Cowles Publishing Co. v. State Patrol

The Spokesman-Review and Spokane Chronicle (newspapers) appeal the Superior Court's order denying disclosure of certain internal investigatory records compiled by three law enforcement agencies (agencies). We hold (1) the court erred in not applying the privacy test set out in Hearst Corp. v. Hoppe, 90 Wn.2d 123, 580 P.2d 246 (1978); (2) the officers' names were not exempt on the basis of the personal information exemption provided in RCW 42.17.310(1) (b); (3) the investigative agency exemption as provided in RCW 42.17.310(1) (d) is not applicable; and (4) the general personal privacy…