Altoona

Pennsylvania

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City of Altoona Right-to-Know Law Policy

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Overview

The City of Altoona adheres to the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (RTKL), which took effect on January 1, 2009. This policy outlines how the public can request records, defines what constitutes a public record, and details the procedures for appeals and fees.

Requesting Records

To request public records, individuals must submit a written request using the City’s Right to Know Request Form (PDF). The City also accepts forms supplied by the Commonwealth of PA Office of Open Records.

Submission Methods:

  • By Mail or In Person: City of Altoona, Department of Administration, Open Records Officer, 1301 12th Street, Suite 100, Altoona, PA 16601.
  • Online: www. altoonapa. gov (Right-to-Know Request fillable form).
  • By Fax: (814) 949-2411.
  • By E-mail: cityclerk@altoonapa. gov.

Important Note on Informal Requests: If a requester chooses not to use the official City form, the request is considered "informal" and is not subject to the RTKL. This means the requester loses the right to pursue legal relief or remedies provided under the law.

Anonymous Requests: The City will not respond to anonymous requests. Requestors must provide a valid name, address, phone number, and email address.

Definitions of Records

  • Public Record: Information documenting a transaction or activity of the City that is created, received, or retained pursuant to law.
  • Criminal Investigative Records: Records related to open criminal investigations are denied. To challenge this, requestors must follow the RTKL appeal process.
  • Law Enforcement Recordings: Audio or video recordings made by law enforcement under Act 22 of 2017 are not covered by the Right-to-Know Law.
    • Requests must use the specific Law Enforcement Recording Request Form – Act 22 of 2017.
    • Requests must be submitted in person or by certified mail within 60 days of the event.
    • The City has 30 calendar days to respond.

Fees and Payment

Fees are payable to the City of Altoona, Department of Administration, c/o Open Records Officer.

  • Paper Copies: 25 cents per page.
  • Color Copies: 35 cents per page.
  • Certification: $3. 00 per document.
  • Postage: Actual cost if mailing is requested.

Advance Payment: If the estimated fee exceeds $100. 00, payment must be made in advance before the City is obligated to distribute the records.

Appeals Process

If a request is denied, or if there is a "deemed denial" (failure to respond in time), the requester may appeal.

  • Where to Appeal: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Office of Open Records, 333 Market Street, 16th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101-2234.
  • Deadline: Appeals must be filed within 15 business days of the mailing date of the denial notice.
  • Required Content: The appeal must be in writing and include:
    • A copy of the original Right-to-Know Request.
    • A copy of the denial letter.
    • Specific grounds for why the record is public (a general statement is insufficient).
    • Addressing all grounds raised by the City in its denial.

The Office of Open Records is required to dismiss any appeal that does not include this specific information. For more details, visit www. openrecords. pa. gov.

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