Information regrading Public Records Requests.
Public Records Requests
Under the Idaho Public Records Law, you have the right to request documents or electronic records created and maintained by the Buhl Police Department. However, certain restrictions apply to the release of specific information.
To process your public records request efficiently, all requests to examine or copy public records must be submitted in writing. Please assist us by reviewing the information below and completing the request form in its entirety. The Records Manager and/or Chief of Police, in consultation with the City Attorney or Prosecutor’s Office, will determine the release of documents.
Important Information About Law Enforcement Records:
- Ongoing Investigations: Records related to open or ongoing investigations are exempt from disclosure until the investigation is completed and adjudicated in the court system.
- Protection of Personal Information: Personal identifying information is protected under state and federal regulations and will not be disclosed.
- Fair Trial Rights: The release of information must not jeopardize an individual’s right to a fair trial.
Idaho Law on Restricted Information
Idaho Code § 74-105 outlines exemptions from disclosure, including records of ongoing investigations and those revealing law enforcement investigative techniques.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions about the process or requirements, please contact the Buhl Police Department.
How do I request public records?
You may submit a request online using the link above or visit the Buhl Police Department at 201 Broadway Avenue North, Buhl, Idaho, to complete a written request form. To ensure accurate processing, please provide specific details about the information you are requesting. For records involving an individual, include their full name and date of birth to ensure the correct record is identified.
In accordance with Idaho law, the Buhl Police Department has 3 to 10 business days to respond to your request. Please note that there may be a fee associated with this service.
Will I be charged for copies of the information I requested?
The Buhl Police Department adheres to Idaho Code § 74-102 regarding public records requests. According to this statute, no fee is charged for the first two hours of labor or for copying the first 100 pages of paper records. However, fees may apply if the request exceeds these thresholds or requires redaction of non-public information.
Before processing, you will be informed of any applicable costs. Please note that some records may require redactions, and all fees must be paid prior to the records being reviewed by the City Attorney or Prosecutor’s Office. Fees are assessed for clerical time exceeding two hours or for requests involving more than 100 copied pages. For detailed information, please refer to Idaho Code § 74-102.
Are there any restrictions on how I can use the information I receive?
Under Idaho law, using public records to create mailing, electronic, or telephone lists is generally prohibited. Specifically, Idaho Code § 74-120 states that public records cannot be used as a distribution or sales list for unsolicited advertising or other purposes.
Violating this provision may result in penalties. For more detailed information, please refer to Idaho Code § 74-120.
How long will it take to get the records I request?
Under Idaho Code § 74-103, the Buhl Police Department is required to respond to public records requests within three (3) working days of receipt. If additional time is necessary to locate or retrieve the records, the department must notify the requester in writing and provide the records no later than ten (10) working days following the request.
Please note that these time frames may vary depending on the complexity of the request and the volume of records involved.
How will I know if my request has been granted or denied?
Upon approval of your public records request, the Buhl Police Department will provide the requested documents using the delivery method you specified. If your request is denied, you will receive a written notification detailing the reason for the denial. This process is in accordance with Idaho Code § 74-103, which outlines the procedures for responding to public records requests, including the requirement to provide written explanations for any denials.
Under Idaho Code § 74-115, if your public records request is denied, you have 180 calendar days from the date the denial letter is mailed to file a petition in the district court of the county where the records are located. This petition seeks to compel the public agency to make the information available for public inspection.
The Buhl Police Department does not provide background checks to the public. For statewide criminal history information, please contact the Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI). BCI offers both name-based and fingerprint-based background checks for non-criminal justice purposes, such as employment screening and licensure.
If you have further questions or require additional information, please contact our Records Department at (208) 543-4200 or email pdrecords@cityofbuhl.us.