protections, and local departmental reluctance to release information. When the Legislature passed SB 158 last year - easily in the House and with some opposition in the Senate - it was touted as a way to [...]

Concerns raised about accessibility of police body cam footage2016-02-08T14:34:53-06:00

Questions raised in sex assault case as Bexar sheriff refuses to release basic report

2016-01-19T19:11:51-06:00

By Brian Chasnoff Metro Columnist San Antonio Express-News Originally published Jan. 18, 2016 Last month, Bexar County Sheriff Susan Pamerleau seemed to acknowledge the role the media can play in cases of potential officer misconduct. Previously, her office had refused to release to the media even a basic incident report of a fatal deputy-involved shooting. That day, after a grand jury declined to indict two deputies in the shooting of Gilbert Flores, Pamerleau told a roomful of reporters that “times have changed … and going forward, we may make different decisions on information, on whether it’s releasable or not.” The times, [...]

Questions raised in sex assault case as Bexar sheriff refuses to release basic report2016-01-19T19:11:51-06:00

Denton City Council repeals ordinance after allegation it violated free speech

2015-12-17T14:40:29-06:00

By Jenna Duncan Denton Record-Chronicle Originally published Dec. 15, 2015 The Denton City Council voted unanimously to repeal a nearly 10-year-old ordinance stating that council members who spoke about closed session items outside of the session could face criminal charges. While the agenda said the council would consider amending the ordinance to remove any criminal penalties, council member Kevin Roden moved to take the ordinance off the books altogether. He pressed City Attorney Anita Burgess to explain there are strict laws in place at the state level to ensure ethical behavior of elected officials, and harsher punishments for those who don’t [...]

Denton City Council repeals ordinance after allegation it violated free speech2015-12-17T14:40:29-06:00

HCC board hired lawyer without vote

2015-12-15T14:05:53-06:00

By Benjamin Wermund Houston Chronicle Originally published Dec. 14, 2015 As conflict roiled the upper reaches of Houston Community College early last year, the institution's board chairman, Neeta Sane, told her fellow trustees during a closed-door session that they needed to hire an outside lawyer to negotiate a contract for an incoming chancellor. The attorney, Vidal Martinez, would come to do much more and earn a total of $200,463 in legal fees working both for the board and, later, HCC's administration - though no vote or discussion of Sane's decision to hire him ever took place in public. In addition to [...]

HCC board hired lawyer without vote2015-12-15T14:05:53-06:00

Protect free speech, open government in Texas by donating today

2015-12-01T16:46:34-06:00

Today is Giving Tuesday, a special day for giving back to your community by contributing to non-profits that work for the public good. The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas is one of these organizations. Please consider contributing today to protect First Amendment rights and open government. The FOI Foundation of Texas was formed in 1978 and has worked continuously for the public's right to know. Funding for our 501(c)(3) comes from grants and contributions by companies and individuals. Any level of giving is appreciated. Contributions are tax-deductible. For more information visit our website's Donation page. Thanks to everyone who takes [...]

Protect free speech, open government in Texas by donating today2015-12-01T16:46:34-06:00

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