Public Records is an open-source platform designed to streamline and simplify the process of requesting public records from government agencies. The platform automatically fills in relevant templates and helps streamline the submission process.

The Settings page allows you to input and manage your personal information, which will be automatically included in your public records requests. This is optional, but it's usually recommended to provide an email so the records agency can follow-up (if needed). Note that if you are requesting records from a person, they can usually see who requested their information.

By logging in with your Google account, you can seamlessly save and manage your public records requests using Google Sheets. This integration will add each new request to the specified spreadsheet. No information from your account is tracked.

Based on our experience, here are some tips to get the most useful responses:

• Set a Time-Frame: Specify a timeframe for records that you are seeking. Agencies will often ask for a timeframe if not specified, or slow collection due to lack of timeframe.
• Anticipate specific records: Agencies can't create records that don't exist. Try to anticipate the format of the records (i.e. emails, contracts, permits, invoices, report, etc.)
• Be Specific: Clearly describe the records you are requesting to avoid ambiguity. Individuals are often incentivized to interpret requests as "narrowly" as possible to avoid producing documents. If you want a specific document, then make sure to include that document's name in the request.
• Request Now, Not Later: Submit your request as soon as possible. Requesting is a waiting game, so starting the timer sooner leads to receiving records sooner. Don't worry about possible exemptions, that's the agency's job to determine.