- ALPRs are being installed across the country with little transparency. Public records requests allow us to track where these cameras are, ensuring that all installations are documented. By obtaining invoices, we can verify the number of cameras deployed in your area, and our mappers will work to add them all to the map.
+ ALPRs are being installed across the country with little transparency. Public records requests allow us to track where these cameras are, ensuring that all installations are documented.
- Your help is crucial. Filing a public records request is easy, and your contribution will help us build a complete map of these surveillance networks. We'll even give you a template to use.
+ Your help is crucial. Filing a public records request is easy, and your contribution will help us build a complete map of these surveillance networks. We'll even link you to several hundred examples to follow.[1]
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How to File a Public Records Request
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+ Determine the correct agency that would have the responsive documents. For contracts and invoices, this is likely a law enforcement agency such as the police department or sheriff's office. For other records, such as installation permits, this might be the city or county government. If you're unsure, consider submitting requests to multiple agencies or researching which agency oversees the type of records you're seeking.
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+ Locate their public records request portal. If they don't have one, find the relevant contact email.
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+ Browse Muckrock for examples of public records requests related to ALPRs. Use these as templates to draft your own request. Here are some common requests you can adapt:
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Right-of-Way Installation Permits (typically include a map of locations)
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Invoices for ALPRs (contain count of cameras)
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Contracts with ALPR vendors (show proof of usage)
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Emails discussing ALPR installations
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If you need help tailoring this to your situation, appealing rejections, etc., ChatGPT is a great resource.
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+ If you receive responsive documents that include location info, add them to the site.
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+ Tip: If you run into any issues while submitting the public records request, such as not being able to locate the records portal or find a contact email, you can use Muckrock, a nonprofit public records platform that will submit it to the agency on your behalf for a small fee.
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Public Records Basics
What is a public records request?
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Typically, yes. Many states allow you to submit public records requests anonymously or through an alias. If anonymity is important to you, consider using a disposable email address and avoiding personally identifying information in your request. If you're requesting records from a state that requires residency, you may need to provide an in-state address.
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How to File a Public Records Request
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- Identify the agency that manages law enforcement contracts in your area. It's most often the police department or sheriff's office. When in doubt, you can always submit a request to multiple agencies, but use your best judgment.
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- Locate their public records request portal. If they don't have one, find the relevant contact email.
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- Use this template to submit the request. Feel free to change parts of it to better suit your situation:
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- Dear Public Records Officer,
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- Pursuant to [applicable state public records law], I am requesting copies of all invoices from Flock Safety for the period of [Start Date] to the present. Please ensure that all pages of each invoice are included, including any itemized lists detailing equipment, software, or services provided.
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- If available, I prefer to receive the records in electronic format via email. If any fees apply, please inform me before processing the request. Should any portion of this request be denied, please provide the specific legal basis for the denial.
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- Thank you for your time and assistance. I look forward to your response within the statutory timeframe.
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- Sincerely,
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If you need help tailoring this to your situation, appealing rejections, etc., ChatGPT is a great resource.
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- Once you receive the invoice, email it to us, so that our mappers can map each of the ALPRs listed in the invoice.
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- Tip: If you run into any issues while submitting the public records request, such as not being able to locate the records portal or find a contact email, you can use Muckrock, a nonprofit public records platform that will submit it to the agency on your behalf for a small fee.
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