Pace professor, media expert: Governments have legal and ethical obligation to provide public info
Government agencies are required to provide public information on request under the state and federal Freedom of Information laws, and experts say there’s also an ethical obligation for transparency.
Share:
More Stories
Andrew Nembhard's late 3 gives Pacers 111-106 victory over Knicks. Indiana moves within 2-1
41m ago0:37
‘Little Heroes Prom’ brings pediatric cancer patients together for a night of fun
43m ago2:25
Jersey Proud: Quintuplets set to graduate from Montclair State University
44m ago1:40
Mainly sunny Saturday ahead; Mother’s Day expected to be wet and chilly
47m ago1:35
Prospect Park residents flock to North 16th Street for black bear sighting
2h ago0:17
Prosecutor: Rochelle Park man accused of sexually assaulting child multiple times
2h agoAndrew Nembhard's late 3 gives Pacers 111-106 victory over Knicks. Indiana moves within 2-1
41m ago0:37
‘Little Heroes Prom’ brings pediatric cancer patients together for a night of fun
43m ago2:25
Jersey Proud: Quintuplets set to graduate from Montclair State University
44m ago1:40
Mainly sunny Saturday ahead; Mother’s Day expected to be wet and chilly
47m ago1:35
Prospect Park residents flock to North 16th Street for black bear sighting
2h ago0:17
Prosecutor: Rochelle Park man accused of sexually assaulting child multiple times
2h agoA Pace University professor and media expert is weighing in on the ethical and legal obligation that municipalities have to provide public information.
The topic came up when multiple law enforcement sources told News 12 this month that the City of Newburgh is purposely withholding information about crimes to improve its image.
Government agencies are required to provide public information on request under the state and federal Freedom of Information laws, and experts say there’s also an ethical obligation for transparency.
“In cases like Newburgh, it’s really up to what extent do people in the government feel they should be putting this information out because it’s information in the public interest, and to what extent are they facing pressure from the public to release that information?” said Dr. Kate Fink.
News 12 has learned that City of Newburgh Manager Todd Venning recently required that he approve all requests for public information, but he has not responded to any of our inquires.
The police chief, police commissioner and public information officer have also either denied our requests for public information about crimes or have not responded at all since last month.
The city has seen a surge in violent crime, particularly gun violence, since last year.
Two municipalities in Westchester, Mount Pleasant and Mount Vernon, have recently made headlines for being sued after allegedly failing to provide public information under state law.
