Vermont: State police refuse to release information regarding state trooper Michael Studin's 133 mph. speeding ticket.
Despite two recent rulings involving the disclosure of public records, the Vermont State Police said it is prohibited from releasing a copy of a speeding ticket and dashboard video of the violation.
The state police position appears to be in conflict with the general practice of police in Vermont. The head of the Vermont Police Chiefs’ Association maintains traffic tickets have always been considered public record, but the state police now believe their release would violate federal law.
At issue is a renewed request by the Burlington Free Press for information about Trooper Michael Studin’s speeding ticket for driving 133 miles per hour on Interstate 91 in Rockingham on Oct. 29, 2008. Public Safety Commissioner Thomas Tremblay and his wife were in their private vehicle when Studin sped past them in an unmarked super-charged cruiser at about 2:45 p.m. near the Rockingham interchange.
South Burlington Chief Trevor Whipple said Wednesday he would be hard-pressed to think of a reason to try to withhold a traffic ticket his department issues. The city’s policy notes the department will keep the community, through the media, informed about crime and department activities.
Link:
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20101118/NEWS02/101117033/Police-policies-on-release-of-traffic-tickets-at-odds