Public Information Act

Public Information Request

If you would like to view or obtain copies of records under the Texas Public Information Act, please send a written request. The request should include your name, contact information, and as much description as you can provide regarding the records you are requesting. 

 

Requests for information may be mailed or dropped off to:

Texas Commission on Law Enforcement

Public Information Coordinator

6330 East Hwy. 290, Ste. 200

Austin, Texas 78723

OR

Submitted via email to open_records@tcole.texas.gov

 

For your convenience: TCOLE Public Information Request form

 

Please note the following:

  • As of September 1, 2019, requests for information sent via fax will no longer be accepted.
  • TCOLE will not accept email requests which contain a secure site to open the request.
  • TCOLE is under no legal obligation to respond if the requirements of the Public Information Act are not followed. 
  • For questions about the Public Information Act, please contact the Texas Attorney General.
  • TCOLE may charge for certifying copies.  Our charges are based on the schedule recommended by the Office of the Attorney General.
    • A certified copy may cost $0.10 per page and a cost statement will be provided to you after the request is received and the cost is calculated. 
    • Per TCOLE's rules handbook, a business record affidavit may require a $35.00 service fee.  
    • See rules handbook for fee schedule

 

Public Information Act

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has set forth tips to help you make a successful Public Information Act request. (OAG - PIA)

If you believe that a governmental body has not responded as required by the Public Information Act, the OAG recommends that you contact the OAG Open Records Division Hotline at (512) 478-6736 or toll-free (877) 673-6839.

What Requestors Can Expect After a Request is Made

• The governmental body must "promptly" produce public information in response to your request. The amount of information you have requested is highly relevant to what makes for a reasonable response time. Note: The Public Information Act prohibits the governmental body from asking you why you want the information you have requested, however, they may ask you to clarify your request.

• If the governmental body wishes to withhold information from you, it must seek an attorney general decision within ten business days of its receipt of your request and state the exceptions to disclosure that it believes are applicable. Within fifteen business days of receiving your request, the governmental body must send the attorney general its arguments for withholding the information you requested and copies of the information you have requested. You are entitled to receive this notice with any appropriate redactions. If the governmental body does not send you a copy of this letter, you may request it from the attorney general by writing to:

Public Information Coordinator
Office of the Attorney General
P.O. Box 12548
Austin, Texas 78711-2548
FAX (512) 494-8017

 

When an Attorney General Decision is Issued

If you have questions about a decision you have received, you may call the Open Government Hotline toll free at (877) 673-6839 (877-OPENTEX).

If you disagree with the ruling, you can appeal that decision by litigation. See subchapter H, chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code.