Government Records Request

The New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA) established two items important to people seeking local, county, or state government information. First, it provided a definition of what is considered a public government record. Second, it established a process with timeframes for making formal requests for government records. The following information below is provided for people seeking to make an OPRA request for Princeton's governmental records.

How to Request a Public Record

Princeton Public Records

Other Governmental Records

Public Record Information

A Public Record is one of the following:

  • Books, Maps, and Photographs
  • Computer Records and Email
  • Electronically Stored Information
  • Handwritten Documents
  • Printed Documents such as:
    • Agendas
    • Bills
    • Budget worksheets and presentations
    • Contracts
    • Minutes
    • Vouchers
  • Tape and Video Recordings

Exceptions

The following are exceptions to records that can be released to the public:

  • Where a record does not exist and one must be created to respond to a request
  • Information that would jeopardize security
  • If the record is electronic, the municipality is not obligated to provide the software to view the record
  • Personal Information such as social security number, driver license number, or an unlisted phone number
  • Public Defender files