Open Records Information

About

The Franklin County Office of Open Records provides access to public information and enforces the state’s Right-to-Know law.  Its function is to serve as a resource for citizens, public officials and members of the media in obtaining public records of Franklin County.  The County has adopted its own Open Records Policy to implement this Law.  Please refer to the document found on this webpage for a full explanation of the regulations and procedures governing the County’s Open Records Law.

Documents

Open Records Request Form

Open Records Policy

What are some examples of public records?

• 911 time response log

• Name, title, salary of public employees and officials

What are some types of information that will NOT be available?

• Social Security numbers

• Drivers’ license numbers

• Employee numbers

• Home, cellular or personal phone numbers

• Personal financial information

• House addresses of law enforcement and judges

• A minor’s name, home address, date of birth

• Pre-decisional deliberations

• A transcript or copy of a 911 recording (without a court order or subpoena)

• A record from a Court or court-related office (except financial records). 

These records must be requested directly from the appropriate office since they are part of the unified judicial system and do not fall under the requirements of the Open Records Law.  For example, civil case information can be obtained through the Prothonotary, criminal court information through the Clerk of Courts, and District Court matters can be obtained through each respective Magisterial District Judge office.

The law requires the open records officer to do the following

An Agency has five business days to respond in writing and: 1) grant the request; 2) deny the request (citing the legal basis for denial/partial denial); or 3) invoke a 30-day extension for certain reasons.  The clock starts the day after the request is received during regular business hours.

How to request information?

You can make a request four ways:  mail, fax, e-mail or in person.

The request must be sufficiently “specific” to allow the public body to identify what you are seeking.

Is there a form to obtain records?

Yes, a standard Franklin County Office of Open Records request form is available on this webpage.  The Franklin County Office of Open Records will also accept the form from the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records.

Are there fees associated with open records?

Yes.  Please see the fee structure found on this webpage for the fees structure established by the Franklin County Commissioners in accordance with the law.

If you disagree with a determination of the Open Records Officer, you may file an appeal to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records.  Guidelines and forms for appeals may be found at https://www.openrecords.pa.gov/

Decisions of the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records may be appealed at:

PA Open Records Officer: 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Office of Open Records
333 Market Street, 16th Floor
Harrisburg, PA  17101-2234
openrecords@pa.gov