The following guide is designed to help you file an effective Right-to-Know (RTK) request.
1. Determine Which Agency to Ask
The first step to filing an effective RTK request is to determine which agency is most likely to have the records you’re interested in. For example, if you’re interested in seeing records about the cost of snow removal in your local municipality, you should contact that municipality. If you’re interested in records related to Pennsylvania’s state park system, the best agency would likely be the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
This step is absolutely vital. Asking the wrong agency for records will cost you time.
Because misdirected requests are so common, the OOR has produced a table of Commonly Misdirected Requests which also tells you where you can obtain some of the most commonly requested records. Please review this table before submitting a request.
2. Prepare and Submit the Request
Some agencies have their own RTK Request Forms. Whenever possible, it’s best to use the agency’s form. But you can always use the OOR’s Standard RTK Request Form, which is available here in PDF and Word versions:
You can file a RTK request in four ways:
- U.S. Mail
- In Person
No matter how you submit the request, be sure to address it to the AORO.
Make sure your request for records is specific and concise. Identify the records you want as specifically as you can, so that an agency can quickly locate them and determine whether they are public record.
Don’t ask questions. The RTKL is designed to provide access to records; it does not require agencies to answer questions. For example, do not submit a RTK request saying, “Why didn’t my street get plowed until a day after the latest snow storm?” A better RTK request would be, “I’m seeking records regarding the snowplowing schedule in this municipality. If possible, specific records related to the snowplowing schedule for Main Street would be ideal.”
Filing a request is always free, but you may be required to pay certain fees before receiving or inspecting your records.
“Providing for access to public information, for a designated open-records officer in each Commonwealth agency, local agency, judicial agency and legislative agency, for procedure, for appeal of agency determination, for judicial review and for the Office of Open Records. “
To request information, please complete the Right to Know Form.
For more information please contact the Right to Know Officer Maria Ahner at contactus@lansfordboro.com
Resources
Printable Standard RTK Request Form (This form can be used to request records from any agency.)
PDF: Word:
Citizens’ Guide to the Right-to-Know Law
NOTE: The following online form should only be used to request records held by the OOR. It is NOT a general RTK request form.
Online Request Form for OOR Records
