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Public Records


PUBLIC RECORDS REQUESTS: 
Oregon's Public Records Laws (Chapter 192) allows anyone to inspect any public record that is not exempt from disclosure, regardless of the requestor's intent. The Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) is committed to the transparent sharing of all disclosable public records. 

A public record is any writing that contains information relating to the public's business. However, OPDC can only produce records it prepares, owns, uses, or retains. If you are seeking records from a specific public defense office or contractor, please contact them directly. 

Confidential case related information is non-disclosable, except to the public defense client themselves, or to an attorney representing the public defense client. If you are an attorney representing a public defense client and need these records in furtherance of your representation, please complete the request below and attach a release of information from your client. No fees will be assessed for disclosure of these records. 

MAKING A REQUEST:

Requests for public records in the custody of the Oregon Public Defense Commission should be submitted in writing. 

REQUESTING ONLINE:    Records Request Form (Complete the form at the bottom of the page)

REQUESTING BY MAIL:   Send your request to:

Public Records Officer
Oregon Public Defense Commission
198 Commercial Street SE, Suite #205
Salem, OR 97301

FEES: 

OPDC may charge a fee reasonably calculated to reimburse the agency for actual costs of providing records, in accordance with the statewide policy on Public Records Requests Fees and Charges (ORS 192.324). OPDC will provide the requestor with a cost estimate and will not proceed with fulfilling the request until payment is received. 

The costs associated may include locating, photocopying, reviewing, redacting, and mailing the documents. Standard fees are $0.25 per page for photocopies and $5.00 per record for certification of a public record. The first $25 to fulfill a request is typically waived. 

Fees to fulfill public records requests may be waived or reduced if doing so is in the public interest. Regardless of the level of public interest, a requestor must have the ability to meaningfully disseminate the information for a request to qualify as being in the public interest. The determination of whether a fee is waived or reduced will be assessed by OPDC using the criteria on the Public Interest Threshold Evaluation Form.

TIMELINES: 

Within five (5) business days from the date you submit your request for public records, you will receive communication to let you know the status of your request. 

If OPDC believes itself to be the custodian of the records you have requested, you will receive an acknowledgment letter. Most requests are completed within fifteen (15) business days; however, some requests may take longer, especially if they are large or complex. Should your request take additional time, the agency will be in contact with you. 

If OPDC is unable to release the records you are requesting, or is not the custodian of the records, you will receive a denial. In this case, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the denial. 

If OPDC needs additional information to proceed with your request, you will be contacted by a member of the staff. 

REMINDERS FOR THOSE SUBMITTING PUBLIC RECORDS REQUESTS: 

  • Be as specific as you can in your request. This helps to ensure you receive the information you are seeking. 
  • Be aware that most agencies do not have all records centralized. Often, this is due to the many different systems where records are stored, as well as the age of the records and how they are archived. 
  • Although not required, providing the reason for your request will assist the records officer in determining your eligibility for a fee waiver. 
  • Even if records are released to you, there may be information redacted or removed. In this case, the cover letter you receive will explain the redactions and provide you information about the statutes or rules that apply.
  • Keep an eye on your email or voice mail. If OPDC needs additional information to process your request, they will reach out to you. Failure to respond with the necessary information may result in your request being denied. 

FOR QUESTIONS OR ASSISTANCE: 

Send an email to the OPDC Public Records Officer Jennifer Bell or call at 503-991-9417. 

Click here for the entire Records Request Policy