Open affidavits
Monday, August 3, 2009
TOPEKA (AP) — The Kansas Press Association wants the public to be able to view the criminal affidavits that detail investigatory work used to justify an arrest.
The group says Kansas is the only state in the country that doesn’t unseal affidavits at some point in a criminal case.
“It’s just us and Cuba,” joked Doug Anstaett, KPA executive director. “This isn’t Cuba. This isn’t North Korea. We believe the information needs to be scrutinized and out there for the public.”
Until the late 1970s, Kansas residents and journalists could view the documents. But that changed when an affidavit was mistakenly released revealing a suspect not yet arrested and a newspaper ran the name.
“I understand the need to balance public safety with the citizens’ right to examine documents,” said Kansas Attorney General Stephen Six.
Ed Klumpp, the legislative director for the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police, said a concern in revisiting the statute is the opening of affidavits too soon and compromising investigations.
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
william allen white said, if anything happens first in america, it happens first in kansas. thats not true today. concerning affidavites kansas is dead last in unsealing affidavits at some point in the trial. what the hell is going on. does anyone in kansas want justice and transparency. i think the public is getting fed up with all the cover ups. after all the city manager and city engineer left
August 4, 2009 at 3:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
i think it is time for a grand jury.
August 4, 2009 at 4:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
if any body has anythimg against the city, lets talk.
August 4, 2009 at 5:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )