What is a Public Records Request?
A Public Records Request may be made by any person eighteen (18) years of age or older for a public record. The requestor may inspect, copy, reproduce, or obtain a copy or reproduction of a public record produced by, or in the possession of, the public entity. The right to make such a request is granted by the State of Louisiana through the Louisiana Public Records Law, La. Rev. Stat. 44:1- 41, and Article 3, Section 3 of the Louisiana State Constitution. Public Records Requests must ask for a record. Public Records Requests are not designed to simply answer a question posed by the requestor.
How do I make a Public Records Request to Grant Parish Police Jury?
To make a Public Records Request to Grant Parish Police Jury, complete a Public Records Request form(found below). Then, submit the completed request form in one of the following ways:
· Via Fax: (318) 627-3157
· Via Email: Admin Office
· Via U.S. Postal Service Mail: 200 Main Street Colfax, LA 71417
· *** Please note that information submitted to a public body, such as Grant Parish Police Jury, may become public record pursuant to the provisions of the Louisiana Public Records Law, located at La. Rev. Stat. 44:1, et seq.***
What happens after I submit my request?
After you submit your request, it is reviewed by the Parish Manager and the following will occur:
1. The Legal Department will acknowledge the request with an initial letter, which signals the beginning of the fulfillment process.
2. The initial letter general exceptions, exclusions, or limitations to the Public Records Law (documents that are not considered public records or are excepted from the law and cannot be available to the requestor).
3. The initial letter will then describe the process as it pertains to the acknowledged request, and lay out costs that the requestor may incur, and provide an estimate of the time reasonably necessary to fulfill the request.
How long will the request take to be fulfilled?
By law, a Public Records Request must be completed within a reasonable amount of time. Factors that determine reasonableness include the breadth and scope of the request, whether multiple departments of the Parish must respond, and whether an Information Technology search is conducted.
Where can I read about the Public Records Request Law?
You can read the full text of the law on the website of the State Legislature, here. You can also read more on the Louisiana Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General's website: here.
Public Records Request Fulfillment Cost
· The cost of a Public Records Request is a flat fee of $29.00. This fee must be paid in cash, or by cashier’s check
For additional information on Public Records Requests, please visit the website of the Louisiana Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General: www.ag.state.la.us or contact the office of the Louisiana Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General by phone at: 225-326-6079, or by email at: ConstituentServices@ag.louisiana.gov.