FAQ

1. How do I submit a FOIA request?

FOIA requests may be submitted by this web portal, mail or hand delivered to 200 Veterans Parkway, New Lenox, IL 60451. There is no specific form that must be used. For your convenience, a form is available for you as a guide.

2. To whom do I submit my FOIA Request?

New Lenox Police Department

Attn: Freedom of Information Act Officer

200 Veterans Parkway

New Lenox, IL 60451

3. What should be included in my FOIA request?

When submitting a FOIA request, please be as specific as possible. Describe the documents being sought, including the case report or CAD numbers and a summary of the incident if applicable.

4. What happens after I submit a FOIA request?

The FOIA Officer will review your request and respond within 5 business days of receipt of the request. Responses may include but are not limited to a full disclosure of documents, a disclosure of documents with certain information redacted, a notification that we need an additional 5 business days to respond, or a denial or partial denial of your request due to certain exemptions under the Act.

5. Is there a process to appeal the FOIA Officer's decision?

Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, a person who believes that a violation of the Act by a public body has occurred may file a request for the review with the Public Access Counselor established in the Office of the Attorney General not later than 60 days after the alleged violation. The request for review must be in writing, must be signed by the requestor, and must include a summary of the facts supporting the allegation. Send requests to the Public Access Bureau, 500 S. 2nd Street, Springfield, IL 62706. The Public Access Bureau can be reached at (217) 558-0486.

You also have the right to seek judicial review of your denial by filing a lawsuit in the State Circuit Court. 5 ILCS 140/11.

6. Are there fees for filing a FOIA request?

If requesting copies of physical records in-person or by mail, a fee to cover the cost of copying records, but not to include the cost of an employee's time to research and copy the records, will be charged at the following rates: The first 50 pages of black and white 8 ½ x 11, 8 ½ by 14 size paper are free; documents over 50 pages are 10 cents per page. Color copies are 18 cents per page. Pages larger that 11 x 17 are $3.00 per page. CDs and DVDs are $2.00. Certified copes are an additional $1.00 per document. Copies of crash reports are $5.00 and copies of crash reconstruction reports are $20.00. Printed photographs are $1.00 each.