What is IPRA?
IPRA stands for the Inspection of Public Records Act, a New Mexico state act enacted in 1978. The purpose of the act is to allow inspection of records normally maintained by public entities, providing transparency and insight into the operations and functions of departments and agencies that fall within the jurisdiction of IPRA. Most records, with some exceptions, may be inspected through IPRA. For more information, see New Mexico Statutes 1978, 14-2-1 (sections 1–12).
Procedures for Requesting Inspection
- IPRA requests are for existing documents maintained by the Town. Staff are not required to compile information or create new documents to fulfill requests.
- Records must relate to public matters.
- Identify the records sought with “reasonable particularity.” Be as specific as possible — include search terms, dates or date ranges, and a description of the record.
- For law-enforcement audio or video, NMSA 14-2-1.2 requires the requestor to provide either (i) a CAD number, or (ii) a date or date range plus the name of the police officer or first responder, approximate time, or approximate location.
- Once a request is submitted, the records custodian will contact the requestor within three (3) business days. Some requests may take longer to fulfill due to scope; in those cases, the custodian remains in contact with the requestor and provides updates and records on a rolling basis.
How to Request
A request — or a completed Request for Public Records form — can be submitted to the Town Clerk (Records Custodian) by mail, email, or phone during normal business hours. Fees may apply for paper copies or records provided on a USB drive; additional fees apply for certain forms of transmission.
Edgewood Town Clerk
171-A NM 344 (in-person)
PO Box 3601 (mail)
Edgewood, NM 87015
(505) 286-4518
IPRA@edgewood-nm.gov