LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — The Lima Police Department is making changes to streamline public records requests and improve customer service.
In an effort to increase efficiency, reduce wait times and better serve residents, the public records windows inside the department’s lobby will no longer be staffed for walk-up requests. Instead, public records will be available by submitting a request by phone, email or by making an appointment.
Officials say the department’s front desk will continue to be staffed during normal business hours to assist anyone seeking general help. The closure of the public records window allows the department to continue meeting its legal obligations while providing a more efficient, customer-focused records service.
Major Shane Huber with the Lima Police Department’s Administrative Services Division says the changes are designed to reduce confusion and improve preparation time for records staff.
Major Shane Huber, Administrative Services, Lima Police Department, said, "Sunshine Law states that you have to provide prompt inspection. We're still going to do that during normal business hours. It's just to eliminate confusion and to streamline it and make sure that you get the quality service that you need is that if you need to come in and speak to someone, that you make an appointment, and that way, it gives the records clerks time to prepare everything."
To request a public record through the Lima Police Department, residents can call 419-221-5153 to make an appointment or email LPDrecords@limacityohio.gov.
