Utahns earn B in audit of GRAMA

GRAMA requires that a request for information be submitted in writing. The government then has 10 business days to respond to the request by either providing the information or citing the precise law that allows them to keep the information private.

In this audit, the information requested was clearly public under GRAMA, such as copies of a city mayor's expense report or a copy of a police department's dispatch log.

Those governments who followed the letter of the law received an "A" and were then given extra credit for going beyond what the law requires. Credit was deducted if the public servant questioned whom the person worked for, what they wanted to use the information for or had to go to a superior for help. If a government did not respond to a written GRAMA request within 10 business days, it failed.

While many governments were rated as doing very well in following the law, some were cited with dismal performance and attitude. In particular, law enforcement departments were more likely to refuse requests and have poor attitude, according to the audit.

But some government officials who received poor grades are taking exception.

Ogden city officials are protesting the straight "F" grades for their police department and "C" grades for City Hall.

"We complied," said Ogden city resource manager Mark Johnson. "I don't think it was justified."

Johnson said the student submitted the GRAMA request and that within five business days the city called back to say the document was ready to be picked up with a $1.50 copy fee, which the law allows.

As for Ogden's police, Johnson said the media can access information through a "special arrangement" with the department, but because the department's dispatch service is consolidated with the county, members of the public have to go through the Weber County Attorney's Office.

Massey said the purpose of the study was to gauge how everyday citizens are treated as opposed to members of the news media.

"It is access to those who carry out the public's work for the public's good, and to their actions on our behalf. That's important. There's no greater public good than that of governed knowing how they are being governed," Massey said.

Massey defended his results, saying Ogden received points off for asking the student questions and having to check with superiors. As for the police department, police had the public document asked for but refused to show it because the student was not a member of the news media and was told to go elsewhere.

The Salt Lake City Police Department disagrees with its failing marks as well.

Capt. Mark Peck said the student who made the GRAMA request was too vague in what she wanted, in this case a dispatch log. "There was no time frame," Peck said. "I take issue with this."