By Lucas Uhl With protests against police brutality erupting across the nation, Massachusetts passed a law in 2020 to help prevent law enforcement misconduct in the state. The new law, among other things, established the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission. The nine-member commission is tasked with recertifying police officers to ensure that they […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition recently called for more First Amendment and open government safeguards in a police body camera policy proposed by the Rhode Island Attorney General and Dept. of Public Safety. Journalist and NEFAC Board of Directors member Tim White testified at an […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition recently testified in support of a Rhode Island bill that would make police internal affairs reports public regardless of how the investigation was initiated. Due to a 2017 decision by the Office of the Attorney General, complaints against law […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition is calling for body-worn cameras to be used consistently among police departments in Rhode Island with timely release of footage and adequate safeguards for constitutionally-protected activity. “We start from the position that the use of body-worn cameras is a […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition recently joined newsrooms throughout the country to help protect the First Amendment right to record police activity. The organizations are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to clarify for all jurisdictions that the constitutional right to record public officials in public […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition recently opposed legislation that would make secret the towns and cities of residence for Rhode Island police officers. “At a time when citizens throughout the state — and country — are demanding more transparency and accountability within police departments, this […]
Senate Bill 39 Would Reverse Recent Court Decision, Reinstate an ‘Environment of Secrecy’ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org Note: NEFAC and other advocates followed up this testimony with a joint letter on Jan. 25 opposing an amendment to SB 39 that the groups called “problematic” and “harmful to government transparency.” […]
Coalition Testifies During State Commission Hearings on Law Enforcement Reform FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition recently appeared before a New Hampshire state commission to recommend ways to increase transparency within law enforcement agencies. “The sunshine these efforts are headed for certainly show the good […]
Coalition Testimony Outlines Measures Needed to Improve Accountability and Public Oversight FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition sent a letter to Connecticut lawmakers today recommending specific transparency requirements that should be included in recently proposed police accountability legislation. “With those in Connecticut now discussing how […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org The New England First Amendment Coalition sent a letter today to Vermont representatives demanding more transparency within law enforcement agencies and describing changes that could be made to improve public oversight. “During the last several weeks, the issue of police brutality has risen in our […]