(1) Obtaining
Information from the Commission.
(a)
Obtaining Information Documents from the Commission Files. The
Commission complies with all requirements of the Georgia Open Records Act and
takes its dual obligations pursuant to that Act seriously: the Commission seeks
to provide documents to the public that are within the public domain and seeks
to maintain confidential that to which the public has no legitimate claim and
the disclosure of which might constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal
privacy. To obtain a determination whether certain documents are within the
files of the Commission and whether they are subject to disclosure, the public
may direct a written request to the Executive Director, specifying the name and
address of the person requesting the documents and a description of the
documents requested. The request may be delivered personally or by mail;
however, the Commission will respond within three days of receipt of such a
request by first class mail. The response will inform the person requesting the
documents whether the requested documents exists; whether the requested
documents can be disclosed; and a timetable for providing the disclosure. Those
requesting documentary information from the Commission will be charged $.25 per
page for copying costs and a reasonable charge for the search, retrieval and
other direct administrative costs for complying with a request. The hourly
charge shall not exceed the salary of the lowest paid full-time employee who
has the necessary skill and training to perform the request; provided, however,
no charge shall be made for the first quarter hour of this work. The Commission
shall utilize the most economical means available for providing copies of
public records.
(b)
Obtaining
other Information from the Commission. Telephonic or oral requests for
such information as the Executive Director and his staff may have are welcomed.
The public may directly call the offices of the Commission for such
information. Neither the Executive Director, his staff, nor the Commission will
provide any information on pending investigations.
(c)
Rules Available. All rules
and all other written statements of policy or interpretations formulated,
adopted or used by the Commission in the discharge of its functions are
available for public inspection at the offices of the Commission during
business hours.
(d)
Orders
Available. All final orders, decisions and opinions of the Commission,
except those which are confidential or privileged, are available for public
inspection at the offices of the Commission during normal business
hours.
(2)
Making
Submissions to the Commission. Information concerning investigations may
be submitted to the Commission either orally or in writing. If the submission
is made orally, it should be made to the investigator assigned to the matter
and made in writing to the Executive Director.
(3)
Making Requests of the
Commission. Anyone requesting the Commission to make an investigation,
serve as tribunal, provide consultative services, or render opinions concerning
the standards or code of ethics, shall do so in writing to the Executive
Director. In exigent circumstances, the request may be made orally or
telephonically and followed by a written request. In no instance will the
Commission take action without a written request.
O.C.G.A. Secs. 20-2-790, et seq.; 50-18-70, et seq.
