CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The Guardian is announcing a new award that will be bestowed monthly upon a public agency or elected official.
The “Padlock Award” is awarded to those who are funded by public dollars but hide behind a veil of secrecy or violate public records laws.
These agencies or officials take pride in their concealment of information, and in many cases, create policies for their employees to do the same.
The honor acknowledges the dedication of government officials working tirelessly to keep vital information hidden from the public. Their commitment to secrecy and impressive skill in information suppression routinely keeps knowledge about everything from public health risks to government waste beyond the reach of citizens who pay their salaries.
The first honoree of this award is the Chillicothe Police Department.
“The reason CPD is receiving the award is for their blatant violation of the sunshine laws,” said the Guardian’s editor-in-chief. “Some of my good friends work for this department, but their administration — despite taking an oath to uphold laws — can’t seem to follow basic public records statutes.”
The Guardian has sued the police department and currently has a case pending before the Supreme Court after the department repeatedly illegally withholds police reports.
“It is a reminder of the extraordinary lengths some dedicated civil servants and elected officials will go to protect self-interest at the expense of the public interest. We will never stop holding the powerful accountable, regardless of the cost.”
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