Washington State Supreme Court orders broad disclosure of police records

"In a landmark decision, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday that investigative reports into alleged misconduct by police officers must be made public even if the accusations are not upheld.

Eight of the nine justices found that the reports can't be withheld on privacy grounds because the public has a "legitimate interest" in knowing how the allegations were investigated.

But five justices found that the names of officers who have been exonerated may be redacted from the records for privacy reasons.

The ruling means the public, private attorneys and the media will have greater access to information that could shed more light on police investigations and help shape decisions regarding potential lawsuits and news stories."

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Location Oakland, Ca | San Francisco, Ca | California - Private Investigator