David Cuillier, director of the Brechner Freedom of Information Project, is quoted in “Despite Marsy’s Law Ruling, TPD Won’t Release Information on Officer Involved in Shooting” published in the Tallahassee Democrat on March 15.

The article focuses on Marsy’s Law, a constitutional amendment approved by Florida voters in 2018 that grants certain rights to crime victims but cannot be used to hide the identities of law enforcement who use deadly force. However, the Tallahassee Police Department is refusing to identify officers involved in a deadly shooting.

According to Cuillier, the public’s interest in this case far outweighs the privacy interest of a police officer.

“Police officers have the power to detain, tase and ultimately kill, and with that authority comes great responsibility,” Cuillier said. “Making officer names public can bring new facts to light … that may shed light on the incident. That can save taxpayers millions in settlements and ultimately save lives. Transparency allows the public to hold our institutions accountable. It builds public trust in law enforcement that they deserve.”

Posted: March 15, 2024
Category: Brechner News
Tagged as: Brechner Freedom of Information Project, David Cuillier, Marsy's Law, Secrecy Tracker, Sunshine Week