Knowing where to look for information as well as understanding what type of material a reporter can access is effective when performing investigative research.
Preston Trigg, currently the Hillsborough County Tax Collector and Director of Administrative and Special Projects, gave a lecture on the diverse jobs and duties he is in charge of. Trigg was formerly an investigative reporter for the Tampa Tribune and provided extended insight into the types of records available, exemptions and some tricks of the trade when investigating.
Trigg established that there is a wealth of public records available from his office. Tax records, although there is an urge to privatize them, limiting public access, are available. Whether it’s a property, business or non-privacy part of motor vehicle record for an individual, they are open to the public and obtainable through Triggs office.
A database on hillstax.org, a website ran by Triggs office, allows a person to search another individual about whether or not they paid their taxes, how much their property is worth (taxable value) and where their property is.
Any person can make a public records request. They can do so without providing a name or reason. As well, public record certified copies can be made for only 15 cents a page and if that ends up being too much money, an agency cannot deny an individual access to simply look at the record and take notes.
Although there are privacy concerns with websites like this, Triggs stated the importance of openness and transparency with government. As a constitutional officer, Triggs believes that the biggest threat to individuals is secrecy by the government, it leads to tyranny.
However, there are exemptions to particular public record requests. School records, proprietary records and most records involving juveniles are a few of the exemptions.
Some tricks of the trade Triggs left us with as an investigative reporter were to always, ALWAYS follow the money and always, ALWAYS check it out … for yourself.
Triggs orientation about his profession, what public records are available from his office and how an investigative reporter should go about searching records is invaluable information.
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