Here's my second draft. Please let me know if it's missing anything, or if I
can say something better. I'll attach the Wikimedia Commons' File Types
document to this letter (the File Types doc that lembas posted).
I'm reluctant to use the name Linux, because peoples' already-held ideas
about Linux may undermine my message. I worry that someone who reads "Linux"
may think that if a video format works in Ubuntu, it's a free format. I'm
open to input on this of course.
Here's the draft:
Toronto Police Service,
Re: disclosure and electronic formats
Please provide electronic criminal justice disclosure in free formats. By
“free”, I mean freedom, not price:
Free formats can work on any platform. Adopting free formats would address
format-and-platform incompatibility. I understand that Crown counsel,
defence counsel, and accused people share this interest.
Free formats are not locked to an exclusive service provider. The change
would let counsel and accused people choose from a competitive market. This
approach will also allow for gratis options, for reviewing evidence. It
would help make criminal justice more accessible.
Free formats can work with software licensed under the GNU General Public
License (GPL). This license, and others like it, allow the public to audit
the instructions that make up the software. Software without GPL-style audit
terms are inherently insecure. Some people endeavour to use only
GPL-licensed software. Providing disclosure in free formats would
accommodate this political view, and perspective on confidentiality.
Could you please use the OGV or WebM formats when providing video disclosure?
You can find more information about these free video formats here:
http://theora.org/
http://www.webmproject.org/
I would be happy to discuss how adopting free formats could help the criminal
justice community.
Kind regards,
Muhammed
