FEATURE | Public Portal

A More Transparent FOIA Experience

Create an easier and more transparent records request process for requesters with a Public Portal to accept FOIA requests.

Schedule a Demo

Field Fewer Phone Calls

With digital self-service options, requesters won’t need to call and email you to submit requests, check on request statuses, or make payments. And you’ll build trust with the public by creating transparency. It’s a win-win!

Public Portal Benefits

Problems with Manual Request Intake

  • Phone calls and emails from requesters checking on the status of their request
  • Lack of transparency
  • Difficult to transfer large files like body cam footage
  • Receiving many similar requests about high-interest records
  • High-volume requesters have to manually track what documents they’ve requested and received
  • Anonymous requesters can’t check on the status of a request
  • Can be difficult for requesters with disabilities

But Public Portal...

  • Allows requesters to track request statuses themselves
  • Keeps requesters in the loop
  • Sends requesters a link to download files
  • Publishes high-interest records online proactively so people don’t even need to file a request
  • Enables account creation so requesters can see all requests and documents in one place
  • Gives anonymous requesters a security key to access their requests
  • Is ADA-compliant

Public Portal Capabilities

You can:

Customize Branding

Change the logo, background image, and colors of your Public Portal.

Provide Legal Notices and Helpful Information

 Give any information required by law or that would help requesters understand how and where to submit requests.

Requesters can:

Submit Requests Online

Online forms make it easy for requesters to understand what information is required—cutting out back-and-forth communication with your office.

Create an Account

Frequent requesters can create an account to see all current and previous requests in one place.

Track Requests

Requesters no longer have to call or email you for updates.

Pay Invoices

Easily make credit or debit card payments for requests.

Download Responsive Documents

No more sending multiple emails or thumb drives to requesters, even for the largest of requests.

Make Anonymous Requests

Ensure privacy by allowing requesters to submit and check on requests anonymously.

Access Previously Published Records

You can make some or all previous responsive records available online to reduce repetitive requests.

Search Records by Tags

Search by request type such as arrest reports, body cam footage, budgets, etc.

Watch Public Portal in Action

Watch the video to learn how to use the self-service portal for requesting records, checking status, and downloading responsive documents.

What Our Clients Say...

Learn More

The United States is experiencing what Deloitte calls “a crisis of trust.” One result? A surge in public records requests. If you’re feeling the impact, you’re not alone. Discover why agencies like yours are facing more (and more complex) requests every year—and why many say improved digital services would increase their trust in government.

2023 FOIA Trends: The Demand for Transparency

81% of agencies we surveyed indicated that time and resources to complete records requests have increased in the past year—with not a single respondent saying they had decreased. Read on to explore why, and to read our suggestions for how agencies can cope with the increased complexity of filling public records requests.

6 Reasons for the Increased Complexity of Public Records Requests

 

Request More Information

Fill out this form to request a demo or more information about JustFOIA. We will respond within one business day. Please note: We do not process records requests for individuals – please contact the agency of record.

Complete this form and our team will contact you within one business day.