Pasadena delays public records request amid allegations of police misconduct

During the Pasadena City Council meeting on February 18, 2025, a resident raised serious concerns regarding the city's handling of public records requests related to the police department. The individual, who has been submitting requests since mid-2024, accused the city of delays, evasiveness, and potential misconduct, suggesting a cover-up involving police corruption and a known predator.

The resident detailed their experience with the city, stating that they submitted a records request on July 2, which was forwarded to the Texas Attorney General's office. They claimed to have learned that the AG ruled largely in their favor, but the city failed to inform them of this ruling. Instead, they received partially redacted police reports that had allegedly been prepared long before the request was made, contradicting claims from city staff about real-time redaction.

Further complicating the situation, the resident mentioned that when they inquired about additional materials, they were ignored. A city legal department representative later admitted to avoiding communication while consulting with the AG. The resident accused the city of amending their request to delay compliance with the AG's ruling, which they argued violated Texas government code.

This exchange highlights ongoing tensions between residents seeking transparency and the city's response to public records requests. The implications of these allegations could affect public trust in local governance and the police department's accountability. As the council continues to address these issues, residents are left questioning the integrity of the processes designed to ensure transparency and accountability in their local government.