Illinois FOIA Overview
FOIA is the state Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), records in possession of public agencies may be accessed by the public upon written request. Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140, Section 2 ( c ), a public record is any records, reports, forms, writings, letters, memoranda, books, papers, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, electronic data processing records, electronic communication, recorded information and all other documentary materials pertaining to the transaction of public business, regardless of physical form or characteristics, having been prepared by or for, or having been or being used, received, in possession of or under the control of any public body.
Some records are not available for disclosure via the FOIA process, however; these types of records are described under Section 7 of FOIA, specifically 5 ILCS 140, Section 7 (1) (a) thru (y) and Section 7.5 (Statutory Exemptions). Some FOIA disclosures may also be restricted by confidentiality provisions imposed by other state and federal statutes, such as the Illinois Oil & Gas Act, the state Criminal Code, etc. The FOIA process does not supersede applicable statutory or judicial mandates concerning confidentiality, proprietary business/trade matters, clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy matters, etc.
FOIA Officer
The City Clerk is the Freedom of Information Officer as well as the Public Information Officer for the City of Monmouth.
Police Department Records
Records can be requested, according to FOIA guidelines, from the Monmouth Police Department, the Monmouth Police Pension Board, and the City of Monmouth Board of Fire and Police Commissioners.
All requests must be submitted in writing. Request forms may be downloaded or picked up at the 911 Dispatch Center (500 S. Main St.). Requests will be processed within five days unless the volume of requests requires additional time.
Request fees:
- First 50 pages of black and white copies: no charge
- Each additional black and white copy: 15 cents
- Each color copy: 30 cents
- Each DVD: $1.00
- Each CD: 75 cents
The Police FOIA Officer is Julie Richardson.