With a few No Kings events coming up, I want to remind people about a right you can exercise any day.
Citizens of Pennsylvania have the right to request access to state and local government records as part of the Right-To-Know Law. Active since 2009, this law makes it easier for citizens to understand where their money is being spent and what our governing agencies are doing with their power. If you are worried about something the government is doing with their power, you can ask for information about it.
You might be familiar with a Freedom of Information Act request, which you can file against the federal government. If you're not new around here, you know I believe everyone should have access to this info and should attempt a FOIA at least once.
This is important because these are your elected officials and the body that represents you.
You can request information about the following:
- Police records of arrests or incidents.
- 911 response time logs.
- Operating manuals used by government agencies.
- Agency budgets and contracts, including government employee salaries.
- Records of state grants and budgets.
- Emails as related to a “transaction of activity”.
- Zoning permits or requests.
- Restaurant health inspections.
- 311 complaints as they pertain to public safety.
- Meetings minutes and safety inspections for government agencies (even schools and school board meetings).
And more.
Here’s the process:
- Identify which agency has the information you’re looking for. For example, are you looking for vehicle information from PennDOT, or do you want police cam footage? Not all requests go through the Right-To-Know form or the same open records agent, so looking up the exact agency will get your request filed sooner. Google for the record you're looking for and note the agency that comes up. You can even check to see if that information is already part of an open data set. You can even look up a specific records officer’s information.
- Fill out the Right-To-Know form with as much information as possible about what you’re searching for, what data and records you are exploring, and anything that might help the records office steer you in the right direction. You do not need to provide a reason for the request or any personal information. You simply want to provide enough to help the records agent find the right file.
- Send that information by fax (lol), email or in-person. Again – check the person you're sending to. Should it go to the Philly police department, or the school district?
Agencies are required to respond within five business days before the unanswered request is deemed a “denial.”
Agencies might attempt a denial saying the information is private under other laws, like attorney-client privilege or HIPAA, but you have the ability to appeal that denial. Open Records PA has a great document on what to include in your appeal and how to process it.
Investigative journalism groups can help you make a template for, or brainstorm your request, or prepare you to file a FOIA.