FOIA FAQs

1. How do I submit a FOIA request?

FOIA requests may be submitted by this web portal, mail or hand delivered to 1212 S. Farrell Rd., Lockport, IL 60441. 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?

Lockport Police Department

Attn: Freedom of Information Act Officer

1212 S. Farrell Rd.

Lockport, IL 60441

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 up to 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?

If all or part of the FOIA request was denied, the provisions for appealing the decision are found at Title 2 Ill. Admin Code 1651.410 and referenced in the Act at 5 ILCS 140/9-11.5.

6. Are there fees for filing a FOIA request?

While there are no fees for filing a FOIA request, we may charge fees reasonably calculated to reimburse us for the actual cost for reproduction of any records. Such costs cannot include the costs of any search for and review of the record. You will be notified of the costs, if any, and must pay those costs in full before the records will be released. We may waive fees if the requester states the specific purpose for the request and indicates that a waiver or reduction of the fee is in the public interest in accordance with 5 ILCS 140/6 (b).