Peoria Police Department – ATTN: Records-FOIA
600 SW Adams Street
Peoria, IL 61602
rboland@peoriagov.org

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 Peoria 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 Peoria 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,