Public Records Request

Effective January 1, 2017, the Massachusetts Public Records Law, G.L. c.66 and c.4, §7(26) provides that a municipality must, within 10 business days (Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays), respond to a request for records by providing access to or a copy of such records, or explaining any delay or denial.

Public Records Law Information. General information about the public records law and public records requests is found in the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s, “A Guide to the Massachusetts Public Records Law” found online at: www.sec.state.ma.us/pre/prepdf/guide.pdf.

Making Public Records Requests: 

Public Records Requests. Any person may make a public records request:

a. In person at the Stow Police Station 305 Great Road. Stow, MA  01775

b. By first class mail addressed to Records Officer, Stow Police Department, 305 Great Road Stow, MA 01775

c. By e-mail addressed to the stowpolice@stow-ma.gov

d. By fax addressed to 978-897-3692

e. By using the below electronic form

Written Requests Encouraged - Although not required, it is strongly encouraged that public records requests be in writing to ensure the most efficient and accurate response.

Contact Information - Individuals making requests in-person are not required to give their names or contact information. For in-person requests that require additional time for a comprehensive response, requesters will be advised to check in periodically with the department  or requesters may voluntarily provide contact information.

Specificity of Requests - To facilitate timely responses to public records requests, requests should be as specific as possible, detailing, if known, date and subject matter parameters. The more detailed the request, the better the department will be able to respond. Vague, ambiguous or incomplete requests will make it difficult to efficiently, effectively and accurately respond. Necessarily, it also makes the response process more costly on a time and materials basis. On an as needed basis, the department may request additional information to assist in preparing an appropriate and timely response.  

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