Public Records & OPRA Guidelines – Englewood Cliffs

To read a list of OPRA exemptions, click here:

OPRA Exemptions List

How to Submit an OPRA Request

You can submit your request in any of the following ways:

  • Online: Fill out the digital OPRA request form here (for non-police records). For Police records please submit to records@ecpolice.org

  • Downloadable Form: Download the printable OPRA form here.

  • In Person: Pick up a copy at the Municipal Clerk’s Office:
    482 Hudson Terrace, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632

Complete the Form

When filling out your OPRA request, please provide:

  • Your Contact Information: Full name, mailing address, phone number, and email (if applicable).

  • Preferred Delivery Method: Indicate how you would like to receive the records—by email, mail, fax, or in-person pickup.

  • Description of Records Requested: Be as specific and detailed as possible (see tips below).

How to Describe the Records You’re Requesting

Providing a clear, specific description of the records helps avoid delays or the need for clarification. Use the following tips:

  • Document Type: Specify what you are requesting (e.g., building permits, meeting minutes, contracts, inspection reports, police incident reports, emails, etc.).

  • Date Range: Include exact dates or a general timeframe (e.g., “January 1–March 15, 2024” or “Fall 2023”).

  • Department or Individual: Include the relevant office, board, or employee if known (e.g., “Clerk’s Office,” “Police Department,” or “emails sent by the Borough Administrator”).

  • Reference Details: Include addresses, block and lot numbers, case or application numbers, or other identifiers when applicable.

Example of a well-written request:

“I am requesting copies of all zoning board resolutions for Block 1201, Lots 9.03 and 9.04, approved between January and June 2025.”

Tip: Avoid vague language such as “all documents related to…” unless you are seeking a broad range. Overly broad requests may be denied or delayed for clarification.

Police Records

Police department records are handled separately. To request records such as incident reports, accident reports, or other police documents, please contact the Englewood Cliffs Police Department Records Unit directly:

Note: Police records requests may have specific forms, fees, and processing times. Please consult the department’s instructions for details.

Questions & Resources

For assistance with OPRA requests, contact the Municipal Clerk’s Office:
📧 opra@englewoodcliffsnj.org

Helpful links:

https://cdn.townweb.com/englewoodcliffsnj.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/cropped-cropped-Logo_Englewood.png

Englewood Cliffs

482 Hudson Terrace

Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632

Phone: (201) 569-5252

 

Office Hours:

Monday - Friday

9:00AM to 4:00PM

(Except Holidays)