by The Pennsylvania Office of Open Records has ruled that Redstone Township officials must release the name of the officer involved in a fatal shooting earlier this year. The township has 30 days to comply with the ruling and provide additional details about the police force.
This ruling follows an opinion issued on Wednesday, which stated that Redstone Township did not provide sufficient evidence to withhold the officer’s identity. The Office of Open Records (OOR) concluded that the township failed to justify the release of the officer’s name under the exemption rules for non-criminal investigations.
“Because the township only submits conclusory evidence, it is not enough to meet its burden that the release of the officer’s name relates to a noncriminal investigation,” the OOR ruling clarified.
George Matis, the township supervisor and right-to-know officer, confirmed that the information will be made available by next week. In a phone call on Thursday, he stated, “I’ll send you whatever you need on Monday.”
The OOR’s decision comes after the Herald-Standard filed a right-to-know (RTK) request seeking information about the township’s police officers. The request included officer names, ranks, salaries, years of service, and information about officers placed on leave following the January 28 shooting of Christopher Hackney.
Hackney, a 27-year-old man, was shot during a welfare check at his home. Following the incident, the township did not disclose whether the officer responsible for Hackney’s death had been placed on administrative leave. Despite numerous requests, officials declined to provide any further details on the matter.
Matis directed the Herald-Standard reporter to the township’s website for general officer details, but requested 30 days for the township solicitor to review additional information. After the 30-day period, the township provided limited information, confirming one officer was placed on administrative leave and earning a salary of $46,841.60. The officer had been employed since April 1, 2017, but the township withheld the officer’s name and refused to disclose any other officer information.
The Herald-Standard appealed to the OOR, arguing that the withheld information did not qualify for exemptions and that the township had not explained why certain details were omitted.
In March, Matis indicated that the officer’s name would be released after the investigation was concluded. However, after the investigation cleared the officer of any wrongdoing, the township failed to release the officer’s identity or respond to multiple inquiries.
The township solicitor, Jeremy Davis, did not return requests for comment.
Redstone Township now has 30 days to comply with the OOR’s ruling and disclose the officer’s name along with the other requested information.
