Agency contacted: I reached out to the Georgia Department of Education hoping to get a listing of contacts related to the behavioral threat assessment teams and civilian response to an active shooter event (CRASE). 

Records that were requested: I first heard back from the agency after about 1 business day. I sent the request on Oct. 13th, and received a reply on the following day around 9:30 a.m. 

When did you first hear back fro the agency? I first heard back from the agency after one business day. I sent the request on October 13 and received a reply on the following day around 9:30 a.m.

Did the agency request a fee? The agency did not have a fee. 

Describe the response. Their response explained to me that their specific department did not have any records in accordance with my request. However, they did include a contact for who to go to to get the information from.  The email I got back noted “The Department does not have records responsive to your request. You will need to contact the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS).   You can reach GEMA/HS at [email protected].”

Assign a grade for contact/process: I would grade this contact an A. It was very easy to find their contact on their website and they also replied quickly.

Assign a grade for response: I would also give the response to my request an A. Even though this department did not have the information I was seeking, they did point me in the right direction with a direct email to contact me for my request.

Anything else to note?: No

See the full report card here.

Grading scale for agency’s ease of contacting agency staff and finding or filing for public records.

A: Agency uses an online portal or has a clearly defined process or contact on its website for requesting public records. An “A” agency may also provide the most commonly requested records on its website already such as agendas and meeting minutes.

B: Agency has some public information online such as meeting agendas or meeting times but additional information on how to request public information is not available.

C: Agency website has contact information for staff but nothing specific about how to request public information.

D: Agency has limited contact information on its website but it is not clearly labeled and/or easily accessible.

F: Agency contact information or how to get public records is not available on the website 

Grade scale for agency’s overall responsiveness and compliance with open records law

A: Provided records within the three-day window or less

B Acknowledgment of request within the three-day requirement but records were provided after three days.

C:  Acknowledged the request but then put forth a long timetable for response or requested a high fee or retrieval price for what should be a digital record and/or PDF that could be emailed.

D: Acknowledged the request but no further information or follow-up.

F:  No response