ATHENS, AL (WAFF) -
Athens city leaders are trying to make sure they do not give out too much information on accident reports while following public record laws.
An accident report has everything identity thieves need. It includes the driver's address, their phone number, their license number, their social security number, and their birth date.
Currently, anyone can get a copy of an accident report from the Athens Police Department, but that personal information is blacked out.
Mayor Ronnie Marks said recently there have been people not directly involved in accidents demanding they see everything on the accident reports. For clarification, the city council approved a measure for the city's attorney to ask Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange for legal advice.
"We as a city, we're in the business not only to provide services, but we're also to protect our citizens. And if I'm giving out information that should not be given out, I don't need to do that. And I want to err on the side of caution and confidentiality," Marks said. "It's those people who are not personally involved, and what information is, or should be, kept confidential? Or is the entire record public record? Personally, I don't think the whole record is public record. But, again, I need clarification on that."
In some states, only people directly involved can access accident reports.
The Athens Police Department will decide if the policy on what is available to the public and who can get the reports will change based on Strange's opinion.
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Athens city leaders want to know when accident reports should be public record.
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