What can a custodian of records do if an OPRA request is broad or unclear?

When a custodian of records receives an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request that is broad or unclear, the appropriate action is to request clarification from the requester. This process is important because it ensures that the custodian understands exactly what information is being sought, which helps to facilitate a more efficient and thorough response.

Requesting clarification allows the custodian to narrow down the scope of the request, making it easier to locate the specific records that the requester is interested in. This is a key aspect of maintaining transparency and accountability in government operations while also respecting the rights of the requester. By seeking clarification, custodians can avoid the potential misinterpretation of the request and ensure compliance with the law.

In situations where an OPRA request is ambiguous, simply denying access without seeking clarification would undermine the purpose of open records laws. Similarly, complying with unclear requests without questions could lead to delivering irrelevant information or failing to provide the requested data altogether. Delaying the request indefinitely would not only be unprofessional, but it could also violate the stipulations of OPRA regarding timely responses to requests for public records. Thus, requesting clarification is the most responsible and effective approach for custodians facing broad or unclear OPRA requests.