Reporter Dan hears rumors that a complaint was filed by a citizen against the Chief of Police for inappropriate behavior three years ago. Dan makes a public records request for all records relating to the complaint and investigation, and the records custodian denies the request because of the sensitive nature of the records requested. Can the custodian deny Reporter Dan’s public records request because of the sensitive nature of the requested records?

During their off-duty hours, two City police officers get into a loud argument outside an Allsup’s convenience store. The disagreement involves some pushing and shoving so the store manager calls the County Sheriff. A County deputy answers the call, settles the dispute, sends the officers home and files a report. No arrests are made. Reporter Dan files an IPRA request with the County for the names of the officers involved in the argument. Can the County refuse to release the names under the law enforcement exception?

Betty Busybody doesn’t like her neighbor, Nancy Nice. She especially dislikes Nancy’s dog Buddy, who can be heard for a few minutes each evening barking at the jackrabbits in Nancy’s yard. Betty files a complaint with the animal control department and also files an IPRA request for all other complaints filed against Nancy and her dog Buddy. Can the animal control department deny Betty’s request based upon the law enforcement exception?

A state university is seeking a new political science department chairman.

Several of the candidates have asked that their names be kept confidential so their current job is not jeopardized. Reporter Dan files an IPRA for the resumes of all candidates for the post. Can the university honor the applicants’ request for privacy and refuse to release the resumes?

In connection with a research project, a professor at UNM files an IPRA request for the student directory database. The database contains protected personal identifier information, but the professor only is interested in obtaining email addresses for upperclassmen. The students already have consented to publication of their email addresses and the professor does not really need the entire database. UNM claims the professor is asking the university to create a public document if only the email addresses are delivered to the professor. Must the records custodian redact the protected information and deliver the database to the professor?

Under IPRA, a County resident requests a copy of a geological survey map that designates the reservoir supplying the County’s drinking water. The map is not part of the County’s tactical response plans or procedures though the location of the reservoir might be of interest to a terrorist organization. Can the County refuse to deliver the survey to the resident under the tactical response exception?