ARKANSAS (KFSM) – A new Arkansas law took effect on Jan. 1 prohibiting police agencies from putting the names of minors in public accident and investigation reports, officials say.
The law is titled, “An act to protect the identities of children from being disclosed to the public in motor vehicle accident and investigation reports; and for other purposes.”
During the 89th General Assembly in 2013, the law was introduced by Sen. Eddie Williams, R-Cabot.
The law states, “The age and address of a minor occupant who is under 18 years of age shall be included in the report, but the name and address of the minor occupant shall not be open to public inspection under. . . the Freedom of Information Act.”
From now on, any copies of accident reports from Arkansas law enforcement officials given to the public will not contain the names of minors, according to the legislation.
The Fayetteville Police Department has been making preparations to be in compliance with the law, according to spokesman Sgt. Craig Stout. He said the department already has a system in place.
“It was mainly just about internal protocols. We made sure reports with juveniles were kept in a separate file and not accessible to the general public,” Stout said.
