By default, we retain delivered files for a limited period (per your package) and then delete them from working storage. If you want us to hold them longer, you can purchase extended storage.

We deliver records digitally via a secure link (and can provide a password-protected ZIP). Links may expire, so download promptly. If you need physical mail delivery, that’s available as an add-on.

Agency fees vary by jurisdiction and can include charges for things like staff time to locate records, copying, electronic media (CD/USB), certification, or extensive redaction/review. Every OpenFile request includes a flat $20 Agency Fee Credit applied toward any agency fees. If the agency fee exceeds $20, you can either: Abort, or Approve and pay only the difference (fee minus $20) We never pay fees above the $20 credit without your approval.

At minimum, we need: what you’re requesting, the agency/jurisdiction, and a date range. If you have it, a case number, incident address, involved party names, or report number can help a lot. If you don’t know something, put “unknown”—we’ll still work with it.

No. We handle the administrative back-and-forth—submitting your request, tracking it, and communicating with the agency as needed (including follow-ups, depending on your package). If the agency asks for clarification or a fee approval, we’ll contact you with a clear summary and your options before moving forward.

Many agencies require a requester’s real name (and sometimes a mailing address) to process a request, especially through portals. If an agency requires identifying information, we’ll tell you before submission. If you’re uncomfortable providing it, you can choose to abort the request before it’s submitted.

It depends entirely on the agency and the type of records requested. Some agencies respond in a few days, while others may take weeks (or longer) depending on workload, legal review, and the scope of the request. Once your request is submitted, we track it and follow up based on your package, then deliver records as soon as they’re received.

Common requests include: police reports, call logs/dispatch records, 911 audio (if releasable), incident narratives, citations, arrest reports, accident reports, jail records, court records, and certain agency emails or policies. Some items are routinely releasable; others are often redacted or denied depending on the law and the case.

Denials happen for a few common reasons: the records don’t exist, the request is too broad, the information is exempt from release, or the agency requires more detail. If a denial or “needs clarification” response comes back, we’ll explain what the agency said in plain language and tell you your options—such as narrowing the date range, refining the request, or identifying a different record type that’s more likely to be releasable. Final release decisions are always made by the agency.