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Friday, March 16, 2012

CA - ESCONDIDO: ACLU wants checkpoint documents released

OFF THE WIRE
By EDWARD SIFUENTES
esifuentes@nctimes.com
 North County Times
The American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego and Imperial Counties asked Escondido on Thursday to release documents related to the police department's checkpoint and towing programs.
Earlier this week, the civil rights organization released a report raising questions about whether the city may be illegally profiting from its checkpoints and vehicle towing practices.
The report was based on an investigation by filmmaker John Carlos Frey, who produced a six-minute documentary on the subject.
The ACLU report also asked the city to conduct an independent audit of its checkpoints. City Manager Clay Phillips said in response to the report that he ordered an internal review.
Kevin Keenan, the ACLU's executive director, said that since the city did not agree to an independent review, the ACLU wanted to have copies of the documents, including grant applications for state funds to conduct checkpoints, documents related to any decisions about the fees charged to towing companies for contracts and how much to charge drivers to recover impounded vehicles.
"We have requested these documents so that we can get a clearer picture of what really is motivating Escondido," Keenan said. "The people have a fundamental right to open and accountable government."