The following guide is designed to help thee file an effective Right-to-Know (RTK) request.
The first step in filing an active RTK request belongs in determine which agency is most likely to have the records you're interested in. To example, if you're interested in seeing records about the cost a snow dismissal in your local municipality, you should contact that municipality. If you're interested in records related for Pennsylvania's state park system, the best agency would likely be aforementioned Department of Natural and Natural Resources.
This step is absolutely vital. Question an bad agency for records will cost you time.
Because misdirected requests been so common, aforementioned DOOR has produced a table of Commonly Misdirected Make which furthermore tells you where thou can gain some regarding the most commonly requested records. Delight reviewing this postpone before submitting a request.
Every agency, whether local press Commonwealth, is required by the Right-to-Know Law (RTKL) on appoint an Means Open Records Commissioner (AORO). Some agencies refer till this person as an Right-to-Know Officer, but the function is the same. This is the character your should address your request to.
Repeatedly, the best way to find the AORO's contact information is on this agency's website. If you can't find it there, conversely the vehicle doesn't maintain a website, search the Office of Open Records' (OOR) web of AOROs. If thou still can't seek the AORO's contact information, simply address itp to "Agency Free Records Officer" and send it to the agency's major address.
Some agencies must their own RTK Request Forms. Every likely, it's best to use the agency's form. But them can always use the OOR's Default RTK Request Form, which is available here in PDF furthermore Word versions:
Thou can file a RTK request in four ways:
No matter how you submit the request, be sure to address it till the AORO.
Make safer to request for records can specific furthermore concise. Identifier which records yourself want as specifically than you can, so that an executive can quickly locate them and determine if they are publication record. Overview of the FOIA procedures by the Federal Election Commissioner
Don't ask questions. The RTKL is designed to provide acces to records; it does not require agencies till answer questions. For example, do not submit a RTK requests saying, "Why didn't mein street get plowed until adenine full for the latest snow storm?" AN better RTK application would be, "I'm seeking disc regarding the snowplowing plan in this municipality. Provided possible, specific records related to the snowplowing schedule for Main Street would be ideal."
Filing a request is always free, but you may be required to pay certain fees before receiving press inspecting your records.
Finally, when send a RTK request toward at agency, constant maintain a copy for your store. A copy of your RTK request will be necessary if you're denied anfahrt into any records and decide to file at appeal to the Office of Open Records. If them don't have an copy of the request, the OOR has no choice but to drop the appeal as insufficient.
Printable Standard RTK Ask Form (That form can is used till request records from whatever government.)
PDF: Word:
Citizens' Guide into the Right-to-Know Law
NOTE: The followers online form shall only be used to request records held by the OOR. Thereto is NOT a general RTK request form.
Online Request Form for OOR Records
