KNOW YOUR COPS 

1. Download FOIA Request Sample for your State

2. Ensure to state in your letter:

   • "I request access/copy of the complaint records of all police officers in your precinct as public records that are accessible to the public since these records arose in the course of their public duties and are directly related to officers’ performance of their public duties."

3. Acquire Address of Your Local Precinct

4. Mail the form, Writing "Freedom Of Information Request" on the envelope

Note:

• Agency Response Rate: Varies from State to State

 

If Denied:

• Write An Appeal Letter,

  • Providing a brief explanation of the public benefits from disclosure

• Permitted to challenge:  "(a) the agency's failure to timely respond; (b) the agency's decision not to release records; (c) the adequacy of the search methodology used by the agency to locate responsive records; and (d) the agency's decision not to grant you a fee waiver."

  • Explain why the denial was unwarranted, either because the exemption does not apply or because the agency should use its discretion to release the records anyway.

• Must Appeal before pursuing litigation

 

If Denied Again

• then sue for disclosure (do not necessarily need a lawyer to file suit).

 

Thank you Public Citizens for sharing guidance on Freedom Of Information Request Process.