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How to file a FOIA request
FOIA defines "public records" as "all records, reports, forms, writings, letters, memoranda, books,
papers, maps, photographs, microfilms, cards, tapes, recordings, electronic data processing
records, recorded information and all other documentary materials, regardless of physical form
or characteristics, having been prepared, or having been or being used, received, possessed
or under the control of any public body."
How to file a FOIA request
The procedure for filing a request for information is straightforward, and involves simply writing a letter to the appropriate agency including the most precise detail possible about the information you are seeking. There are many online sources with letter-writing guides, including each agency's FOIA Web site.
The Committee on Government Reform's "Citizen's Guide on Using the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act of 1974 to Request Government Records" includes this sample FOIA request letter in the appendix:
Agency Head [or Freedom of Information Act Officer]
Name of Agency
Address of Agency
City, State, Zip Code
Re: Freedom of Information Act Request
Dear ------ :
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I request that a copy of the following documents [or documents containing the following information] be provided to me: [identify the documents or information as specifically as possible].
In order to help to determine my status for purposes of determining the applicability of any fees, you should know that I am [insert a suitable description of the requester and the purpose of the request. Sample requester descriptions: a representative of the news media affiliated with the ------ newspaper (magazine, television station, etc.), and this request is made as part of news gathering and not for a commercial use. affiliated with an educational or noncommercial scientific institution, and this request is made for a scholarly or scientific purpose and not for a commercial use. an individual seeking information for personal use and not for a commercial use. affiliated with a private corporation and am seeking information for use in the company's business.]
[Optional] I am willing to pay fees for this request up to a maximum of $----. If you estimate that the fees will exceed this limit, please inform me first.
[Optional] I request a waiver of all fees for this request. Disclosure of the requested information to me is in the public interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of the government and is not primarily in my commercial interest. [Include specific details, including how the requested information will be disseminated by the requester for public benefit.]
[Optional] I request that the information I seek be provided in electronic format, and I would like to receive it on a personal computer disk [or a CD-ROM].
[Optional] I ask that my request receive expedited processing because ------. [Include specific details concerning your ''compelling need,'' such as being someone ''primarily engaged in disseminating information'' and specifics concerning your ''urgency to inform the public concerning actual or alleged Federal Government activity.'']
[Optional] I also include a telephone number at which I can be contacted during the hours of -----, if necessary, to discuss any aspect of my request.
Thank you for your consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
Name
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Telephone number [Optional]