Howard Fischer
PHOENIX — The agency in charge of protecting vulnerable adults can’t automatically close off its records to reporters, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled Monday.In a unanimous decision, the justices acknowledged that the records of the Adult Protective Services division of the Department of Economic Security are generally confidential except for certain exceptions. One exception is for “bona fide research.”But Justice Ann Scott Timmer, writing for the court, said that doesn’t mean only those doing academic research. She said the exception’s wording also permits access by others — including journalists.Monday’s ruling, however, is not a clear victory for reporter Amy Silverman, who first requested access to the records four years ago as part of a project she was doing for the Arizona Daily Star and KJZZ as a freelance writer.
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The justices rejected the blanket denial issued by DES even after Silverman agreed to let the agency redact names and other identifying information.But they agreed to give the agency a chance to argue to the trial judge that Silverm …
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