The first statewide, open access dataset tracking public records requests in New Jersey
Data in Brief
Abstract
This article presents the OPRAmachine dataset: data containing detailed metadata on public records requests submitted to state and local public authorities in New Jersey since October 2017, collected through the implementation of information and communication technologies (ICT) to facilitate the freedom of information request process.
Overview
State freedom of information laws are vital mechanisms for providing public access to government records and supporting civic engagement through the effectuation of a public policy of transparency at the state level within the United States. New Jersey state law facilitates public access to government records under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA).
Since OPRA took effect in 2002, it has been difficult to track the full extent of law’s impact across New Jersey’s 21 counties, 565 municipalities, and numerous state agencies, school districts and independent authorities, all of which must individually respond to requests under the law.
Dataset Description
The OPRAmachine dataset contains detailed metadata on public records requests submitted to state and local public authorities in New Jersey since October 2017. The data was collected using an open-source web interface that allowed users to submit an OPRA request to public authorities, with responses stored in a database and made available via the internet.
Research Applications
These data assist state policymakers and other interested parties with:
- Assessing trends in OPRA requests across multiple types of public authorities and geographic regions
- Informing more efficient government records management procedures
- Fostering civic engagement by increasing government transparency
- Informing the development of possible reforms to the OPRA law
Data Access
The complete dataset is available on Mendeley Data for research use.