In Minot, an investigation into the local police department has sparked new legislation that could limit public access to performance records. Following severe allegations of misconduct and a chaotic probe that led to the job loss of the police chief, city leaders are now targeting North Dakota’s open records laws. Senators have proposed a bill, Senate Bill 2350, that would make internal investigation records less accessible, raising concerns about accountability and transparency in government operations. A hearing is scheduled for February 13.
Rob Port with Inforum has the news and comments on the bill and its impacts which are ones he’s well acquainted with going back in Minot’s recent history. Bill details can be found below.
SB 2350
A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact section 44-04-18.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to an exemption from open records for employee performance and discipline records contained in personnel records.
House Sponsors: Fisher (R, District 5), D. Johnston (R, District 24), Louser (R, District 5),
Senate Sponsors: Paulson (R, District 3), Burckhard (R, District 5), Castaneda (R, District 40),
This is ridiculous.The police department is acting like a bunch of whiny high school kids.And the end result is that they don’t have to be accountable for their behavior.And they lost an amazing police chief who had been with the force for thirty years.Instead of apologizing for their wicked behavior.Now they want to close public records.Typical behaviour for Minot.I hope they get a new chief in there that is ten times tougher than Klug was.Hiding records encourages abuse of powers,negligence,secrecy. This is not the answer.In my opinion they should have someone from the state level watching over them instead of Minots corrupt city council!!