I don't know in other cities how they function, but in our case, I just like to think we have an open and relaxed atmosphere. Though they might be subjected to friendly questioning about their identity, it appears residents have broad access at City Hall to obtain public records, even records other agencies hold close to the chest. When a Record reporter went to City Hall in September to request names and salaries of police officers, as well as a list of police responses to a certain block, a police lieutenant, though curious about her identity, nevertheless promptly printed a copy of the records she requested. Dale DeBie said. But, VanLaar said, if someone doesn't want to identify himself or herself, she isn't going to press it.
People come in and ask for information.
Both city and police staff who deal with records requests receive frequent training. But DeBie did express frustration with ever-changing laws. She said larger cities may find it harder to comply promptly with the law. The picture in Ripon hasn't always been so sunny. Ripon officials stumbled last winter when Councilman Dan Prince refused to release the salary of a former police chief to The Record.