File a Public Records Request Like a Journalist

You have the right to public records just as much as any journalist. Let Spokane Public Radio and RANGE teach you how to get them.

Can I get traffic camera footage of my car accident? How many building code violations does my new landlord have? What do inspection reports say about Grandma’s nursing home?

These are just a few examples of questions that a public records request might get you the answers to.

Public records power much of the work you see at Spokane Public Radio, RANGE, and other media companies. We use them to find and learn vital things about our city and the people who run it. But the right to public records isn’t unique to journalists — you have that right too — and we want to make sure you know how to exercise it.

So Spokane Public Radio, RANGE Media and the Inland Northwest chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists are coming together to bring you a free workshop on how you can request public records.

We’ll cover:

• What the Washington Public Records Act is and what it covers
• What is and isn’t a public record
• How to make a records request that will get you the information you want
• Which agency or office to make your request to
• Reporters from SPR, RANGE and SPJ will also be there to help you formulate your own request so you can send it.

Before attending: If you have a laptop, please bring it to research and write your request. If you don’t have one, we’ll have worksheets on hand to use. Please also have a working email address you check regularly.

Also, think about a local government entity you’d like to know more from. Is there anything you’d like to know about the governments of Spokane County, Spokane Valley, the city of Spokane or maybe the Spokane Regional Health District? School districts are usually public entities too!

Transportation & parking info: The parking garage under the library building will be open for the duration of the event. Parking is free after 7 p.m. The library is also two blocks from the Spokane Transit Authority Plaza.

Please RSVP for the event by getting a free ticket here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/file-a-public-records-request-like-a-journalist-tickets-536367087397