OPEN RECORDS REQUEST
The Texas Public Information Act guarantees public access to information maintained by a governmental entity. It is the policy of this Office to provide the greatest access possible to public information. Your request for information is made under the Texas Public Information Act. Requests for information must be made in writing. Your request should include your name, address, and a detailed description of the records you are requesting. Please be advised that the Texas Public Information Act allows 10 business days from the date of receipt to respond to a request for information.
NOTE: Pursuant to guidelines issued by the Texas Attorney General’s Office, the calculation of a governmental body’s 10 and 15 business day deadlines for responding to requests under the Public Information Act (PIA) does not include any calendar days upon which a governmental body’s administrative offices are closed.
For your convenience, please click on the link below and complete and return the form:
In-Person:
Orange County Sheriff’s Office
Monday - Friday from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm (closed on Orange County holidays)
Mail, Fax or Email the request to:
Orange County Sheriff’s Office
205 Border St
Orange, TX 77630
Fax: 409-883-7545
Email: sorecords@co.orange.tx.us
You may also contact Charlee Thousand for more information at 409-883-2612
Note: Records being requested with a fee will require payment by cash (exact amount), check (business or cashier's), and money order will be accepted in-person. For all other request methods, check or money order can be mailed to the address listed above with attention to Records Division. Check or money order payment will be to Orange County Sheriff Office. Upon receiving, records will be released.
Records Frequently Asked Questions
Question:
How do I make a request?
Answer:
Requests must be in writing according to the Public Information Act. You may submit your request by
mail, in person or via email for your convenience.
Question:
Can a request contain questions or ask to create new information?
Answer:
The request must ask for records or information already in existence. The Act does not require a
governmental body to create new information, to do legal research, or to answer questions.
Question:
Can I receive an un-redacted copy of my records?
Answer:
Yes. You must submit a copy of your valid driver’s license or state ID. Your personally identifiable
information will not be redacted.
Question:
How long will an open records request take?
Answer:
If the governmental body determines to [release] the information it must promptly make it available to the
public. Promptly means as soon as possible under the circumstances, that is, within a reasonable time,
without delay. A governmental body that receives a written request for information that it wishes to
[withhold] from public disclosure must ask for a decision from the Attorney General no later than the
10th business day after the date of receiving the written request.
Question:
How will I receive my information?
Answer:
The Records custodian will respond to your Public Information request by the contact method you
provided.
Question:
What additional information do I need when requesting medical information?
Answer:
You will need to provide written medical authorization to receive any medical information.
Question:
Can I obtain a certified copy of the requested records?
Answer:
Yes. Please request a certified copy of the records at the time of request. The records are stamped and
marked with an official seal embosser and automatically are available for pickup.
Question:
How do I find out about the disposition of a case?
Answer:
Questions concerning the disposition of a case should be sent to the respective court where the matter was
heard.
Question:
Will I have to pay for my requested records?
Answer:
Whether or not you will have to pay for your requested records will depend on the volume of information
you are requesting and in what form the information exists such as paper reports, DVDs, or CDs. The
department of record will contact you to let you know if you will need to pay for your requested records,
if a deposit is required, and the timeframe you will have to pay any costs.
Question:
How would I know if you received my request?
Answer:
If you submit your request to the Records email address then you will receive an acknowledgment email
with the status of the request once the Records custodian processes your request. If you do not submit
your request online, and you have a question about your request, please call 409-883-2612.