Foia Requests | Decatur, IL

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests can be made to government entities to get copies of pretty much anything they have. Including emails, pdf documents, audio recordings, data, or whatever.

You just have to search for "the office in question FOIA Request". Like "Decatur Police Department FOIA Request"

Sometimes they'll ask you to fill out a form. But you just have to send an email to the correct email address and put "FOIA Request" in the subject line, then clearly define what it is you're looking for. The FOIA officer has an obligation to be cooperative & help you find the records you're looking for. They also have several legal reasons to deny requests.

Some FOIA requests may require you to fill out a form. I just haven't run into that yet, with local requests I've sent.

FOIA Request that are denied can be appealed with the attorney general's office Public Access Counselor. Some information is available from illinois.gov. More is generally available at illinoisattorneygeneral.gov, but the "Public Access Counselor" page is down at time of writing (September 16, 2021). The PAC's phone is 1-877-299-3642. Their email is publicaccess@atg.state.il.us. Appeals must be made within 60 days & must include a copy of the original FOIA request & the denial letter.

Feedback, Corrections, More Info, Questions

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Requests I've Made

Bus Routes request

Read my notes about this foia request

Download Files:

Foia Request for financial documents regarding the Fairview Plaza Firehouse

Read my notes about this foia request

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Mask Ordinance Complaints Request

Read my notes about this foia request

Download Files:

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