There are many people out there that are unaware of what FOI is. FOI stands for the Freedom of Information. This is not only critical for people of the press but also for the average citizen.
The Freedom of Information provides a statutory right of access to records possessed by federal government agencies. If for what ever reason you want to research records, let it be known that you have the right.
Fees for FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests are based on the kind of requester. Commercial-use requesters must pay to search for documents, duplicate and review them. Non-commercial requesters from educational or scientific institutions, representatives of the news media and all other requesters are able to research records for free.
It is important to know that there are some exemptions. The nine exemptions include :
1. National security matters
2. Housekeeping materials
3. Material exempted by statue
4. Trade secrets
5. Working papers and lawyer-client privileged documents
6. Personal privacy files
7. Law enforcement records
8. Financial institution materials
9. Geological data
If your request of records does not interfere with any of the above then you are free to request a FOIA. Be sure to follow the guidelines mentioned in the fast-facts box below.
Fast-Facts Box
Responding to an FOIA Request
Write the date on the letter. |
Calculate how many working days between the arrival date and the end of time to reply. |
Check if the request is for copies of documents or opportunity to inspect documents. |
Determine whether there will be any additional costs. |
Notify in writing the requesting party that the request has been received giving reasonable time for response. |
Determine the best way to make the requested information available. |
The public is granted access to public records. |
Be cordial! |
It is important to know that government departments must answer requests for records and documents within 20 business days. If an appeal is filed after a denial, the agency must rule on the appeal within 20 days as well.
In the past and somewhat still today, the federal government has been hostile to FOIA requests, especially after September 11, 2001. After the attack, the government became more strict when it came to citizens and reporters accessing records.
If you want to learn more about the Freedom of Information Act, below are five online resources to google:
- National Security Archive (George Washington University)
- Freedom of Information Center (University if Missouri)
- Reporters Committee of Freedom of the Press FOIA Guide
- US Department of Justice, FOIA Information Center
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC) FOIA Center
