NOTE: We are not required to answer questions, perform legal research, or create new information in response to your request.
Public Information is data that is collected, assembled, or maintained under a law, ordinance, or in connection with official business by a governmental body. It can also be for a governmental body and the latter owns the information or has a right of access to it.
For a successful request, you should provide as much information as possible. This will allow departments to complete your request more efficiently. This includes information such as:
- Your name
- Your address
- Date ranges
- Email Address
- Subject matter
Submit a Request
Updates to the City's Administrative Directive
The City’s AD 1.31 was signed on December 12, 2024. The City informed the Office of the Attorney General of the update on January 9, 2025. The City will implement the changes starting January 21, 2025.
- Texas Government Code Section 552.234(c) (the Texas Public Information Act) allows a governmental body to designate one mailing address and one electronic mail address for receiving written requests for public information. The City of San Antonio Administrative Directive 1.31, entitled Open Government, now provides the following methods to requestors seeking records from the City:
- Via email: openrecords@sanantonio.gov
- Via the Open Government Portal
- By mail to the City:
Open Records Division of the City of San Antonio,
P.O. Box 839966,
San Antonio, Texas 78283.
- By mail to San Antonio Police Department:
315 S. Santa Rosa,
San Antonio, Texas 78207.
- By mail to San Antonio Fire Department:
315 S. Santa Rosa,
San Antonio, Texas 78207.
- Note, hand-delivery and in-person requests are permitted under the Act.
- The City is not required to respond to a written request for public information unless the request is received by one of the methods listed above (Texas Government Code Section 552.205).
- The City may increase the fee by 25% more than the amount established by state law in accordance with Texas Government Code Section 552.262. The new hourly labor rate is $18.75.
Police Reports
Police requests consist of:
NOTE: Background checks cannot be submitted through the portal. Please visit the San Antonio Police Department website for additional information.
In Person
To get a copy of the basic public portion of a single report, please visit us at the San Antonio Police Department. We are open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
View Parking Information
Required Documents
To ensure that privacy concerns are protected and legal standards are met, we may object to certain types of reports. These types of reports may not be releasable in person and/or may require you to provide documentation to determine your right of access. These include:
- Your valid government issued ID card
- Your birth certificate
- Court guardianship documents (for reports that regard minors)
It is recommended that you request such reports online and attach the supporting documentation to your request.
For more information on what may be considered confidential, please see the SAPD’s 133-FOIA form(PDF, 162KB).
Fees
All charges and posts by a government body comply with the rules prescribed by the office of the attorney general. Fees depend on the length of the document that we provide. Requests expecting to exceed $40 will be provided with a cost estimate for your approval. The department(s) will contact you directly about any charges related to your request.
Request an Archived Video
The City of San Antonio, through TVSA and the Government and Public Affairs Department, can make video copies of City Council meetings or other TVSA programs upon request.