Officer Association files suit against Columbia Police Department

The Columbia Police Officers Association has filed a lawsuit accusing the Columbia Police Department of several, alleged, violations of Missouri’s Sunshine Law.

ABC 17 obtained the final draft of the 12 page document which outlines, in Count I of the filing, that the department refused to disclose public records from lawful requests to do so. Count II of the suit alleges exorbitant fees. For example, the department claimed that it would cost the association $893.59 to receive copies of three weeks of email between Chief Ken Burton, and Deputy Chief Jill Schlude. Included in that amount was $ 142.67 to cover the employee benefits during the time they claimed it would take to compile the e-mails.

A court date related to the suit has yet to be set.

We have attached the document filed this morning to this story.

We will continue to follow the case, and will provide updates as more information becomes available.