HOW TO:
HOW TO:
File Open Record Requests in Oklahoma
File Open Record Requests in Oklahoma
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"As the Oklahoma Constitution recognizes and guarantees, all political power is inherent in the people. Thus, it is the public policy of the State of Oklahoma that the people are vested with the inherent right to know and be fully informed about their government." - Oklahoma Statute Title 51 § 24A.2
Filing an Open Records Request in Oklahoma involves several specific steps to ensure compliance with the Oklahoma Open Records Act (Title 51 § 24A).
Requesting records under the Oklahoma Open Records Act requires minimal supplies, but having the right items on hand can help ensure the process goes smoothly.
Oklahoma’s Open Records Act does not require ID for requests.
Supplies You May Need:
Supplies You May Need:
Pen and Paper: For drafting requests, taking notes, or documenting interactions if you submit the request in person.
Computer or Smartphone: To draft, email, or submit an online request. Many agencies accept electronic requests.
Printer and Paper: For printing your written request or for making copies if you submit it in person or by mail.
Envelopes and Stamps: If you’re mailing your request, you’ll need a standard envelope and sufficient postage.
How to Request Records Under the Oklahoma ORA (Open Records Act).
How to Request Records Under the Oklahoma ORA (Open Records Act).
1. Determine the Records You Want
1. Determine the Records You Want
Clearly identify the records you seek. Be as specific as possible to help the public agency locate the documents efficiently.
For example: Dates or date ranges (e.g., "records from January 1 to March 31").
Specific topics or types of records (e.g., emails, reports, financial statements).
Departments or individuals involved (e.g., "records from the police department" or "emails of Officer Smith").
2. Identify the Appropriate Agency
2. Identify the Appropriate Agency
Determine which public agency holds the records.
For example:
Police Records: Contact the relevant police department or sheriff's office.
School Records: Contact the local school district.
Statewide Records: Contact the Oklahoma State Department or specific state agency.
Visit the agency’s website for contact information or open records policies.
3. Draft Your Request
3. Draft Your Request
Oklahoma law does not mandate a specific form, but your request should:
Be written for clarity and documentation.
Include contact information, and any other details for communication.
Clearly state: "This is a request under the Oklahoma Open Records Act."
Specify the records you are requesting.
Ask for a fee waiver if your request is for a public interest purpose (e.g., journalism or research) and make sure to state such as part of your request.
Example:
To Whom It May Concern,
This is a request under the Oklahoma Open Records Act. I am requesting access to and copies of the following records: [describe the records].
Please let me know if there are any fees associated with fulfilling this request, or if further clarification is needed.
Thank you,
[Contact Information]
4. Submit the Request
4. Submit the Request
Submit your request in person, via email, or by mail. Some agencies also accept faxed requests.
Check the agency’s website for specific submission instructions and whether they have an online submission portal.
5. Understand Fees
5. Understand Fees
Agencies may charge fees for:
Copies of records (per-page fee for physical documents).
Staff time for extensive searches or redactions.
You may request an estimate of fees before proceeding.
In some cases, fee waivers are for public interest purposes (e.g., journalism or research) and should be included in your request.
6. Waiting for a Response
6. Waiting for a Response
Under Oklahoma law, public agencies are required to provide “prompt and reasonable access” to records. However, no specific deadline is imposed.
If the request is unclear, the agency may ask for clarification.
If your request is denied, the agency must provide a reason, typically citing an exemption under the law.
7. Address Denials or Delays
7. Address Denials or Delays
If your request is denied or the agency delays excessively, you can:
Request further clarification or a written explanation of the denial.
Consult with an attorney or seek assistance from the Oklahoma Press Association.
File a lawsuit if the agency is non-compliant with the law.
8. Receive the Records
8. Receive the Records
Once the request is processed and any fees are paid, the agency SHOULD provide the records.
**DON'T FORGET** PUBLISH THE RECORDS! Publish the public interest records on a platform or venue readily accessible by the public, this is the purpose of working to receive such records, and also keeps journalist fee waivers in place.
By following these steps, you can successfully file an open records request and access public documents in Oklahoma.
Don't Want to File the Request Yourself?
Don't Want to File the Request Yourself?
Many folks are not comfortable filing such request themselves or being named, for fear of retaliation.
Muckrock.com provides services at a reasonable cost with automatic follow ups and public publishing of requests, all you need to do is sign up, pay a small fee, draft the request, sit back, and wait... Who said malicious compliance wasn't easy?
"It’s the little things citizens do. That’s what will make the difference." - Wangari Maathai, Kenyan environmental activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
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