Submitting Anonymous OPRA Requests in New Jersey

The Art of Anonymous OPRA Requests

In a world where transparency is as rare as a politician keeping their promises, mastering the art of the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request is essential. This tutorial will guide you through the journey of submitting OPRA requests anonymously, ensuring your identity remains protected. We'll also delve into the arts of structuring your request.

Is It Legal to Use Pseudonyms and Alternative Contact Methods for Anonymity in OPRA Request?

Absolutely, Yes!

The law supports your right to anonymity, and this has been affirmed by the Government Records Council (GRC) of New Jersey. According to the Government Record Council FAQ, you can file an OPRA request without providing personal contact details, despite the form's fields suggesting otherwise. This means anonymous requests are not only permitted but protected by law.

However, navigating this process can be a bit tricky, especially when dealing with state offices:

  • The Challenge: When you attempt to submit an OPRA request through official channels, you're often prompted to fill in personal details like your name and address.
  • The GRC's Clarification: Upon my inquiry, the GRC explained that while OPRA allows for anonymous requests, there's a catch. If you choose not to provide any contact information, the custodian isn't obligated to respond until you reappear to seek a response to your original request (click here to see email).
  • Creative Solutions for Anonymity: To circumvent this, GRC suggests individuals employ simple tactics:
    • Unique Contact Identifiers: Using pseudonyms or generic placeholders.
    • Email Addresses: Providing an email as a contact method is required in this circumstance, ensuring you can receive the response without revealing your true identity. Otherwise, they have no way to contact you.

Crafting Your Pseudonym: A Guide to Anonymous Contact Methods at No Cost!

Step 1: Create Your Pseudonym

  • Name: Use common names to blend in. Here are some popular ones in New Jersey:
    • Last Names: Smith, Johnson, Williams, Brown, Jones, Miller, Davis, Garcia, Rodriguez, Martinez
    • Boy First Names: Michael, Christopher, Matthew, Joshua, Daniel, David, Andrew, James, Ryan, John
    • Girl First Names: Jessica, Ashley, Brittany, Amanda, Jennifer, Sarah, Melissa, Elizabeth, Nicole, Emily
  • Email Account: Start by setting up a new free email account (ex. gmail, yahoo, etc.). Use a pseudonym for your email address to make it look legit. For instance: [email protected] or [email protected]
Step 2: The Address Game

  • Choose Wisely: Pick a random apartment building or corporate building near you in New Jersey for your address. Avoid using apartment numbers to keep things simple and to avoid bothering actual residents. Government buildings? Nah, too risky.
Step 3: Get a Free Phone Number

  • Virtual Number (Optional): Sign up for a free Google voice number or similar service. You won't need to answer it, but it adds another layer of authenticity if required. Set it up and forget it! Note: We haven't seen this required yet.
Putting It All Together

Now you're ready to submit your OPRA request with:

  • Full Name: Your chosen common first and last name.
  • Street Address: A verified, but not personally linked, address.
  • City, State, Zip Code: All matching your chosen address.
  • Phone Number: Your new, never-to-be-answered virtual number.


Submitting Your OPRA Request in New Jersey: Where to Send It

Ah, the age-old question of "Where do I send my OPRA request in New Jersey?" Here's the lowdown:

Municipality Level vs. State Level:

  • Municipality Level: If you're looking into local shenanigans, you're likely dealing with a municipality. Here's what you do:
    • Find the Right Office: Typically, you'd submit your request to the municipal clerk or the custodian of records for that town or city. These are the gatekeepers!
    • How to Find Them: A simple search for "[Your Town] NJ Municipal Clerk" or "[Your Town] NJ Public Records Request" usually does the trick. They might have a specific email or form for OPRA requests.
  • State Level: For matters of state-wide intrigue, is higher up the food chain:
    • State Agencies: Each state agency has its own custodian of records. You might be dealing with the Department of Environmental Protection for environmental issues, or the Department of Education for school-related matters.
    • Finding the Right Contact: Look for the agency's website, where they usually list how to submit OPRA requests. If not, a general inquiry might point you to the right person or office.
General Tips for Submitting OPRA Requests:

  • Be Specific: The more detailed your request, the less likely you'll get a response saying, "We have no idea what you're talking about."
    • Example: Instead of "All records related to firearm permits in New Jersey.," try "Records of communications between the New Jersey State Police Firearms Unit and the Governor's Office regarding changes to firearm permit regulations from January 1, 2024, to the present."
  • Use the Right Form: While you're not legally required to use their form, using it might make your request seem more official and less like a prank (which we highly discourage). Even though the law says your allowed to make the request via email; many government agencies will not honor a request outside their forms.
  • Anonymity: If you're going for the cloak-and-dagger approach, remember, you can submit anonymously, but you must proide a valid form of contact (ex. email) that reaches you to obtain the response.
  • Fees: Since we're requesting anonymously and only requesting "electronic" documents, no fee should apply. We usually put a random value in the Maximum Authorized Cost which we don't plan to pay if a fee is imposed to the request (They shouldn't if your request is reasonable).
  • Follow Up: If you don't hear back in 7 business days, it's not just polite to follow up; it's your right.

The Wide Reach of New Jersey's OPRA Requests

In New Jersey, the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) applies not only to state government entities but also to a broad spectrum of public agencies and entities. Here's who else OPRA requests apply to:

  • Local Governments: This includes counties, municipalities, townships, boroughs, cities, and other local governing bodies.
  • School Districts: All public schools, school boards, and educational institutions that receive public funding.
  • Public Authorities and Commissions: Any public authority, commission, or board, like housing authorities, port authorities, or any special district.
  • Public Colleges and Universities: Institutions like Rutgers University, NJIT, and community colleges, as they are considered public entities.
  • Fire Districts and Ambulance Services: If they are publicly funded or operated.
  • Libraries: Public libraries fall under OPRA's jurisdiction.
  • Hospitals: Public hospitals or those receiving significant public funding.
  • Public Utilities: If they are government-owned or operated, like some water or sewage utilities.
  • Non-Profit Organizations: When these organizations receive significant public funding or perform functions typically carried out by government entities.
  • Any Entity That Receives Public Funding: If an entity receives public funds, it might be subject to OPRA, even if it's not traditionally thought of as a government entity.

What should the OPRA request letter look like?

Dear Records Custodian,

Pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq.), I am requesting access to public records regarding businesses that have registered for the "Gun-Free Zone" sticker as listed on the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General's web portal located at https://www.njoag.gov/gunfreezone-decals/. Specifically, I am requesting the following information:

First Name
Last Name
Business Name
Address
City
State
ZIP Code
Email Address
Any other information collected during the registration process

Please provide the records in electronic format if possible. If any part of this request is denied, please provide a written explanation for the denial and indicate if it is possible to provide any part of the requested information.

Should you need further details to fulfill this request, please contact me at [Your Email Address].

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email Address]

Where to Go for More Questions or Personalized Assistance?

For any civil or constitutional rights matter, join our coalition at Garden State Guns on Reddit or New Jersey Firearm Owners Syndicate 2 on Facebook! It's free, (Reddit doesn't ask for personal information), and open to everyone to ask questions! We're all here to help you!

Leverage AI for Your OPRA Requests

If you need writing assistance, you can feel free to use AI to help craft your OPRA request. Here's how you can use it:
  • ChatGPT: Feed it a prompt like, "Can you write a NJ OPRA records request to request information about the list of businesses who registered for the gun-free zone sticker, including the requestor's first name, last name, business name, address, city, state, zip, email addresses, and any other information collected from the NJ Office of Attorney General's web portal at [URL]?" Example Response: The AI might generate a well-structured request letter for you, tailored to the specifics you provided.
  • Grok AI on X: If you're looking for a different flavor, Grok AI offers a unique, often humorous take on information requests. Use it similarly, but expect a more... cosmic perspective.
Choose Your AI and Proceed:
  • Pick Your Poison: Whether it's the straightforward approach of ChatGPT or the quirky vibe of Grok, choose the AI that resonates with you as long as the request looks professional and reasonable!
  • Submit Your Request: With your AI-crafted letter, you're ready to submit your OPRA request.

Share your Findings

We highly encourage you to share any information you successfully obtain!
  • Community Sharing: If you're on social media, share what you uncover. Transparency benefits everyone! Need an anonymous platform, join us at Garden State Guns on Reddit anonymously!
  • Alternative Sharing: If social media isn't your thing, send your findings to [email protected]. We'll keep your anonymity intact, even if it's a pseudonym.
  • Newsworthy: If you feel it could be newsworthy, please email me at [email protected]. I'll share the information with our friends at BearingArms and News2A! If you have specific instructions or worries about maintaining anonymity or redacting particular details, just let me know, and I'll make sure they're followed!

List of State Departments

Each category below expands into additional departments. Feel free the explore the State of New Jersey Government Records Request Form to see the options available.
  • Agriculture
  • Banking and Insurance
  • Children and Families
  • Civil Service Commission
  • Commissions and Agencies
  • Community Affairs
  • Corrections
  • Education
  • Environmental Protection
  • Governor, Office of
  • Health
  • Human Services
  • Labor
  • Law and Public Safety
  • Military and Veterans' Affairs
  • State
  • Transportation
  • Treasury

Important Links and References

Additional Guides Provided by the State and Other Organizations
State of New Jersey OPRA Links
US Government - FBI Records
County Specific OPRA Links

Guide to Finding Municipality & Other OPRA Pages in New Jersey

Creating a comprehensive list of links to every Open Public Records Act (OPRA) page for each municipality in New Jersey, categorized by county, would be an extensive task due to the sheer number of municipalities in the state. However, we did try to create a list but it'll be hard to maintain. In case the links below don't work, use this guide on how to approach finding these links:

Municipal Websites

Each town or city within a county might have its own process for OPRA requests:

  • Search for Each Municipality: You'll need to visit each town's website. For instance, for Montclair, you could find something like www.montclairnjusa.org under a section titled "Open Public Records Act."
  • Use Google: If direct links aren't available, search for "[Municipality Name] NJ OPRA request" or "[Municipality Name] NJ public records."
  • Use Tools or Services: If there's a service or tool that aggregates this information, it would be ideal, but as of my last update, such a comprehensive, up-to-date list might not exist due to the dynamic nature of government websites.
  • Ask our Team on Reddit: We're more than happy to assist you. Join Garden State Guns on Reddit anonymously and post your question!
Municipality Specific OPRA Links