FOIA Requests

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Rights and Responsibilities

The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) guarantees citizens of the Commonwealth and representatives of the media access to public records held by public bodies, public officials, and public employees.

A public record is any writing or recording regardless of whether it is a paper record, an electronic file, an audio or video recording, or any other format that is prepared or owned by, or in the possession of a public body or its officers, employees or agents in the transaction of public business. All public records are presumed to be open, and may only be withheld if a specific, statutory exemption or other law applies to those records. 

Rights

• You have the right to request to inspect or receive copies of public records, or both.
• You have the right to request that any charges for the requested records be estimated in advance.
• If you believe that your FOIA rights have been violated, you may file a petition in district or circuit court to compel compliance with FOIA.

Requests

• You may request records by U.S. Mail, e-mail, or online.  FOIA does not require that your request be in writing, nor do you need to specifically state that you are requesting records under FOIA.  From a practical perspective, it may be helpful to both you and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office when receiving your request if you put your request in writing.  This allows you to create a record of your request.  It also gives the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office a clear statement of what records you are requesting, so that there is no misunderstanding over a verbal request. 

Requirements

• You must provide your name and legal address.
• Your request must identify the records you are seeking with "reasonable specificity."  It does not refer to or limit the volume or number of records that you are requesting.  It requires that you be specific enough so that the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office can identify and locate the records you are seeking.
• You may choose to receive electronic records in any format used by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office in the regular course of business. For example, you may elect to receive records electronically, via e-mail or on a computer disk, or to receive a printed copy of those records.
• If the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office has questions about your request, please cooperate with the staff's efforts to clarify the type of records you are seeking, or to attempt to reach a reasonable agreement about a response to a large request. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office may need to discuss your request with you to ensure that it understands what records you are seeking.

Costs

Where to Mail or Email A FOIA Request or Questions Regarding FOIA:

Sergeant Megan Huston
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
70 East Court Street
Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151                                
Megan.Huston@franklincountyva.gov