Get help writing your IPRA request
This AI-powered form will help you write a targeted public records request.
It is completely anonymous. At no point do we ask for your name or other personal information.
You can use the form as many times as you like until you are satisfied with the results.
At the bottom, there is a button to copy the results so you can insert them into an online IPRA form or email.
This tool helps draft public records requests. It does not provide legal advice. It does not guarantee the request is error-free or that you will receive the requested records. You are responsible for reviewing your request before sending.
How to use the IPRA request tool
To generate an AI-created IPRA request, you only need to answer Questions 1 and 2 before clicking the “Draft My IPRA Request” button at the bottom of the form.
However, the more information you provide by answering the remaining 10 questions, the easier it will be for the records custodian to locate the records and the faster you are likely to receive them.
PUBLIC BODY / AGENCY NAME
Enter the name of the public body that you believe has the record you want.
This would be the name of a village, town, city, county, school board, university, state agency, water district, or acequia association.
1
REQUIRED
WHAT RECORDS DO YOU WANT?
2
REQUIRED
Describe the records you want to review, being as specific as possible.
TIP: Public records laws give you access to existing records — not answers to questions or new lists. Instead of asking “How many complaints were filed?” ask for records like “complaint reports, logs, or summaries.”
EXAMPLES: When describing the records you want, it's:
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NOT "How many complaints were filed?" (a piece of information)
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NOT "A list of all complaints filed?" (The list would need to be created )
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BUT "Complaint reports, logs, or summaries" (They are physical records the office already keeps)
If you don't know the name of the record or the type of record you want ...
In the space below, explain what you hope the records will help you find out, and AI will turn that into a description of the type of record to request.
IMPORTANT NOTE: We are only asking this question so AI can better assist you. Remember that in your IPRA request, you never have to explain why you are asking for records.
DURING WHAT DATE OR DATE RANGE?
Enter the date the record was created or the beginning date in a date range.
Giving the date is especially important when asking for police records.
3
4
Enter the end date in a date range
If you only know an approximate timeframe and not the exact date or the date range, describe it as best you can here.
PEOPLE, PLACES, SUBJECTS
Give a location, if relevant.
The address or intersection is especially important when requesting police records.
5
6
List any people, offices, vendors, or organizations tied to the records
7
Describe any event, issue, or topic connected to the records
8
Do you want a tightly written, specific request or something more broad?
The broader and more wide sweeping the request, the more likely the records department will ask for additional time to fulfill the request beyond the standard 15 days
9
Do you want AI to help narrow your request if it seems too broad?
HOW BROAD OR NARROW?
FORMAT & DELIVERY
In what format would you like the records department to give you the requested records?
10
Note: Paper copies sent by mail will often including fees for copying and mailing the records
TONE & EXTRAS
What tone do you want the request to have?
11
Do you want the records department to contact you if they need clarification?
12
Anything else you want to add to your records request?
Request Results
Before sending your request to a records custodian, make sure to replace the bracketed contact information with your name, mailing address, and phone number, which are required for submission.
DRAFT REQUEST
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SHORTER VERSION
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WAYS TO NARROW THIS REQUEST
Things to include if you want to get your request fulfilled faster
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MISSING DETAILS
Information the record custodians can use to find the record
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Before sending your IPRA request, remember to replace the bracketed contact information with your own
If you have problems using this form, please contact info@nmfog.org
