Council tables resolution on disposal of obsolete police records after public outcry; report requested for April

Lancaster City Council introduced Resolution 18-2025 on March 25 to authorize disposal of certain obsolete police bureau records in accordance with the municipal retention-and-disposition schedule for Pennsylvania municipalities. The records described by staff included older traffic citations, certain incident reports, abandoned-vehicle records and expired permit files.

Several public speakers opposed taking any disposal action now. Commenters said the timing was "tone deaf" given recent community calls for more transparency around police conduct, use-of-force records and body-camera footage. Jessica Lopez and other residents urged the council to delay destruction until residents could review records or a civilian oversight body could be established.

Councilor Diaz explained the resolution followed the municipal records manual and said the records supervisor at the police bureau recommended disposal. Officials also said members of the public may seek records through the Right-to-Know process, but residents argued the Right-to-Know pathway is insufficient while the community seeks broader disclosure and oversight.

Councilor Bennett moved to table the resolution to the April legislative agenda to allow the public-safety committee and chief Mendez to provide a report; the motion was seconded and carried. Councilors noted Chief Mendez will appear at the committee to answer questions about records, use-of-force reporting and related public concerns.

The resolution will not be reconsidered until the April meeting, when the administration and police bureau are expected to present additional information to the council and public.