Freedom of Information Officer
Chicago Police Department
Freedom of Information Section, Unit 114
3510 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60653
foia@chicagopolice.org

Subject: Freedom of Information Act Request

Dear FOIA Officer,

I am writing to request records under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552).

I am requesting copies of the original FOIA requests submitted to the Chicago Police Department within the calendar year 2022. Additionally, I am asking for the final letters of determination regarding these requests. Please note that I am not seeking the responsive records, but only the original FOIA requests and the final determination letters.

I request that these records be provided in an electronic format.

Fee Waiver Request:

I am requesting a waiver of all fees associated with this request. According to Section 6(c) of the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, documents shall be furnished without charge or at a reduced charge if the request serves the public interest. The principal purpose of my request is to audit the FOIA requests made to the Chicago Police Department, which relates directly to the health, safety, and human rights of the general public. I intend to publish the FOIA requests and the results of the audit on my website, which will contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations and activities of law enforcement.

As supported by legal precedent, such as Waite v. Rich, the importance of transparency in law enforcement activities is recognized as crucial to public trust and safety. In Waite v. Rich, the court noted that “openness in government has long been recognized as critical to ensuring accountability and maintaining public trust.”

Therefore, I assert that this request qualifies for a fee waiver as it is in the public interest and not for commercial benefit.

If my request is denied in whole or part, I ask that you justify all deletions by reference to specific exemptions of the act. I will also expect you to release all segregable portions of otherwise exempt material. I reserve the right to appeal your decision to withhold any information or to deny the fee waiver.

Should you have any questions about handling this request, you may contact me at the above address.

Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Yours in service of the republic,

Acknowledgement

Dear Stephen:

Thank you for your interest in information from the Chicago Police Department. Your FOIA request has been received and is being processed. Your FOIA Center reference number for tracking purposes is: P910054-011524

You have requested the following records: I am requesting copies of the original FOIA requests submitted to the Chicago Police Department within the calendar year 2022. Additionally, I am asking for the final letters of determination regarding these requests. Please note that I am not seeking the responsive records, but only the original FOIA requests and the final determination letters.

Chicago Police Department (CPD) responds to all public records requests in accordance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.  If further time is needed to assemble and copy all documents responsive to your FOIA request, we will contact you with a time estimate and a request to extend. 

You can monitor the progress of your request at the link below and you’ll receive an email when your request has been completed. Thank you for using the Chicago FOIA Center.