Asked & Answered

Q: I filed a public record request with three school districts. The documents requested would provide additional information and insight to aid a special education student with whom the districts are currently engaged in due-process hearings. I received an initial reply extending their reply for 15 days. In an effort of good faith, I did not protest the extension. Now I have received a second response, again extending their deadline for another month, past the

Q: In light of SB 1421 and AB 748, I submitted a request to the city and the police department for the body camera footage and internal affairs investigation report of an incident that happened at my home involving the discharge of a firearm at a person (me) by a peace officer and the use of extreme excessive force. My requests were denied by both the city and the police department. I have been told

Q: Recently the organization I work for had submitted and received a Public Records Act Request of all individuals who had been charged with gang enhancements. However, there is specific information we also need but must pull the Superior Court case file to obtain such as: age, race, location, etc. These documents are electronic so we are unable to use our scanner to make copies without incurring costs. The only other way of obtaining these

Q: I’m trying to find out how to access a record from the parole office to determine the date a certain parolee absconded. Can you help? Is there a sample letter for making a request? A: While I did not locate any law directly addressing the California Public Records Act and specific details within parole records (such as date of absconsion), the presumption is that records held by government agencies are subject to disclosure under

Q: My local sheriff recently denied my request for information related to Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs). I would appreciate any advice you might have about a remedy. A: As you know, the California Public Records Act (CPRA) sets forth the rules and procedures governing information disclosures made by public agencies, including sheriff’s departments. Public records are open to inspection by members of the public unless they are exempt from disclosure by express exemptions codified