Public records
Ohio public records requests for police surveillance
Request policies and contracts, understand Ohio's timing rule, and check the required notice step before a court complaint.
Sources checked .
Ask the office that keeps the records
Ohio Revised Code 149.43 requires responsive public records to be promptly prepared for inspection and copies to be provided within a reasonable period. An ambiguous or overly broad request can require clarification. The current linked version is effective 09-07-2026. Ohio Revised Code 149.43: current records rules
Use a focused written request
Name record types and a date range. The Court of Claims provides a sample request form and recommends a clear written request. Policies, contracts, retention schedules and sharing agreements are a practical starting list, without assuming every office holds each item. Ohio Court of Claims: complaint process
Copy and adapt this request
Replace the bracketed fields and narrow the audit-log range. The template is an editorial starting point for existing governance records.
Download request template (.txt)
To: [Public office records custodian]
Date: [MM-DD-YYYY]
Subject: Public records request: plate-reader governance records
Under Ohio Revised Code 149.43, I request copies of these existing records held by [public office] for [start date] through [end date]:
1. Plate-reader operating policies, retention schedules and audit procedures effective during the period.
2. Executed equipment and data-service contracts, amendments, purchase orders and invoices during the period.
3. Existing lists of authorized sharing partners and executed sharing agreements effective during the period.
4. Existing access or query audit logs for [narrow date range], subject to lawful redaction.
Please provide an existing electronic format if available. This request seeks existing records, not a new analysis or report.
If the request needs clarification, please explain how the relevant records are maintained so I can revise it. If any portion is withheld, please identify the legal basis and provide separable nonexempt portions.
Please notify me before charges exceed [$ amount]. Please acknowledge receipt and provide the records within the applicable time required by Ohio law.
Reply contact: [email or mailing address]
Name: [optional name]
Know the step before filing a court complaint
The Court of Claims says a requester must first transmit the prescribed complaint form to the public office and allow three business days to address the alleged failure. Filing before completing that step can lead to dismissal. Use the current court instructions for transmission and filing. Ohio Court of Claims: complaint process
This three-business-day cure period is separate from the original request's promptness and reasonable-period requirements. Keep the request, denial, initial complaint notice and delivery evidence together. Ohio Revised Code 149.43: current records rules
Questions and answers
Does Ohio have Kentucky's five-business-day rule?
Ohio's cited statute uses prompt preparation and a reasonable period for copies. Do not transplant another state's deadline. Ohio Revised Code 149.43: current records rules
Can I file in court immediately after sending my request?
The Court of Claims describes a required initial complaint notice and three-business-day cure period before court filing. Ohio Court of Claims: complaint process
Sources and scope
- Ohio Court of Claims: complaint process. Checked 10-23-2026.
- Ohio Revised Code 149.43: current records rules. Checked 10-23-2026.