Records

The City of West University Place has established guidelines in accordance with the Public Information Act to ensure that all records in the possession of and pertaining to the operation of the governmental body, are available to the public through a systematic and centralized process.

Procedures to Obtain Information

  • Submit a written request through our online Police Department Public Information Request form, or provide a written statement via fax at 713.662.5814, in person, or by emailing police records. Include enough description and detail about the information requested to enable the City to accurately identify and locate the items requested.
  • Please cooperate with reasonable efforts to clarify the type or amount of information requested.

Rights of the Requester

You have the right to:

  • Prompt access to information that is not confidential or otherwise protected
  • Receive treatment equal to all other requestors, including accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements
  • Receive certain kinds of information without exceptions, like the voting record of public officials, and other information
  • Receive a written statement of estimated charges, when charges will exceed $40, in advance of work being started and opportunity to modify the request in response to the itemized statement
  • Choose whether to inspect the requested information (most often at no charge), receive copies of the information, or both
  • A waiver or reduction of charges if the governmental body determines that access to the information primarily benefits the general public
  • Receive a copy of the communication from the governmental body asking the Office of the Attorney General for a ruling on whether the information can be withheld under one of the accepted exceptions, or if the communication discloses the requested information, a redacted copy
  • Lodge a written complaint about overcharges for public information with the Office of Attorney General

Complaints

Complaints of other possible violations may be filed with the county or district attorney of the county where the governmental body, other than a state agency, is located. If the complaint is against the county or district attorney, the complaint must be filed with the Office of the Attorney General.

Information to be Released

  • If the information cannot be produced within 10 working days, the public information officer will notify you in writing of the reasonable date and time it will be available.
  • Keep all appointments to inspect records and to pick up copies. Failure to keep appointments may result in losing the opportunity to inspect the information at the time requested.
  • Information may be withheld due to an exception of the referral by the Office of the Attorney General. Your request will be referred within 10 business days. The Office of the Attorney General must issue a decision no later than the 45th working day from the day after the Attorney General received the request for a decision.