Not sure if this is the right area for this - I'm interested in filing a request for some information, and I'm having a hard time figuring out if some of the information i'm looking for is going to be released.

I know, for example, that a written report would have to be turned over, but would a citizen also be entitled to the research/memos/documentation that this report was based on? Internal emails? emails or letters with outside agencies that they used in their decision making process?

If this is unclear, I'll clarify as best I can... does anyone have any experience with this?

AR has a sample letter in the reference section: http://www.twincitiescarry.com/forum/vi ... hp?t=12077

I have seen the sample letter - I was looking for input on what they can hold back, and what they have to release. I don't want to spend the time making the request if they don't have to turn over what I'm looking for.

Spend the time.

No offense intended, but how long does it take to write a letter, given that you have a template?

And, maybe with a little offense intended, why are you asking us to spend time answering your questions, even drawing out details, when you aren't even willing to write the damn letter?

OK, I will.



It isn't the writing of the letter that will take time, I'm more thinking about the process afterward if (as I suspect will happen) the request is not met in full.



I was asking, because I figured if someone had already made a request for working papers or internal correspondence from, say, the BCA and been slapped down even after trying to appeal a denial, I'd save myself the grief, and expense of fighting the same battle again.

I've always thought that it made sense to 'work smarter, not harder', but I'm sorry if asking a question which I couldn't find an answer to anywhere here on the forum or on the interwebs is a waste of your time.

Why bother having a forum if you're going to get pissy when people, you know, ask questions?

Keep asking questions. Some of us respond differently than others. 99% of the time, you will get a real answer, at least as best as the group can offer, if you ask a legit question. I see your question as legit. Unfortunately, I have not tackled this issue and can not offer specific information. Someone will be along shortly to provide you with what you seek.

The laws governing what they are supposed to turn over is here: https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/rev ... chapter=13

It's all about attitude. Getting someone else to do the work is certainly "working smarter." But when you simultaneously say that you don't want to waste time, and ask us to spend ours, that's gonna rub some of us the wrong way.

Read the statute that Jeff provided. Then, if you have questions, you can contact the Data Practices office at the state.

Since I think there's been enough grumpiness hereabouts for the time being, a general observation: by and large, the folks who have gotten their own work credits in tend to be more helpful and sympathetic to people who are already getting their own in than in people who are talking about doing it -- even if that talk is entirely sincere.

"I put in a DP request to VerySnottyPD for the world (I figured I should ask for the world and settle for Hawaii) and they're ignoring it; a redacted copy of my request follows. Anybody got any ideas?" is likely to generate a fair amount of interest.

"I'm considering writing a letter, but I'm not sure exactly how to ask for what I want. Here's some details." Ditto.