How to request a public record in Cleveland

AI Summary

This explainer by Signal Cleveland Staff (April 12, 2026) describes how residents can request public records from Cleveland government agencies. Public records—including emails, contracts, police body camera video, and spending records—are legally accessible in Ohio and enable residents to monitor tax spending and hold officials accountable. Records are available through three channels: online databases (City Hall legislation, court records, county property data), in-person at City Hall (601 Lakeside Ave.), or by filing a request through the Cleveland Public Records Center, which requires creating an account and specifying a time frame and department. The Cleveland Metropolitan School District maintains a separate public records request system. Effective requests should be specific and time-bound rather than broad.