Getting the public records - Tips and Tricks

[dpad...@cironline.org]

• Research – do not file formal request immediately and spend some time to double check - it is always great to check out agency website and other resources such as Reading Rooms, where agencies post proactive disclosures. Maybe someone within the FOIA Machine community has already requested the same thing. 

• Empathy - think from the perspective of a government officer – he is just a person - read about how they organize records to learn about types of records they collect - maybe you can get them over phone and find the magic word.

• Simple – is always better - keep your request very specific and agency will be able to process it relatively quickly – do not ask for all the records about Egypt.

Types – it is always good to name types of records you want, such as meeting minutes, emails, letters, contracts, proposals, bids, schedules, staff, expenses, travel, meeting notices, agendas and minutes, yearly summaries, reports, as traditional typed documents, as well as maps, diagrams, charts, index cards, printouts and other kinds of paper records can be requested. 

• No interviews – this is not interview process where you are asking questions – this is your quest for the government documents or data that include information you need.

• Break – if you still have the need to file one huge request, consider breaking it into two or three separate ones.

• Reference – it is always great when you have document ID number and give very specific request – you can find reference in document you already have

• Fees – if you need papers quickly be ready to cover the fees. In many countries journalists are waived from paying fees – according to the FOIA law 

• Exemptions – foresee upfront what exemptions could potentially be applied to your request – there are several basic exemptions such as national security, personal privacy, privileged communications, confidential business Information, and law enforcement

• Date – put a specific date range

• Data – ask for raw data in any format agency is having – csv, xml, …

• React - when they ignore your request, follow up with the email, or phone call, but Apeal when they deny your request

• Write - stories about your FOIA cases

• Fishing – anticipate what agency  

• File – multiple requests, send a pilot request, or send international request

• Share – what you learned with others.