The Iowa Public Information Board met today in Des Moines for their regularly scheduled meeting. On their docket was case number 25FC:0134, involving The City of Fort Dodge and Fort Dodge Police Department regarding the traffic stop of former Mayor Matt Bemrich. Members representing Fort Dodge attended the meeting remotely.
The Board staff introduced the facts of the case, and expressed belief that they felt a resolution could be reached, depending on the direction of the decision of the Board.
City Manager David Fierke stated to the Board that a “typical body cam footage is pretty mundane, once the case is over the footage is public record”. Fierke went on to explain that just because the case involved the Mayor at the time, it doesn’t mean anything different as far as procedure on the release of public records, however since it was suppressed evidence in the criminal trial, the City was unsure which route to take regarding release.
Upon questioning from the Board, Board member Barry Lindahl – a government representative from Dubuque – asked Fierke for clarification on his comments at once an investigation is closed, they release all body camera footage. Fierke explained that if it is requested, it is released. Fort Dodge Police Chief Dennis Quinn, who was present in the city managers office during the video conference meeting, further explained that they coordinate with the County Attorneys office for release.
Board member Catherine Lucas, government representative from Des Moines, agreed with the City and County Attorney in waiting until the completion of the criminal case. She questioned the procedural aspect of the case but attributed it to the City looking for affirmation, but commented former Mayor Bemrich’s lack of involvement was ‘weird’. Lucas went on to say that since the case was over, it was her belief it was fine to produce the video. She added that she did not believe that a constitutional issue played a role in the case. Lucas is identified as General Counsel of the Iowa Department of Public Safety in the State Employee Salary Book.
When asked to wrap up, City Manager Fierke then inquired about obtaining an advisory opinion. IPIB staff advised the City could move forward after the Board took a vote, and an advisory opinion could be drafted to explain the rationale for future needs.
The board did not a draw correlation between constitutionally and confidentially. Ultimately, the Board unanimously voted that the dash camera and body camera footage in question is not confidential.
