FAQs

How do I make a Public Records request?

Please visit the City's public records portal, NextRequest, to make your request. Requests by mail, phone, fax, email or in person are also accepted, but will be entered into the portal for processing.


Who can initiate a Public Records request?

Anyone may initiate a request for public records.


How soon must the City respond to my request?

The City has within three days exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays which to respond to the request by:

  • Providing the record(s) or a link to the record(s).
  • Acknowledging receipt of the request and providing a reasonable estimate of the time the city will need to respond to the request.
  • Denying the records request.

What type of information can I request?

Public Records requests may be used to obtain "agency records," which include a wide variety of documents and other materials (including print, photographic, and electronic formats) that were created or obtained by a city agency and are, at the time the request is filed, in the City's possession and control. The Public Records Act excludes certain categories of records from disclosure.


How much will I be charged for my request?

Please visit the City of Shreveport Code of Ordinances Chapter 26, Article IV concerning the fees for public records requests.


What records are exempt from disclosure?

Pending criminal litigation; juvenile status offenders; sexual offense victims; security procedures; trade secrets; and some public employee information.


How long is the city required to keep city records?

The records retention period depends primarily on the nature of the record.  R.S. 44:36 requires that, "all persons or public bodies that have custody or control of any public record, other than those such as conveyance, mortgage, and other similar permanent records that are required to be preserved forever by law, must maintain the record for the period specified by law.  If the law does not prescribe a particular period of time for the record to be retained, the public records must be preserved and maintained for a period of at least three years from the date on which the public record was made...".