Open Records

Note: The COVID-19 pandemic mitigation efforts have not affected the ability of the LBPD to receive and fill open records requests.

Click here to read our news post from 09/07/2021 comparing the LBPD open records efforts to best practices identified by the OOR.

LBPD commitment to open records

Holding government accountable via record access is not possible if the public is not well informed about how to request such information. The 2015 President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing, 1.3 RECOMMENDATION says "Law enforcement agencies should establish a culture of transparency and accountability in order to build public trust and legitimacy. This will ensure decision making is understood and in accord with stated policy."

Designation of Agency Open Records Officer (AORO)

The LBPD has designated an AORO to respond to RTKL requests. The contact for the AORO is:

Name: Chief Jared Hahn

By mail and in-person: 7 South Broad Street, Lititz, PA 17543

Phone: (717) 626-6393

Fax: (717) 625-3761

Email: RightToKnow@LititzPD.org

Open Records Requests

All RTKL requests for records must be in writing. Each request must identify or describe the records sought with sufficient specificity to enable the LBPD to ascertain which records are being requested. 

Receipt of the request. For the purpose of calculating the response deadline, the LBPD is deemed to have received the request on the business day that the AORO receives the request. Any request that is received by the LBPD after the close of regular business hours shall be deemed to be received the next business day (see 65 P.S. §67.901). If your request is received by an employee other than the AORO, your request will be forwarded to the AORO as soon as practical.

Normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM until 3:30 PM (except holidays and official office closings).

Submit a Request

For your convenience, the LBPD offers the following methods to receive open records requests:

Email: The LBPD provides a specific and dedicated email address to receive open records requests. Requestors can email the request form to RightToKnow@LititzPD.org. You can obtain a copy of the standard RTKL form by clicking here.

U.S. Mail: You can mail your completed open records form to: Lititz Borough Police Department, 7 South Broad Street, Lititz, PA 17543, attn: Open Records Officer. You can obtain a copy of the standard RTKL form by clicking here.

Hand-delivery: You can hand-delivery your completed open records form to: Lititz Borough Police Department, 7 South Broad Street, Lititz, PA 17543. You can obtain a copy of the standard RTKL form by clicking here, or a supply of the forms are available in the police station lobby.

LBPD Open Records Written Directive (General Order 4.11.1)

The LBPD maintains current policy related to open records consistent with the Accreditation standards of the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (PLEAC). If you would like to review the LBPD policy on Open Records (LBPD General Order 4.11.1), please click here. In addition to instant public access on our website, LititzPD.org, you can also find a copy of policy posted in our public lobby, located at 7 South Broad Street, Lititz, PA 17543

Fees

RTKL fees for duplication are established by the Office of Open Records. As expressly provided by 65 P.S. §67.1307(g), the LBPD is authorized to charge requestor fees for the necessary incurred costs. The LBOD will determine and charge such fees on a case-by-case basis. Answers to fee-related questions may be obtained by calling 717-626-6393.

Requestors must pay all applicable RTKL fees before access to requested records is provided. Please click here for the official RTKL fee schedule.

Appeals

If your request has been denied, you can file an appeal with the Office of Open Records or Lancaster County District Attorney's Office (see below). There is no fee and you do not need an attorney. All appeals must be made in writing and must be submitted within 15 business days from the mailing date of the LBPD's response or the date that the request was deemed denied. If that timeframe expires before you provide the required information, you lose your right to appeal and may need to file a new RTK request.

General appeals - 

Office of Open Records, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 333 Market Street, 16th floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101-2234

PA OOR online appeals form 

Criminal investigative records - 

Lancaster County District Attorney's Office, Chapter 11 Appeals Officer, 50 North Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17602

For additional information on appeals, please click here.

Helpful Links

The LBPD is pleased to provide the following links which you might find useful related to open records:

OpenRecords.pa.gov website

About the RTK and FAQ

How to file a request

Find agency open records officers

Citizens' guide

Agency guides

Fee schedule

RTKL advisory opinions

RTKL forms

Regulations under development

Requesting police recordings

Judicial agencies
 

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