Public Records Requests
The New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA) establishes a process for citizens to make formal requests for government records. The Act defines what a government record is and the mechanism and time frame for requesting it.
Citizens can submit an OPRA request via email at
The following are considered Public Records under OPRA:
- Printed Documents such as agendas, minutes, budget worksheets and presentations, contracts, bills, vouchers
- Handwritten Documents
- Books, Maps and Photographs
- Tape and Video Recordings
- Computer Records and E-Mail
- Electronically Stored Information
EXCEPTIONS
- Where a record does not exist and one must be created to respond to a request.
- Information that would jeopardize security.
- If the record is electronic, the municipality is not obligated to provide the software to view the record.
- Personal Information such as social security number, driver licence number, unlisted phone number
- Public Defender files
For more information on OPRA, here's a downloadable Citizen's Guide
Adobe Acrobat Document 161.8 KB