Q: Do Records Raccoon journalists use aliases?

A: Sometimes. Some contributors use pen names when filing public-records requests to reduce retaliation risk. Whether to use an alias is up to the individual, as contributors manage their own request portfolios. Most states do not require requesters to identify themselves; in states that do, we comply fully and submit under a legal name. If an appeal or court filing is required, we disclose the legal name associated with that request to the agency and the court, as required by law.

Q: Does Records Raccoon make money by filing requests or by publishing news?

A: No. We do not sell records, accept payment to file requests, have ads, track users, or run pay-for-play coverage. Records Raccoon is founded on the principle that the public deserves equal access to information.

Q: Is Records Raccoon a real news outlet?

A: Yes. Records Raccoon is an independent media organization that reports using primary-source public records. We follow standard newsroom practices: we verify documents, provide context, offer an opportunity for comment in some cases, attribute sources, and publish corrections when needed. Editorial decisions are made independently.

Q: Help! A Records Raccoon contributor has sent me (or my agency) a Public Records Request. What do I do?

A: Start by consulting your legal counsel. You are obligated to comply with your jurisdiction’s public records laws, which often have time constraints. Records Raccoon does not provide legal advice. Our correspondents may share non-legal, procedural guidance to help you identify and transmit responsive records as many are very experienced in working with Public Records laws and different types of records.