How to Submit an Open Records Request
The City of Jackson is committed to transparency and to providing public access to municipal records in accordance with the Kentucky Open Records Act (KORA), codified at KRS 61.870 to 61.884. This page explains how to submit a request and the procedures the City follows to fulfill it.
In accordance with KRS 61.872, any resident of the Commonwealth of Kentucky has the right to inspect public records. To submit a request, provide a written application that is signed and includes:
- Your printed name.
- A clear and specific description of the records you wish to inspect.
- A statement confirming your residency in the Commonwealth (per KRS 61.870(10)).
Official Form: While you are not required to use a specific form, the City accepts the Standardized Open Records Request Form (OAG-01) provided by the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General.
Submission Methods — requests may be submitted to the Official Custodian of Records via:
- Hand-Delivery or Mail: 333 Broadway St., Jackson, KY 41339
- Email: charles.herald@cityofjacksonky.org (Official Custodian)
- Phone: (606) 666-7069
The City follows the statutory procedures outlined in KRS 61.880:
Response Timeline: The City will determine whether to comply with your request within five (5) business days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays) after receiving the application.
Notification: If the records are in active use or in storage, the City will notify you in writing of the earliest date, time, and place they will be available for inspection.
Exceptions: If the application is denied, the City will provide a written explanation citing the specific statutory exemption under KRS 61.878.
You may inspect records in person during regular office hours at City Hall or receive copies by mail.
- Standard Copy Fee: $0.10 per page for standard-sized paper.
- Postage: If you request mailed copies, payment for the actual cost of postage and packing materials is required prior to shipping.
- Non-Paper Media: Fees for CDs, flash drives, etc. are based on the actual cost of the medium.
- Commercial Purpose: Requests for a commercial purpose may be subject to additional fees, including staff time and the value of the record itself.
If a request is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision:
- Attorney General Appeal: Forward a copy of your request and the City's denial to the Office of the Attorney General, 700 Capitol Avenue, Frankfort, KY 40601.
- Circuit Court: Alternatively, you may file an appeal in the Breathitt County Circuit Court.
No Duty to Create Records: Under Kentucky law, the City is not required to create a new record, compile data into a new format, or answer lists of questions. The Act only requires disclosure of existing, non-exempt public records.
Residency Definition: Per KRS 61.870(10), a "resident" includes individuals living in Kentucky, business entities with a location in the state, or any individual employed at a location within the Commonwealth.
Electronic Records Delivery Policy
Although the City must accept requests submitted by email, it is not legally obligated to transmit the requested records electronically. Per guidance from the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General, email submissions can limit the City's ability to verify the signature and residency requirements under KRS Chapter 61. Emailed requests will be processed, but responsive records may be provided by standard mail or made available for in-person inspection at City Hall.
Police Records & FOI Requests
Freedom of Information requests may be made by contacting the Police Department directly. Please note that active investigations may not be subject to an open records request. To request a report or make a formal FOI request, call (606) 666-2424 or email us.
Police Report Pricing
Only those directly involved in a crime, or the drivers/occupants/owners/operators of vehicles in a collision, are entitled to a copy of a report. All others must make an official request. If the case is under investigation, the report is not released until the investigation is complete.
A fee of $5 per collision report is required prior to delivery. Reports that include photos on a compact disc require an additional $25 per report.
Ready to submit a request?
Send your signed request to the Official Custodian of Records at City Hall, or call us with any questions about the process.