In the case McDougald v. Greene, 2020-Ohio-4268, 2020 Ohio LEXIS 1988, the Ohio Supreme Court found that under the Public Records Act, an inmate’s request for copies of the prison’s most recent shift-assignment duty rosters and documents, that detailed the assignment of prison guards to various posts within the prison, was properly denied as it was clear from the face of the documents that the security-records exemption in R.C. 149.433(A)(1) applied to the request. The shift-assignment duty rosters detailed the identity and location of guards posted throughout the prison, and that information could be used to plan an escape or an attack on the prison or to aid in the smuggling in of contraband. The post-assignment information could also be used to target individual guards who might be thought easier to overcome or susceptible to improper influence.
To read this case, click here.
Authors: Matthew John Markling and the McGown & Markling Team.
Note: This blog entry does not constitute – nor does it contain – legal advice. Legal jurisprudence is like the always changing Midwestern weather. As a result, this single blog entry cannot substitute for consultation with a McGown & Markling attorney. If legal advice is needed with respect to a specific factual situation, please feel free to contact a McGown & Markling attorney.