Guides, tips, and news to help you get the records you need.
Guide to requesting records about Stingray devices, facial recognition, automated license plate readers, and other surveillance tech used by law enforcement.
Step-by-step guide to challenging FOIA denials, filing appeals, and escalating to litigation when government agencies refuse to release public records.
Complete guide to the federal Freedom of Information Act, including how to file, response deadlines, exemptions, fees, and how to appeal denials.
Everything you need to know about Ohio's Public Records Act, including deadlines, fees, penalties, and how to enforce your rights under ORC § 149.43.
Guide to FOIA requests for government official emails, text messages, and internal memos — including tips for capturing deleted and personal device communications.
Everything you need to know about filing a FOIA request with the FBI, including processing times, exemptions, and appeal strategies.
Learn how to obtain school safety incident reports, threat assessments, and emergency response records through public records laws.
Guide to obtaining Title IX sexual harassment and assault investigation records from schools and universities.
Guide to obtaining ICE detention inspection reports, detainee death records, and facility condition reports through FOIA.
Step-by-step guide to obtaining agency credit card transactions, travel records, and expense reports for government officials.
Guide to obtaining no-bid contracts, vendor payment histories, and government purchasing records through FOIA requests.
Learn how to obtain EPA inspection reports, industrial discharge permits, and air quality monitoring data through public records requests.
Guide to obtaining PFAS contamination, drinking water violation, and water quality testing records through FOIA and state public records laws.
A journalist's guide to obtaining police officer disciplinary records, complaint histories, and misconduct files through public records laws.
Learn how to obtain 911 audio recordings and CAD logs from emergency dispatch centers through public records requests.
Step-by-step guide to obtaining police internal affairs investigation records through FOIA and state public records laws.
A complete guide to filing public records requests for use of force reports, officer-involved shootings, and disciplinary records from law enforcement agencies.
Learn exactly how to file a public records request for body-worn camera footage from any police department. Includes sample request language, legal citations, and tips for success.
Your FOIA request was denied — now what? This guide covers your appeal rights, common exemptions agencies misuse, and when to consider litigation.
A step-by-step guide to obtaining government contracts, vendor agreements, and spending records through FOIA and public records requests.
Learn how to request government officials' emails through FOIA and public records laws, including how to write effective requests and overcome common roadblocks.
Everything you need to know about filing a Freedom of Information Act request with the FBI, including processing times, common exemptions, and how to appeal.