Leonard Arnold is fed up with police brutality, so he decided to do something about it.
Without any journalism or law experience, the 49-year-old Detroiter began combing through lawsuits filed against the Detroit Police Department. To his surprise, dozens of brutality suits are filed against some of the same cops every year.
To begin investigating the cases, the roofer with a modest income needed copies of some of the lawsuits. So he asked the clerks at the Wayne County records division to copy 325 pages, which represents just a tiny fraction of the suits. The cost – $731.25.
“I thought this was a service, not a profit center,” Arnold told me, leaving the office feeling defeated. “It’s outrageous. You’d think they were handing out gold.”
The Wayne County Clerk’s record division charges a whopping $2.25 for a single copy, despite Michigan court rulings that limit the cost to 15 cents per page in most cases.
The cost is so prohibitive that many people walk out in disgust, unable to copy public records that often are needed for lawsuits, divorces, and criminal cases.
The fees are a blatant violation of the Freedom of Information Act, which limits copying costs “to actual duplication, mailing and labor costs.”
The county also breaks the law by failing to waive fees for low-income residents.
“The first $20 of a fee must be waived for a person who is receiving public assistance or presents facts showing inability to pay because of indigency,” state law reads.
Deputy Wayne County Clerk Caven West, who was on vacation today, was defensive and insisted the copying fees are appropriate because they help pay for the costs of infrastructure and storing public records, which state law (FOIA) clearly prohibits.
“When you add up all of those costs, it has to get paid for,” West said. “This is not a business we are running.”
To finance infrastructure and the storage of public records – a very basic municipal service – the county is supposed to use its tax-funded budget of $23.8 million, which has spiked 9.1% since 2011, despite the sour financial times.
“I’m not an attorney, and I’m sure that if we were doing something that our attorneys thought was inappropriate, they would have said something,” West told me.
When I was a reporter for the Detroit Free Press, West prevented me from making my own copies with an iPhone scanner. The newspaper’s attorney, Herschel Fink, worked out a plan with the clerk’s office to provide records for free to Free Press reporters.
But West said that courtesy doesn’t extend to others outside of the media.
In other words, a multi-billion-dollar company gets records for free but other taxpayers must pay $2.25 per page.
“How do you look a Detroit resident in the face and say they must pay more than $50 to get a copy of a small lawsuit?” I asked West.
After a long pause, West insisted – for the first time – that his interview with me was off the record.
“You’re a public servant,” I reminded him.
Before hanging up and wishing me a good day, he said, “I am not to be quoted.”
Steve Neavling
Steve Neavling lives and works in Detroit as an investigative journalist. His stories have uncovered corruption, led to arrests and reforms and prompted FBI investigations.
Pingback: seaside residence()
Pingback: Rosi feliciano()
Pingback: 金山点卡充值()
Pingback: best umbrella uv protection()
Pingback: Vietnam news()
Pingback: beylikdüzü escort()
Pingback: modrzew dlh()
Pingback: http://bit.ly/1R3rpYt()
Pingback: beylikdüzü escort()
Pingback: birthday wishes()
Pingback: beylikdüzü escort()
Pingback: Piece Of Heaven()
Pingback: Www.Neu.Edu.Tr()
Pingback: article()
Pingback: floating charms pendant()
Pingback: viagra()
Pingback: Diabetes Destroyer()
Pingback: 觀看色情肛門()
Pingback: Business Products Reviews()
Pingback: podlogi dlh()
Pingback: pooler Locksmith()
Pingback: Best Reviews()
Pingback: 他妈的谷歌()
Pingback: iv therapy day spa\/salon()
Pingback: Visit Your URL()
Pingback: 他妈的谷歌()
Pingback: sklejka()
Pingback: c date opiniones()
Pingback: blat drewniany()
Pingback: drjaydani()
Pingback: gaming monitor blackhat seo()
Pingback: porno()
Pingback: Socialr()
Pingback: 他妈的谷歌()
Pingback: comprar en usa y recibe en colombia()
Pingback: HR system()
Pingback: 他媽的谷歌()
Pingback: iv therapy center()
Pingback: fake taxi()
Pingback: orzech amerykanski dlh()
Pingback: fuck google()
Pingback: iv therapy jobs nj()
Pingback: fuck google()
Pingback: fuck google()
Pingback: fuck google()
Pingback: fuck google()
Pingback: fornir dlh()
Pingback: fuck google()
Pingback: fuck google()
Pingback: fuck google()
Pingback: dlh()
Pingback: vitamin iv therapy in miami florida()
Pingback: Krim Temulawak()
Pingback: liquid iv ft lauderdale()
Pingback: dental implants Georgetown TX()
Pingback: radar detectors austin()
Pingback: stained concrete Austin()
Pingback: Antonia()
Pingback: Kurma()
Pingback: making club flyers in photoshop only ClubFlyersPrints.com()
Pingback: Martin Lawrence Music R&B RNB HipHop()
Pingback: pswonline()
Pingback: liquid iv ft lauderdale()
Pingback: avast serial key()
Pingback: painting company in Wallingford()
Pingback: printingvip.bravesites.com()
Pingback: printingvip.com()
Pingback: vip print()
Pingback: Rugby Live Stream()
Pingback: top rated air purifiers()
Pingback: live trading forex()
Pingback: the best marketing and seo company in canada()
Pingback: cam girl werden()
Pingback: Models()
Pingback: deck building Austin()
Pingback: cheap sildenafil citrate()
Pingback: Free WSET Course()
Pingback: clash of clans hack()
Pingback: Recommended Reading()
Pingback: Full Report()
Pingback: hack para clash of clans()
Pingback: UAN Status()
Pingback: la viagra()
Pingback: make money on ebay()
Pingback: junk car austin texas()
Pingback: instrumental background music for videos()
Pingback: austin permanent makeup tattooing()
Pingback: handmade()
Pingback: Custom Vape Mods()
Pingback: Kids art classes mansfield()
Pingback: garage door repair Austin()
Pingback: decorative concrete flooring contractor Austin()
Pingback: south africa grants()
Pingback: Scholarships in kenya()
Pingback: Buy Beats exclusive rights()
Pingback: limousine service austin()
Pingback: Austin interior house painters()
Pingback: bionaire air cleaner()
Pingback: christiantshirts.co/()
Pingback: mobile strike tips and tricks()
Pingback: edarling()
Pingback: Red Smoothie Detox Factor()
Pingback: amateurs-gone-wild()
Pingback: Cloud()
Pingback: Wire Cutting Machine()
Pingback: Surviving The Final Bubble Review()
Pingback: servidor de mu online()
Pingback: Football boots()
Pingback: escorts()
Pingback: android game cheat app()
Pingback: date()
Pingback: adult shop online()
Pingback: hair transplant singapore()
Pingback: cyphrenet()
Pingback: california psychics review()
Pingback: lake grande condo()
Pingback: Obsession Phrases Examples()
Pingback: youtube.com()
Pingback: chlamydia info()
Pingback: Obsession Phrases Review()
Pingback: porno()
Pingback: Roll up gate repair New York New York()
Pingback: The Lost Ways Review()
Pingback: jet porn()
Pingback: reviews on psychic source()
Pingback: clash royale free gems()
Pingback: fat reduction pills()
Pingback: candy saga()
Pingback: New home communities austin()
Pingback: Men's Grooming()
Pingback: Clicking Here()
Pingback: official website()
Pingback: porno()
Pingback: affordable moving services north vancouver bc()
Pingback: china proxies list()
Pingback: voice lessons phoenix()
Pingback: neuken()
Pingback: more resources()
Pingback: best pet sitter naples fl()
Pingback: Shira()
Pingback: clash royale hack()
Pingback: porn comics()
Pingback: stained concrete floors in Austin Texas()
Pingback: Best drones for sale()
Pingback: Eulalio Tirado Lizarraga()
Pingback: what is skinny fiber()
Pingback: Singorama()
Pingback: click through the next post()
Pingback: Garage Door Repair & Installation()
Pingback: pet sitter naples fl()
Pingback: Douglas Cotter()
Pingback: best pet sitter near naples fl()
Pingback: porno()
Pingback: porno()
Pingback: How to Win Your Ex Girlfriend Back()
Pingback: InstallShield performance()
Pingback: Indian Entrepreneurs()
Pingback: personal trainer()
Pingback: hollywood gossip()
Pingback: Tulsa()
Pingback: Mattie()
Pingback: hotels in jersey()
Pingback: best forex expert advisor()
Pingback: Excel Consultants()
Pingback: porno()
Pingback: ruletkurallarinelerdir()
Pingback: bedava casino siteleri()
Pingback: Bowers Tactical()
Pingback: globe on stage()
Pingback: Workout Clothes()
Pingback: dinosaur game()
Pingback: Gemstone Jewelry()
Pingback: listas de motores de b�squeda()
Pingback: Finding The Best most expensive jewelry()
Pingback: https://www.facebook.com/sexiercom/()
Pingback: my website()
Pingback: Plano Plastic Surgeon()
Pingback: guest posting services()
Pingback: Sacramento compounding pharmacy()
Pingback: gap insurance benefits()
Pingback: hadoop training in pune seed()
Pingback: Latest Tech Updates()
Pingback: Body Shop Brooklyn()
Pingback: คาสิโนออนไลน์()
Pingback: free messenger()
Pingback: lease luxury apartment austin()
Pingback: starcom mediavest()
Pingback: Motivation()
Pingback: buceta linda()
Pingback: http://kwel.me/56a4be()
Pingback: sewing caddy organizer()
Pingback: local movers()
Pingback: http://cutt.us/I47A()
Pingback: over at this website()
Pingback: yellow fly swatter()
Pingback: Creed - L`Heritage de Rocky Balboa()
Pingback: dog walker in naples()
Pingback: best mattresses 2016()
Pingback: electrician wigan()
Pingback: Compagnie de menage ste-julie()
Pingback: Thai Porn()
Pingback: cerrajeros en paterna baratos()
Pingback: Hotel Di Carita()
Pingback: Kandace()
Pingback: Thai Porn()
Pingback: try Me()
Pingback: party powders()
Pingback: Mckenzie()
Pingback: Crazy Bulk Dbal()
Pingback: E-mini S&P()
Pingback: dessert()
Pingback: alcohol rehab los angeles()
Pingback: Canberra landscaping()
Pingback: storm damage repair()
Pingback: SalesEnvy Bonus()
Pingback: tenerife property()
Pingback: العاب()
Pingback: fast food restaurants near me()
Pingback: dog training school()
Pingback: ABANICOS PERSONALIZADOS()
Pingback: Federal Forgiveness Programs()
Pingback: punta cana kid friendly all inclusives()
Pingback: movies()
Pingback: terrible parking()
Pingback: hcg injections()
Pingback: Cash 4 Clothes()
Pingback: xnxx()
Pingback: real estate brokerage spring hill()
Pingback: sticky notes online()
Pingback: how make money online()
Pingback: bathroom scale that goes to 400 pounds()
Pingback: ollas rena ware()
Pingback: coaching()
Pingback: Kathy()
Pingback: Vietnam travel guide()
Pingback: Bail Bondsman Tulsa()
Pingback: Dr Field Harrison()
Pingback: make more money()
Pingback: Instantly ageless review()
Pingback: WHAT IS CAR INSURANCE()
Pingback: big y shopping center bethel ct()
Pingback: #3626;ติ๊กทู()
Pingback: judi bola online()
Pingback: anastasiadate()
Pingback: white kidney bean extract impact on diabetes()
Pingback: 13x13x13 fabric drawers()
Pingback: flat belly overnight program()
Pingback: start a penny auction()
Pingback: take home pay calculator()
Pingback: Best Minneapolis acupuncturist()
Pingback: How To Get A Girl To Like You()
Pingback: Microcap()
Pingback: hpi text check()
Pingback: Textr Messenger()
Pingback: overnight cat sitter naples fl()
Pingback: Jasa Tukang Taman Jakarta()
Pingback: austin house leveling()
Pingback: in-home cat care in naples()
Pingback: bali flag()
Pingback: Christen()
Pingback: Schoolboy Q type Instrumental()
Pingback: cara daftar ibcbet()
Pingback: surveillance()
Pingback: Make money from home()
Pingback: Hotel Di Depok()
Pingback: Betting411.Com()
Pingback: mejor agencia de publicidada malaga()
Pingback: Medical Marijuana Renewal San Francisco()
Pingback: hand pump water drinking()
Pingback: Probiotics Supplements()
Pingback: edgy jewelry()
Pingback: british used clothing()
Pingback: antispam e.v.()
Pingback: event organiser singapore()
Pingback: guitar picks()
Pingback: sprei murah()
Pingback: eating healthy busy()
Pingback: Penginapan Murah Di Depok()
Pingback: weight loss for busy entrepreneur()
Pingback: All Area Overhead - Garage Doors, Repair & Installation()
Pingback: Drawing For Kids()
Pingback: Expert Lift iQ Free Trial()
Pingback: boom beach free diamonds()
Pingback: Mp3 Urbano()
Pingback: boom beach hack tool()
Pingback: movietube()
Pingback: singing monsters cheats()
Pingback: tenerife blog()
Pingback: Olinda Barrena()
Pingback: th8 war base with sweeper()
Pingback: meaning of abramo()
Pingback: austin roofing company()
Pingback: search engine optimization()
Pingback: Blackcore Edge Pre Workout Review()
Pingback: Bail Tampa()
Pingback: http://austinsunshades.com/()
Pingback: news()
Pingback: L’Mage Advanced Moisturizing Complex Review()
Pingback: vitamin c serum()
Pingback: Best ayurveda packages in kerala()
Pingback: inspiration()
Pingback: Dental Implants of Austin Texas()
Pingback: clint bertucci()
Pingback: eyelash extensions how()
Pingback: plumbing pipe repair austin()
Pingback: history of name()
Pingback: hair loss prevention()
Pingback: online auction()
Pingback: Austin Sunshades()
Pingback: sacred 3 trainer()
Pingback: kit tattoo()
Pingback: Adipex()
Pingback: royalclub()
Pingback: digital display()
Pingback: Raven()
Pingback: doll()
Pingback: http://pladebarris.calafell.cat/?option=com_k2&view=itemlist&task=user&id=385266()
Pingback: led photometer()
Pingback: base layout for town hall 9 in clan war()
Pingback: Homepage()
Pingback: window tinting austin()
Pingback: Get More Info()
Pingback: pillow()
Pingback: apple shooter()
Pingback: Peppa Pig()
Pingback: local seo minneapolis()
Pingback: big girl fucked essay()
Pingback: Escort()
Pingback: search engine optimization minneapolis()
Pingback: obat ejakulasi dini()
Pingback: Laser hair removal nyc()
Pingback: Embroidery()
Pingback: best snowmobile helmet()
Pingback: Extract phone numbers()
Pingback: Yung Laquay()
Pingback: casino bonuses()
Pingback: Susanne()
Pingback: appliance repair orange county()
Pingback: Ottawa personal injury lawyer()
Pingback: app developers uk()
Pingback: dog playpen()
Pingback: league of legends sweatshirt()
Pingback: t shirt league of legends()
Pingback: ramalan zodiak 2016()
Pingback: medora centre()
Pingback: bikini()
Pingback: movie2k()
Pingback: paintless dent repair training()
Pingback: curso de detetive profissional()
Pingback: Leaflets()
Pingback: Best buy smartphone accessories()
Pingback: ecograf Doppler()
Pingback: Whitney()
Pingback: recommended you read()
Pingback: esta()
Pingback: porno()
Pingback: ketones diet()
Pingback: chapter 7 bankruptcy carlisle()
Pingback: recycle clothes for cash()
Pingback: buy t-shirt()
Pingback: the best products on open sky()
Pingback: groupon chicago()
Pingback: banheira()
Pingback: guitar picks()
Pingback: webcam girl worden()
Pingback: http://www.flatratecomputerservice.com/laptop-and-tablets/()
Pingback: Manifestation Miracle Reviews()
Pingback: xcmwnv54ec8tnv5cev5jfdcnv5()
Pingback: ccn2785xdnwdc5bwedsj4wsndb()
Pingback: viagra()
Pingback: Garcinia Cambogia()
Pingback: blue ofica()
Pingback: City of Detroit demands up to $42,000 to produce public EMS records | Motor City Muckraker()
Pingback: Idea Apps Company()
Pingback: carbid very cheap stuff()
Pingback: elo boosting()
Pingback: www.srkauto.com()