Although free public records searches
is possible, it often pays so have a professional firm conduct the
search for you. They have the experience, and will save you time. They
might also obtain better information since they know where to look.
Exempt Public Records
While the strong policy is for
disclosure of public records, state law does allow for some information
to be withheld.
Many of the exemptions are designed to protect the privacy rights of
other individuals. Other exemptions are designed to protect the
investigative functions of law enforcement and other agencies with
investigative responsibilities, as well as the legitimate business
interests of other citizens. You should refer to the Public Disclosure
Act itself for specific exemptions. You may also wish to consult with an
agency's records officer.
Just because part of a record may be exempt does not mean the entire
record can be withheld. In those cases, the agency has the obligation to
black out or otherwise remove the information it believes is exempt from
disclosure and provide you the rest.
ConsumersReport
If you are denied access to a public record, the agency must identify
the specific exemption or other law it believes justices its denial and
explain how that exemption applies to your request.
Agency Not Required To
Create Records
While, in general, an agency must
provide access to existing public records in its possession, an agency
is not required to collect information or organize data to create a
record not existing at the time of the request. The more precisely you
can identify the record you seek, the more responsive the agency can be.
How To Request Public
Records
A request for public records can
be initiated in person, by mail or fax, or over the telephone. You may
be able to obtain the addresses and telephone numbers of state agencies
in current telephone directories, or the telephone number of an agency
by calling the Olympia area information operator at 360-753-5000 or
outside Olympia 1-800-321-2808. Each state and local agency is required
to provide assistance to citizens in obtaining public records and to
explain how the agency's public records process works. If you request
certain public records, the agency must make them available to you for
inspection and copying during customary office hours of that agency. You
should make your request as specific as you can. A written request helps
to identify specific records you wish to inspect. Many agencies have a
public records request form they will ask you to use.
After your inspection of records, you may identify those records you
desire and, if copying does not disrupt agency operations, copies
promptly can be made for you. The agency may enact reasonable rules to
protect records from damage or disorganization and to prevent disruption
of agency operations.
Each state or local agency is required to establish an index as an aid
to locating public records. The index is to be published and made
available to those who request it.
Source: WA State Web Site
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