How to do a FOIA Request
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"It is vital in a democratic society that public business be performed in an open and public manner so that our citizens shall have the opportunity to observe the performance of public officials and to monitor the decisions that are made by such officials in formulating and executing public policy; and further, it is vital that citizens have easy access to public records in order that the society remain free and democratic."
(Source: 29 Del. Code Chapter 100, Delaware Freedom of Information Act)
Public information if vital for informed community advocacy, however; it is not always easy to obtain. When you believe a public record exists on an issue affecting your community, it is sometimes necessary to formally request it under the Freedom of Information Act. There are a number of policies and formats, but in general nearly all information in the possession of a public agency is available.
Below are several links that are very helpful in understanding the Freedom of Information Act, what action you should take to obtain a public record if not given to you promptly after an informal request, and what legal redress is available if an agency does not comply with your request.
Attorney Generals Guidance for FOIA (http://www.state.de.us/attgen/civil/foia.htm)
Freedom of Information Act Brochure(http://www.state.de.us/attgen/pdf/freedom.pdf
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