268 Take Part in First Public Records Training Designed for Law Enforcement Professionals

The Wisconsin Department of Justice Partnered With the Wisconsin Technical College System and Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College to Promote Public Records Compliance

MADISON - Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen and the Wisconsin Department of Justice in cooperation with the Wisconsin Technical College System and Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College hosted today the first ever specialized training session for members of Wisconsin's law enforcement community on Wisconsin's Public Records laws. The specialized training was geared specifically to the context of law enforcement.

"Providing information to government agencies and the public about the public records law is a priority function of our office," said Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen. "We would rather help people understand the law to facilitate compliance that is consistent with necessary government operations, especially for our law enforcement partners who enforce the law, than mediate disputes or pursue enforcement actions."

"Steve Page of the Law Enforcement Training Program at the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College came to us with this idea for making specialized law enforcement training accessible at convenient locations statewide," said Van Hollen.

Two Hundred and Sixty Eight people participated in today's training, including law enforcement executives, sworn officers and records clerks. The training was broadcast to 19 locations around the state. The first hour was an overview of the public records law. The second hour focused on "Making the Release Decision - Open Investigations, Driver Records, and Records about Children." The third hour discussed "Mechanics and Procedures - Timing, Format and Costs.

"This is the first time we've used this new technology to bring such useful information to so many people in so many different places, " said Van Hollen. "We've tried to put together practical information that will help Wisconsin's law enforcement community comply with the public records law."

Assistant Attorney General Mary Burke presented on the public records law.