How to locate public records databases
Not all states or local governments offer the same level of access to similar records. Not all records of the same type have the same information from state to state (for example, New York does not require the listing of officers names in the corporate filings). Although, on the state level, some public records search companies are getting more comprehensive access to records, the compilation of local level records is still far away. Here are some ways you can track down public records for your state, and local area:
- Check with the agency itself - Determine which agencies' files you would find useful for routine checks (corporate filings, drivers' records and property records are generally the most useful). Call the agency's data manager and see whether you can arrange for direct access.
- Check with public records database vendors - Several database vendors specialize in public records access. Shop around the different services to see which ones have the types of records you want and the most comprehensive coverage.
- Check with your state press association - The press association should be tracking public records access in your state. Several states have developed guides to public records.
- Check with a university data center - Many large universities have data centers with tape libraries of state data. They can tell you the status on availability of different types of records.
- Check with the state information center or the city / county data processing office These are the keepers of the information inventory. They will know what databases are available and the access there is to the records.
A critical step in locating public records is knowing your rights for access to the records. Again, your state press association or the Reporter's Committee for Freedom of the Press are good sources for information about records access.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- How to use public record databases
- Ways agencies make public record databases available
- How to locate public record databases
- Consumer records databases
- Cautions on the use of public records database
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