How to file an FOIA request

Do you need to access public information with your local, state or federal government? According to The Freedom Forum's First Amendment Center, "the procedure for filing a request for information is straightforward, and involves simply writing a letter to the appropriate agency including the most precise detail possible about the information you are seeking."

Here are some tips from The Freedom Forum you'll find helpful:

• When filing a Freedom of Information Act request, include your name, address and telephone. An e-mail address can be helpful, too.

• Be as specific and/or provide as much detail as possible about the information you are seeking. "A requester should make sure, however, that a request is broad enough to include all desired information, but narrow enough to be practical," the Internal Revenue Service recommends.

• You should anticipate paying for copy costs. "State your willingness to pay any fees, and how much you are willing to pay as advance authorization" is the Department of Transportation's recommendation, a good across-the-board tip for seeking records.

Here are two places to find examples of Freedom of Information request letters:

The Committee on Government Reform's "Citizen's Guide on Using the Freedom of Information Act

and the Privacy Act of 1974 to Request Government Records" includes sample FOIA request letter, which can be accessed through The Freedom Forum's First Amendment Center Web site, www.firstamendmentcenter.org.

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press has an online Freedom of Information Act form letter. You fill in the blanks, print it out and mail it, or e-mail it to the agency. Access it at www.rcfp.org/foi_letter/generate.php.