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Open Records Request Guidance

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The Perry County Sheriff's Office is committed to transparency and compliance with the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS Chapter 61). This guidance outlines the process for submitting an open records request to our office.

• Download Open Records Policy & Procedures (PDF)
• Download Open Records Request Form (PDF)

Submitting an Open Records Request

To request public records from the Perry County Sheriff's Office, please follow these steps:

1. Complete the Open Records Request Form. For your convenience, we have provided an Open Records Request Form (linked above). This form helps ensure we receive all the necessary information to process your request efficiently.
2. Submit your completed form via email, by mail, or in person. Email your completed form to our dedicated records email address: records@perrysheriff.org; mail your completed form to P.O. Box 7309, Hazard, KY 41702; or submit your completed form in person at our office.
3. Provide sufficient detail. To assist us in locating the records you seek, please be as specific as possible. Include relevant details such as dates, names, incident numbers (if known), and the type of record you are requesting.

Our Process for Fulfilling Open Records Requests

Upon receipt of your open records request, the Perry County Sheriff's Office will adhere to the following procedures as mandated by Kentucky law:

Acknowledgment: We will acknowledge receipt of your request within five (5) business days, as required by KRS 61.880(1). This acknowledgment will inform you of whether the requested records are available for public inspection or if further action is necessary.

Review and Determination: We will promptly review your request to determine if the requested records are subject to public inspection under the Kentucky Open Records Act. Certain exceptions outlined in KRS 61.878 may permit or require the redaction or denial of access to certain records or portions thereof. These exceptions often relate to matters such as:

• Ongoing criminal investigations.
• Personal privacy.
• Confidential law enforcement techniques and procedures.
• Preliminary drafts and notes.
• Records protected by federal law.

Notification of Status: Within the five (5) business day time-frame (or a reasonable extension if voluminous records are requested, with written notification as per KRS 61.872(4)), we will notify you of our decision. This notification will include:

• Whether your request will be granted.
• If access is denied in whole or in part, the specific exception(s) under KRS 61.878 that justify the denial and a brief explanation of how the exception applies.
• An estimate of any applicable fees for copies or inspection, as permitted by KRS 61.874.

Access and Fees: If your request is granted, we will inform you when and where the records will be available for inspection or the cost for providing copies. Fees for copies will be assessed in accordance with KRS 61.874 and will be communicated to you prior to fulfilling the request. Payment is required before copies are provided. You have the right to inspect public records during our regular business hours.

Upon processing your open records request, you may receive the requested records through one of the following methods:

• Inspection of the records at our office during regular business hours.
• Copies of the records mailed to your address (applicable fees for copies and postage will apply).
• Other electronic means as agreed upon by the Perry County Sheriff's Office and the requester. Records may be provided via email on a case-by-case basis only.

Right to Appeal: If your open records request is denied, in whole or in part, you have the right to appeal this decision to the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, as outlined in KRS 61.880(2). You will be provided with information on how to file such an appeal in our denial notification.

Records Custodian Contact

For questions regarding open records requests, you may contact our Records Custodian via email at records@perrysheriff.org or by mail at:

Perry County Sheriff's Office
P.O. Box 7309
Hazard, KY 41702

We are committed to serving the public and ensuring transparency in our operations while adhering to the requirements of the Kentucky Open Records Act. Thank you for your understanding.