Today, my Office denied a Public Information Act Request from a local media outlet seeking the release of sexual assault reports written by Sheriff’s deputies over the last two years. While police matters are considered public information and citizens expect and deserve transparency, there is information considered so sensitive, Maryland Law provides for it to be protected from such a release. Specifically, as noted in law, release of such information may be denied if it “constitutes an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.” I strongly believe this is exactly one of those times. Is there anything more personal or private then a sexual assault investigation?
As your Sheriff, I could not in good conscience betray these victims and allow these investigative reports, detailing the particulars of these reported assaults, to be released to the media for public discussion, even in a redacted manner. This is not who I am and this is not who the men and women of your Sheriff’s Office are. The Harford County Sheriff’s Office works tirelessly to create an environment of trust with the citizens we serve. That trust is sacred. If your assault occurred twenty years ago, yesterday, or twenty years into the future, you need to be able to trust your law enforcement to be there for you in a time of vulnerability. I will not jeopardize those still waiting to come forward, only to be silenced because they fear their story will be front page news.
Why, you might ask, does this media outlet want this information? They are concerned about those few times when a victim requests us to stop investigating, for any number of reasons, and we respect their request. You see, we believe in not re-victimizing. If you are a victim of a sexual assault, your right to choose has already been taken away during that criminal act. We will not continue to take away your right to choose, to re victimize you, by forcing you to participate in an investigation, when you do not want to do so. This is your right and we want to respect that. Although we do document a victim’s desire to suspend an investigation, it is made very clear to the victim that the investigation can be renewed at any point in time, as allowed by law.
For at least the last twenty years, we have worked closely with our local nonprofit service provider, the Sexual Assault/Spouse Abuse Resource, Center, Inc. (SARC). They provide training to deputies, input on policies, assistance in advocacy, and are an amazing resource and partner in the community. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with the aftermath of a sexual assault, I urge you to seek assistance and call their 24-Hour Helpline at (410) 836-8430.
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office wants victims to trust that we respect them and will protect their privacy. Together we will ensure that no victim needs to live in fear.
Respectfully,
Sheriff Jeffrey R. Gahler