The explanations below describe the search field options and provide sample entries and suggested ways to use the search successfully.

Note: For all search options, capitalization does not affect results. A search for 'email' would have the same results as 'Email' or 'EMAIL'.

Search Option Explanation
OPRA Subject/ Documents
Keyword

A brief description of the OPRA subject and the documents requested is assigned to each decision. The keyword you enter looks at both the OPRA subject and documents requested for the word you entered.

Suggestions:
  • Use a single search word.
  • If you are uncertain of spelling or word ending (like 's','ed' or 'ing', try a partial word.
  • You may request exact match of the search term you provide by checking the box.
  • Example: If you are not certain if the reference is 'email' or 'e-mail', try 'mail' to find the subject keyword.
Complainant

This is the name of the individual requestor who filed the denial of access complaint.

Suggestions:

  • Use the last name only.
  • If you are uncertain of the spelling, try a partial last name.
  • You may request exact match of the search term you provide by checking the box.

    Example:
    Use 'tosh' if you are not certain if the name is spelled 'McIntosh', 'Macintosh', or 'Mackintosh'.
Public Agency

This is the name of the state or local government agency against which a complaint has been filed. (The names of the persons designated as the records custodians of public entities are not used in this search engine.)

Suggestions:

  • Use a single word contained within the full public entity”s name.
  • If you are uncertain of spelling, try a partial name.
  • You may request exact match of the search term you provide by checking the box.

    Example:
    Use 'milford' to find all listings for 'Township of West Milford'.
Complaint Number

This is the reference number assigned to a complaint by the GRC. It is generally composed of a 4-digit year, hyphen and sequential number such as “2002-39”.  The sequential number following the year may only have one lead zero before it such as “2002-01”.

Suggestion: 

  • Use just the year or just the sequential number following the year.


  • Example:
    Use '39' to find '2004-39”.
Sort Order The search results can be displayed in the following sort orders: 
  • OPRA subject,
  • Complaint number,
  • Type of decision, and
  • Most recently decided decision.
  • The default sort order is “OPRA subject”.
OPRA subject” and “complaint number” are constant throughout the progress of a decision. “Type of decision” is updated as a complaint progresses towards a final decision.
The “most recently decided decisions” reflects when the most recent status was assigned and the decision page was updated.
Search criteria entered in the boxes for complainant, public agency and complaint number are not affected by the “Sort Order” selection.