Editorials

In a battle of open records, laws versus local government exceptions, sunshine and the state always win.

For this reason, the Anniston Police Department went off track earlier this week when it initially refused to release a report detailing a complaint alleging an off-duty officer struck an Anniston woman last weekend.

On Tuesday, Anniston Police Chief John Dryden told The Star that department policy prevents release of the reports involving law-enforcement personnel until an investigation is completed.

The department released the report Wednesday, saying it had completed a preliminary probe into the allegation. The accuracy of the allegations and the disposal of this case are not relevant to the larger matter, namely timely release of all public documents.

The best application of the law should be for local governments to release records without delay. While some exceptions for redaction and delay may exist in the code, the wisest course is building public trust, and doing so promptly.

The state's open-government mandate cannot be overruled by local government guidelines. Jacksonville State learned this last year when it unsuccessfully tried to block release of public documents from this newspaper, claiming releasing athletic department coaches' contracts violated school policy.

The law is unbending. Other police departments, as well, could take a lesson, specifically in Oxford, where public information is held too tightly to the civic vest.

Other troubling parts of the department's initial refusal have to do with accountability and public relations. The department makes dozens of such reports available daily. Carving out an exception when it involves a member of the police force is an invitation to double-standard charges. It also raises the suspicions of those who would otherwise keep an open mind about the allegations.

Local government, which must earn the public's trust daily, can't afford to move slowly when it comes to freedom of information.