How Public Records Are Vital to Our Communities

When we think about public records, we might imagine dusty old books tucked away in a government archive. But in reality, public records are vital to our daily lives, from protecting our safety to safeguarding our civil rights.

So, what exactly are public records? They are documents created or received by a government agency or official in the course of their official duties that are then made available to the public. This includes everything from property deeds to court transcripts to police reports.

But why are these documents so important? For one, public records serve as a check on government power. They allow the public to hold officials accountable for their actions and provide valuable insights into how our tax dollars are being spent. Without access to public records, corruption and abuse of power could go unchecked.

Public records are also essential for protecting our civil rights. They help us ensure that our government is not infringing on our liberties or discriminating against us based on our race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. For example, if a city council passes a policy that disproportionately affects a particular group of people, public records can be used to challenge the legality of that policy in court.

But perhaps most importantly, public records are crucial to ensuring our safety. By making information about crimes, accidents, and other incidents available to the public, we can better understand the risks in our communities and take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

For example, in 2016, the Indianapolis Star used public records to uncover that USA Gymnastics had been failing to report allegations of sexual abuse by coaches for years. This reporting helped to bring the abuse to light and prompted changes in how the organization handles abuse allegations.

Similarly, in 2020, a reporter for The New York Times used public records to investigate the spread of COVID-19 in meatpacking plants across the country. The investigation found that the industry had downplayed the risks to workers and failed to implement basic safety measures, leading to thousands of infections and dozens of deaths.

These examples highlight just how powerful public records can be in keeping us safe and holding our institutions accountable. But accessing public records is not always easy. While the law requires government agencies to make many records available to the public, officials often resist or delay requests, especially when the information is potentially embarrassing or damaging.

This is where journalists and activists come in. By using public records laws, they can force officials to release information that might otherwise be kept secret. But even with the law on their side, obtaining public records can be a time-consuming and expensive process, requiring endless follow-up emails, phone calls, and appeals.

So, how can we ensure that public records remain accessible and useful for years to come? One option is to advocate for stronger public records laws and better enforcement of existing laws. This could include provisions that require agencies to respond to requests in a timely fashion, penalties for officials who withhold or delay records, and funding for training and technology to make recordkeeping and retrieval more efficient.

Another approach is to support organizations that work to promote transparency and accountability. Groups like the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and the National Freedom of Information Coalition provide resources and support to journalists and citizens seeking public records, helping to ensure that everyone has access to the information they need to make informed decisions and hold their leaders accountable.

Ultimately, public records are essential to a functioning democracy and a safe and just society. By shining a light on what our government is doing, we can hold officials accountable and ensure that our tax dollars are being spent wisely. But this requires vigilance and a commitment to transparency from both citizens and government officials. So, the next time you hear someone dismiss public records as irrelevant or boring, remember that they are anything but – and that our democracy depends on them.