News Summary
The Beaufort Police Department has mistakenly released over 9,000 unredacted files containing sensitive personal information in response to a records request. This breach has raised serious concerns regarding data privacy and the city’s handling of public records. The Hollis family, who sought information related to their daughter’s case, received unrelated documents revealing private details such as Social Security numbers and medical records. City officials are now implementing new systems to enhance data security and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Beaufort Police Department Accidentally Releases Thousands of Unredacted Files, Compromising Sensitive Information
Beaufort, S.C. – The Beaufort Police Department has inadvertently released over 9,000 unredacted files, including sensitive personal information, in response to a records request from the Hollis family regarding their daughter’s case. This incident has raised serious concerns over data privacy and security standards in the city’s handling of public records.
The Hollis family requested documents to investigate what they allege was negligence in the management of their daughter, Emily Hollis, who was reported missing in February. Rather than receiving only the relevant information, they were given a vast trove of unrelated documents containing private details such as Social Security numbers, medical records, and even forensic interviews without appropriate redaction measures. Some of these interviews involved a minor, heightening the stakes of this data breach.
Beaufort city officials classified this mistake as an error following significant malfunctions in their computer systems. The release is noted to be the largest open record request that the city has processed. City Manager Scott Marshall described the incident as a “self-inflicted wound,” indicating the city’s recognition of the serious impact of the oversight.
The Hollis family was contacting the police department to obtain information after Emily Hollis was found in the company of a 16-year-old boy, Chase Eskeets, who had previously been implicated in her disappearance. Initially labeled as a runaway by police, the Hollis family disputed this characterization, asserting their daughter was a victim of human trafficking. A determination from the South Carolina Department of Social Services previously indicated the likelihood of Emily being trafficked, prompting their interest in the files to seek accountability.
Upon discovering the error, city officials reached out to the Hollis family to offer correctly redacted files, which the family declined. The city is taking steps to notify all individuals whose information may have been disclosed in this embarrassing breach.
An internal review is currently underway to explore how this incident occurred, and the city plans to engage a third party for an independent assessment of the circumstances surrounding the breach. Officials have expressed that they were unaware of any prior instances involving faulty Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) releases.
In response to this incident, the city is implementing a new FOIA management system called NextRequest, which aims to enhance data security and prevent similar situations from occurring in the future. Although this system was already in development prior to the incident, officials are optimistic about the added accountability measures that will accompany its rollout.
This event highlights ongoing challenges faced by public entities in maintaining data integrity and protecting sensitive information. As the city moves forward, heightened scrutiny over privacy and transparency in public records management is to be expected.
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Additional Resources
- Your Island News: Beaufort City Makes Huge FOIA Gaffe
- Wikipedia: Freedom of Information Act
- WSAV: Beaufort Parents Seek Info
- Google Search: Beaufort FOIA breach
- Post and Courier: Beaufort Police Chief FOIA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Privacy Law
- Your Island News: City of Beaufort at Odds with Local News Website
- Google News: Beaufort Police Department records leak
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
