Meehan's Internal Email Shows he Used Database to to Get Reporter's Address

According to documents released by the Berkeley Police, the department used its own data bases to find the address of reporter Doug Oakley who Sgt. Mary Kusniss visited at 12:45 a.m.

Berkeleyside reports internal email between Meehan and public information officer Sergeant Mary Kusmiss shows he directed her to find out more about reporter Doug Oakley. That contradicts Meehan's repeated assertions that he already knew the reporter's home address -- and assumed Kusmiss did as well -- since Oakley lives in Berkeley.

Police are forbidden from using their databases and those of the DMV for non-police matters.

Meehan sent Kusmiss to Oakley’s house at 12:45 am on March 9 to ask him to change details in a story that had just been posted online, igniting a firestorm over police practices and abuse of authority.

Yesterday, Berkeleyside and the Oakland Tribune released police records that called Meehan's comments into question.

The evening of March 8, Oakley had covered a community meeting about police handling of the Feb. 18 murder of Peter Cukor. Oakley's story, posted later that evening, claimed Meehan apologized for the slow police response. Cukor had called the police non-emergency line at 8:45 p.m., followed by a 911 call 15 minutes later by his wife.

The Berkeley Hills resident was allegedly killed by a mentally ill 23-year old who said he was searching for a friend at Cukor’s home.

Meehan tried unsuccessfully to reach Oakley and ask him to correct the story. He then dispatched Kusmiss to the home. 

Meeehan contacted Berkeley Patch.com the afternoon of March 9 seeking clarification about a story. Patch added the chief's comments to its story.

In the days following the visit to Oakley's home, Meehan apologized for his handling of the situation.