PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson County has decided to use an untested law to keep secret emergency preparedness plans concerning terrorism.
County Administrator Charles Saddler said Wednesday the terrorism response chapter recently crafted by emergency managers falls under an open public records exemption passed last year by the Legislature.
“Our purpose is not to keep the information shielded from general public, but from those who may use it for unlawful purposes that could create danger or damage,” Saddler said. “This will be disseminated to our public safety partners, but it won’t be on our Web site or available for public inspection and distribution.”
Saddler cited Revised Code of Washington statute 42.17.310 (1) (ww) which states:
“Those portions of records containing specific and unique vulnerability assessments or specific and unique response plans, either of which is intended to prevent or mitigate criminal terrorist acts as defined in RCW 70.74.285, the public disclosure of which would have a substantial likelihood of threatening public safety.”
The rest of this story appears in today’s Peninsula Daily News Jefferson County edition. Click on “Subscribe” to get the PDN delivered to your home or office.
