As journalists, the public records requests we craft can play a role in how well agencies respond. With clear, focused and researched requests, we can maximize the return on our time and minimize potential delays after a request is filed.
Sometimes, when a reporter or member of the public makes a request for public documents under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act, they get caught up in getting an actual copy of the records. While copies of records – whether paper or electronic – is the gold standard, it’s important to remember the “I” in IPRA.
Journalists write and talk a lot about transparency, about things said and done during public meetings, and about government agencies that refuse to provide the public with documents or information. Why do we care so much about these things? In short: Because an informed citizenry is paramount to a thriving Read more…
Sunshine Week is here and that means organizations across the country are upping their quota of information about how to keep government open and accountable.