How to get public data from public servants
summary
Explains how to get specific datasets: write a dated FOIA/FOIAA letter, ask for data dictionary and table layout, and request delivery as delimited files (FTP, CD, or drive); federal agencies have 20 business days while North Carolina has no statutory deadline; expect redaction not wholesale withholding and budget for reasonable fees or request a waiver; keep a communication log, copy sympathetic officials, and demand any legal withholding be cited in writing with statute or case citation; cites traffic‑stop and medical examiner requests that took months to years.
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chapters (21)
- 0:00Introduction
- 1:04Why public records requests matter
- 2:26Basic steps to request data
- 3:11Framing a successful request
- 4:58Finding available government data
- 6:01Identifying officials to contact
- 7:04Describing records in detail
- 7:47Citing law and logs
- 9:13Response timelines
- 10:40Copying officials to speed up
- 11:00FOIA laws and rules
- 12:24Federal FOIA exemptions
- 15:11FOIA officers and response times
- 16:15North Carolina open records
- 17:38NC enforcement challenges
- 18:43Asking for database index
- 19:49Handling fees and estimates
- 21:13NC common exemptions
- 23:02Request letter format
- 29:44Public data for democracy
- 31:11Resources and Q&A
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