Co:- in on an LT 3v MIAH IA
QFFICE THE GETEVERNQR

November 21, 2016

TO THE HONORABLE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF 

Pursuant to Article IV, Section 15 of the Constitution, I am returning
herewith, without my approval, House Bill 1538, Printeris Number 4125.

Government works best when trust and openness exist between citizens and their
government. I cannot agree to sign this bill, because it will enshrine into law a policy to withhold
important information from the public.

The legislation as drafted would prevent the disclosure of a police of?cer?s name in a
situation where an of?cer takes the life of an unarmed person. These situations in particularm
when law enforcement uses deadly force?demand utmost transparency, otherwise a harmful
mistrust will grow between police of?cers and the communities they protect and serve.
Transparency and accountability are required of all public employees, but this bill ignores the
reality that a police officer is a public employee.

This bill?s provisions will supersede any con?icting local police department policies, even
though local police departments are better equipped to decide what information is appropriate to
release to the public. Finally, this legislation would allow for the prosecution of anyone who
violates the ban on releasing the name of a police officer who uses deadly force. This
criminalization of what should be a routine release of public information is not in the public
interest.

I am deeply concerned for the safety of the Commonwealth?s police of?cers, but this
legislation does not necessarily provide greater protection to law enforcement while it seriously
inhibits public access to information.

For the reasons set forth above, I must withhold my signature from House Bill 1538,
Printer?s Number 4125.

Sincerely,

WM

TOM WOLF
Governor