FFTAC / SURVIVEResilience & Prevention Program

POWER MUST ANSWER

Public records and accountable automated decisions

Investigate one concrete question at a time. Lawful records requests can clarify public procurement and appeals without alleging wrongdoing before there is evidence.

Choose a question the public record can answer

Examples: What contract governs a public benefits scoring tool? Which agency approved its use? What notice and appeal procedures were required? Have audits or errors been reported?

  1. Identify the public agency, approximate timeframe, decision, system or vendor.
  2. Find the official records officer or government FOIA/open-records portal in that jurisdiction.
  3. Ask narrowly for existing records, not speculation or a new analysis.
  4. Log your submission date, tracking number, response deadline and actual reply.
  5. Compare contracts, published meeting minutes and policies before drawing conclusions.
  6. Publish only necessary information; redact personal details and preserve source links.
  7. Invite the agency to correct factual errors and publish the correction visibly.

Starter request template

The draft stays in your browser. Do not enter sensitive case details.

Evidence discipline

A signed contract proves an agreement existed; it does not prove misuse. A late response is not proof of a conspiracy. Distinguish documented findings, concerns, hypotheses and open questions. Verify local legal deadlines; exceptions and fees vary.

Human Appeal worksheet →Preserve the evidence →