Norfolk Explains How Disposal of Records Was Within State Law

NORFOLK
The city of Norfolk is insisting it has done nothing wrong in response to questions about its disposal of some city documents. Federal investigators recently summoned via subpoena the city official tasked with  the destruction process.

In February, a week before the city was to turn over documents to investigators regarding the city jail’s medical contract, some documents were destroyed. Federal investigators had subpoenaed the city at the end of January for documents related to the jail’s medical contract.

City officials say none of the paperwork pertaining to the medical contract requested by the investigators were destroyed.

An official statement released July 31 by the city explained, “For two weeks, city staff went through purchasing records by hand and pulled out records responsive to the subpoena.  More than 1,800 purchasing documents were provided to the federal investigators.

“The city’s purchasing office handles the city’s purchases of equipment, goods, services, and supplies. The office generates thousands of paper documents a year for bids, contracts, agreements and purchase orders for all city departments.  All that paper can add up which is why state law allows for the destruction of documents after a specified period of time.”
 
Federal investigators are looking into allegations that  former Sheriff Bob McCabe had influenced a bid to help a company providing medical services to the Norfolk jail.

The documents that were turned over detailed information on a  request for proposals (RFP) seven years ago, by Correct Care Solutions of Nashville, TN,  to provide healthcare services at the Norfolk City Jail, which was won by Nashville-based Correct Care Solutions.

The city statement titled, “The Facts about Records Retentions and Destruction,” noted the city “will continue to cooperate with the U.S. Attorney and their request for records for services at the jail.”

“None of the remaining records destroyed at the end of February were associated with the Sheriff’s office or the subpoena. All records destruction took place in accordance with state law.”

In its opening paragraph, the statement affirmed, “Maintaining trust and credibility with residents is extremely important to Norfolk city employees.”