Request a public record

Learn how to request and view public records online.

Make a request

Need to know

  • Anyone can file a request.
  • You can submit an anonymous request.
  • Don't put personal information, like your social security number, in your request.
  • You will get a response in 10 days.
  • There is no charge to review records, but you may need to pay for paper copies.

Before you start

Some records are already available online. Learn what types of records you can request.

If you need your medical incident report or health record, make your request with the Fire Department. Those records include confidential medical information and are not public records.

Police reports and records

If your request is related to the Police department, include this information in your request:

  • Incident or case number
  • Location of incident
  • Names of people involved
  • Date and time of the incident

Anonymous requests

You are not required to include any contact information with a request. If you submit an anonymous request you will not receive updates about your request or be able to log in to access documents.

You will need to check the records request archive for a response. If we have questions about your request and they go unanswered, this could result in a denied request.

Steps

1. Make your request.

Complete the online request form. Be as specific as possible in your description. This helps us find exactly what you are looking for. Include:

  • Dates or a date range
  • Departments involved
  • Names of City employees involved

You can upload files if you want to.

Include your contact information if you want to get updates or if you want the information mailed to you.

2. Track the progress.

If you create an account, you can track the progress of your request online. You’ll get email updates and you can also login to check on your request.

3. Respond to any questions.

If we have questions about your request, you will get a notification. Respond promptly through the NextRequest messaging tool so we can provide the records in a timely manner.

4. View the records.

When the records are ready to view, you will get an email with a link to them.

If you submit anonymously you will not get updates. You can check the record request archive for your request. Once we process your request, we will include it there. If you don’t see it, you can call us for an update.

What’s next

We will determine if we have disclosable records within 10 days after we get your request. If your request is complex, we may take a 14-day extension to determine whether responsive records exist.

If disclosable records exist, we will provide the records within a reasonable timeframe. Response times can vary depending on the types and volume of records requested.

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