AG Seeks to Keep Pershing Park Discovery Materials Private

dcogcadmin | November 10, 2009

The Office of the Attorney General has filed a motion for a protective order banning the release of government documents that have been produced in discovery in the Pershing Park case, in which the city was sued for illegally rounding up civilians during a 2002 demonstration. The District argues that the order would protect personal information from being made public. However, the language of the order seeks to bar any release of "sensitive information pertaining to law enforcement personnel and law enforcement strategies and methodologies." 

The Office of the Attorney General has filed a motion for a protective order banning the release of government documents that have been produced in discovery in the Pershing Park case, in which the city was sued for illegally rounding up civilians during a 2002 demonstration. The District argues that the order would protect personal information from being made public. However, the language of the order seeks to bar any release of "sensitive information pertaining to law enforcement personnel and law enforcement strategies and methodologies." 

The order would apply to e-mails, government documents, and even disclosures made in depositions. There would also be a blanket press blackout on all depositions whether the material was confidential or not. The order is under consideration by the court.  Washington City Paper