Are Allegheny County Records Public?

Yes. Under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (RTKL), the public can obtain copies of Allegheny County's public records from state and local agencies. Public records include materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics, created, received, or retained pursuant to law or in connection with official business.

Likewise, the Allegheny County open records policy allows requesters to obtain access to records kept or maintained by County departments and agencies. These include Allegheny County court records, vital records, property records, and criminal records. Public record requests typically go through the Allegheny County Office of Open Records, and record seekers can expect access to most records unless they are exempt under the state's public records laws or county policy.

What is Exempted Under the Pennsylvania Public Records Act?

The Pennsylvania RTKL ensures that the public has unrestricted access to records of public office operations. However, the law exempts records from disclosure if they are confidential or contain sensitive information.

Under the Allegheny County Open Records Policy, Allegheny County agencies can deny public access to a record if it falls within one of the 30 exceptions stated in section 708 of the Right-to-Know Law (RTKL). The following are examples of records that can be withheld from the public:

• Personal or public security records
• DNA/RNA records
• Social Security numbers
• Personal financial information
• Personal email addresses
• Medical or psychological history, including evaluation and diagnosis
• Library circulation records and certain archived materials
• Juvenile case records
• Pre-award contract bids
• Case documents containing the identifying information of the victim of certain crimes
• Records that, if disclosed, would result in the loss of federal or state funds
• Records whose release creates a reasonable likelihood of endangering the personal security of an individual and the safety of a building or information safety
• Record of an agency resulting in a criminal investigation.

Some records may not be available for immediate access due to Pennsylvania exemption rules, but it may be possible to submit requests to the clerk's office or some departments to request exceptions.

Allegheny County Public Record Search

The PA Right-to-Know Law provides access to public records through the Office of Open Records in Allegheny County. Record custodians typically maintain online databases for immediate access to public records. However, for records not available for immediate access, submit an online record request form or use a paper RTK request form. The form may be submitted in person, via fax, or through email to the Allegheny County Office of Open Records at OpenRecordsRequests@alleghenycountyda.us. It should contain specific information that will help perform a case search. This may include a party name, case number, filing date range and other details to help streamline search results. Note that a fee will be charged for all paper copies or certified copies requested, and copies will only be provided when the applicable fees have been paid.

The Allegheny County Department of Court Records also helps the public file and access many documents online through the e-filing and retrieval system. Individuals may only access various court records on this system using personal information. For in-person requests, visit Room 220 of the Allegheny County Courthouse at 436 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Find Public Records For Free in Allegheny County

An alternative means to search for public records for free in Allegheny County is through third-party repositories that gather information on several public records from different sources. Accessing information through official custodian offices and direct online search portals may not be convenient, so third-party websites are usually a convenient option. These databases usually require information relating to the record to complete a search but will typically provide extensive information to registered users. However, third-party website users may have to verify the information from each search as results are not as accurate or complete as information from official sources.

How to Remove Information From Public Records Free

To remove information from public records in Allegheny County, the record holder has to determine which method is appropriate and confirm eligibility for expungement or sealing per state law. For instance, expungement clears charges and minor convictions from a person's record, which involves filing a petition with the Department of Court Records, Criminal Division. Under Pennsylvania's Case Records Public Access Policy and the Right-to-Know Law, redaction in Allegheny County removes confidential information from public records. A filing party can redact confidential information from an original document by submitting it with a statewide Confidential Information Form to the Allegheny County Court. If the petition is approved, a court order will be issued requiring the record to be removed from public view or destroyed.

Who Can Access Allegheny County Public Records in Pennsylvania?

According to Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, the public can access Allegheny County's public records with certain exceptions. A public record is a document held by any agency that is not exempt under the law, protected by a privilege, or exempt under other state or federal law or judicial order (chapter 1 section 107). To access or obtain Allegheny County public records from the right custodians, one does not need to prove eligibility beyond being a citizen or member of the public.

What Happens if I Am Refused a Public Records Request?

According to Pennsylvania law, access to a public record allows a person to inspect or review a record in person or to be given a copy of the record upon request. However, an Allegheny County Open Record Request can be refused if the requested records are exempt under the state's Right-to-Know Law (RTKL) or other laws.

Other reasons for denying a record request include:

• If the requester had made repeated requests for that same record and the repeated requests have placed an unreasonable burden on the county (section 506 (a) (1))
• When timely access is not possible due to fire, flood, or other disaster
• When access, in the professional judgement of the custodian, may cause damage to records (section 506 (b) (1)).

If an open record request is denied or the agency fails to respond within 5 business days, the requester can file an appeal with the Commonwealth's Office of Open Records. Thereafter, an appeal may also filed with the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas per Sections 101 and 302 of the Open Record Policy.

All appeals should be made in writing and submitted to the office from the mailing date of the agency's response or the date that the request was denied. If the timeframe expires before the requester provides the required information to the office, the requester may need to file a new RTK request with the agency.

If a requester in Allegheny County believes their open record request was wrongfully denied, they can appeal to the Open Records Office within 15 business days of the denial. The requester will be required to provide a copy of the request and notice of denial from the record custodian.