Checklist for Law Enforcement Agencies' Use in Responding to an Open Records Request - North Dakota

Checklist for Open Records Request is a legal document that was released by the North Dakota Attorney General's Office - a government authority operating within North Dakota.

FAQ

Q: What is an open records request?A: An open records request is a request made by the public to access government records.

Q: Why do law enforcement agencies receive open records requests?A: Law enforcement agencies receive open records requests because they maintain records related to law enforcement activities.

Q: What is the purpose of the checklist for law enforcement agencies?A: The purpose of the checklist is to guide law enforcement agencies in responding to open records requests in compliance with North Dakota law.

Q: What should a law enforcement agency do upon receiving an open records request?A: A law enforcement agency should acknowledge receipt of the request and determine the appropriate response timeframe.

Q: What information should be included in the acknowledgment of receipt?A: The acknowledgment of receipt should include the date of receipt, a summary of the request, and the name of the person handling the request.

Q: What factors should a law enforcement agency consider when determining the appropriate response timeframe?A: Factors to consider include the complexity of the request, the volume of records requested, and any applicable legal deadlines.

Q: What steps should be taken to locate and review the requested records?A: The agency should identify the custodian of the requested records and work with them to locate and review the records.

Q: Can a law enforcement agency charge a fee for providing copies of requested records?A: Yes, a law enforcement agency can charge a reasonable fee for providing copies of requested records, as allowed by state law.

Q: What should a law enforcement agency do if they need more time to respond to the request?A: If more time is needed to respond to the request, the agency should notify the requester and provide an estimated completion date.

Q: Can a law enforcement agency deny an open records request?A: A law enforcement agency can deny an open records request if it falls under a specific exemption or if it is not feasible to produce the requested records.