Foster Pepper's Public Disclosure Team Holds Its First Comprehensive Public Records Officer Training and Certification Class
On April 15, Foster Pepper's Public Disclosure Team held its first Comprehensive Public Records Officer Training and Certification Class. There was a sold-out crowd of 80 attendees from cities, counties, PUDs, PDFs, Schools, Ports, Housing Authorities, Parks and even two state agencies. From the evaluations, the class was universally popular, so Foster Pepper is actively planning to put on additional classes in locations throughout the state. Stay tuned for more information.
Here is the course outline. Attendees also received a thumb drive loaded with sample policies, a guide to the 365+ exemptions to the PRA, and a model public records policy in word format.
Session (1) Public Records Act 101
- An overview of the Act
- Clear guidance on the initial response including practical tips for building a working relationship with requesters
- Checklist for gathering responsive records
- Menu of what you can and cannot charge
- Details on e-records issues including metadata
- Tips on how to teach employees about the Public Records Act
- Includes electronic version of the PowerPoint that you can use to train your staff
Session (2) Third party records
- Tips for communicating the PRA requirements to vendors and other third parties
- Sample contract language to protect your agency
Session (3) Personnel Records, step by step
- Step by step process for reviewing personnel records
- Special emphasis on performance reviews and discipline records
- Tips for protecting privacy without hurting transparency
Session (4) Exemptions, exemptions, exemptions
- Review of some of the most common exemptions
- Focus on when they apply AND why they benefit the public
- Provide a roadmap through the 365 plus exemptions
Session (5) A layman’s guide to the Attorney-Client privilege
- Thorough analysis of the rules without legal jargon
- Tips on black and white lines and tips on when to go see the attorney
Session (6) Records retention, creation and indexing
- And overview of the state archivist’s new December 2008 retention guidelines
- Answers to questions about emails, drafts, primary v. secondary copies and other common questions
- Sample policies on email use and producing electronic records
Are there any plans for future Public Records Officer Training and Certification Classes? If so, what are the dates?
I too am interested in future Public Records Officer Training and Certification classes. Are there any scheduled in the near future?