Attorney explains public’s right to information

But while the police intend to withhold certain data, the Freedom of Information Act also allows for its provision. So striking a balance is where the next challenge will lie. News Five sat down with Attorney at Law, Godfrey Smith, to find out the public’s right to information under the Act, which was passed in 1994. And we found out just how frustrating and lengthy a process it can be if the police holds back the facts the media deems necessary in the thorough reporting of a case.

Godfrey Smith, Attorney at Law
“What the Act does say is that you must provide reasons why you have refused an application for a particular piece of information. And obviously if the reason or reasons are not good, then it can be challenged. But I would say, without knowing the full facts and knowing that investigations of criminality are a sensitive matter. The Act mandates that reasons ought to be advanced, so if there’s a good reason then say so, and then the public will say okay, we see what you’re saying. We didn’t think of that before. There is the issue of police credibility etcetera on the line and so on so if a reason is advanced and it’s commonsensical and logical, I think the media and the public would accept it. If it’s not then they won’t. You do have a right and you have to insist on your right and make use of the laws that are there and give it a shot and if it is refused and if reasons are advanced then you have a legitimate case to make then. You can then legitimately allege that there is some sort of cover up or some unjustifiable agenda afoot because reasons aren’t being given.”

So we’ll examine the Police press releases hereafter and analyze the responses to our queries when we bring the news to you.