COMMON QUESTIONS

Can I get law enforcement audio and video, such as body camera and vehicle camera footage?

Yes, but be aware of the costs. Qualifying law enforcement audio and video (generally more than three hours in duration) is charged at $20 per hour of running time, which must be paid in advance. You will be notified of any charge before the request is processed. Also, more than one request for audio and video within a 30-day period, will be charged at $20 per hour of running time. Body and vehicle camera usage began in April 2023. No footage exists prior to that date.

Are there shortcuts or other websites for commonly requested information? Yes, the most commonly requested information is available directly at the links below.

• Assessor information (assessed value of real and personal property) is available at: https://www.actdatascout.com/RealProperty/Arkansas/Garland
• Collector information (outstanding taxes and paid tax receipts) is available at: https://www.arkansastaxsearch.com/garland.html
• Court filing information (all local courts) is available at: https://caseinfo.arcourts.gov/opad
• Deed and mortgage information (property ownership, mortgages, subdivisions) is available at: https://countyfusion2.kofiletech.us/countyweb/loginDisplay.action?countyname=GarlandAR
• Arkansas Land Commissioner records are available at: [email protected]. 
• Criminal background searches are available at: https://cbc.ark.org/
• Birth and death records are available at: https://portal.arkansas.gov/service/ar-vital-records/
• Planning, zoning, building code, fire code, and business-related information is summarized in the County Judge’s guidelines letter, available at: https://www.garlandcounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/4266/Information-on-Planning-Zoning-Development-Doing-Business-and-Permitting-in-Garland-County

Who may request records?

The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act applies only to citizens of the State of Arkansas. The custodian may request that evidence of citizenship, such as a state-issued ID, be provided prior to releasing records. Anonymous requests cannot be processed. You will not be able to submit a request through the portal if you do not fill out the required fields. A valid email must be provided to access the requested records, as the system communicates only by email.

Where should I submit my request?

You should choose the office most likely to have the information you’re seeking, e.g. the Garland County Detention Center has arrest records. If the chosen office does not have the information, you will be notified of the correct office. This portal supplies only information for Garland County offices, not offices of the State of Arkansas or City of Hot Springs. There is no single catch-all office to submit requests. You must submit to the correct custodian.

What should be included in my request?

The request should be as detailed as possible to allow the custodian to identify and locate the record. It’s best to provide too much information, rather than too little, think: who, what, where, when, why and how. Do not assume the custodian knows what you’re asking. Requests that are not specific will not get a useful response. “John Doe” or “123 Anywhere Street” or “all records” may be clear to you, but mean nothing to a custodian trying to understand the request and locate a record. The custodian will not assume anything, and will respond only to the specific request that is presented.

What should I not include in my request?

The requests in this portal are open to public view. You should not include personally identifiable information such as phone, Social Security and driver’s license numbers, and dates of birth in your request. The basic contact information that must be provided to open a request is not visible to the public.

What is the response time?

Records will be provided immediately, unless they are in active use or storage, in which case the information will be provided within three (3) business days. If additional time is needed, you will be notified by the custodian.

May I ask follow-up questions?

Once a request is closed, you will receive no further response. A new request will need to be made after a request is closed.

If I have questions, how can I get them answered?

This portal is only for distribution of public records. There is no requirement for a custodian to answer interview-style questions. If a record is available that answers your question, it will be provided. If not, you may wish to contact the relevant office and request to speak with the elected official.

Can I require the custodian to create or compile a record?

Generally, no, the custodian is not required to create or compile a record. If the requested information can be generated as a simple function of the custodian’s existing record keeping system, the custodian will attempt to fulfill the request. But the custodian will not create or compile something that is outside that scope.

Is there a charge for records?

Possibly. There is a charge for the actual cost of reproduction. If you request paper copies you will be charged for the copies, but not staff time to make them. If your records are reproduced electronically, there is generally no cost. You may be required to submit an unopened flash drive or other storage media for large requests or requests for sensitive information. But be aware of the cost for law enforcement audio and video, which is addressed in that section.