Cape Cod Times wins access to sheriff's records

The Supreme Judicial Court yesterday ruled that Barnstable County Sheriff James Cummings must provide to the Cape Cod Times the identities of his reserve deputy sheriffs, whose names he has concealed for two years.

The SJC said that the names are public records under G.L. c. 66, s. 10, and must be made available for examination and inspection.

The sheriff had contended that the records were private because the reserve deputies have no law enforcement duties and also that the records belonged to the private Barnstable County Sheriffs Association.

• Cape Cod Times report: Sheriff Must Give Times Names of Reserves.
• Another: Ruling Seen as Key to Public Access.
• AP: Cape Cod Times Scores Ruling in Sheriff's Records Case
• Here is the SJC's decision: Cape Cod Times v. Sheriff of Barnstable County.