Freedom of Information

Pubic Records Requests
CITY OF SALEM, ILLINOIS
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION DIRECTORY
 

Method of Requesting Public Records & Directory of FOIA Officers
Under the Freedom of Information Act as Amended by Public Act 96-542, Effective 1/01/2010
5 ILCS 140 and City Code of Ordinance
 

FOIA Officers:
 
        Tabitha Meador, Salem City Hall, 101 South Broadway, Salem, IL  62881
        Phone:  618-548-2222, ext. 20
        Fax:  618-548-5330
        E-mail
 
        Police Chief Kyle Ambuehl, Salem Police Dept., 201 S. Rotan, Salem, IL 62881
        Phone:  618-548-2232
        Fax:  618-548-7793
        E-mail
 
Deputy FOIA Officers:
 
        Amanda Hartley, Salem Police Dept., 201 S. Rotan, Salem, IL 62881
        Phone:  618-548-2232
        Fax:  618-548-7793
        E-mail
 
Any person requesting public records of the City of Salem may make such a request during regular business hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or to the Police Department 24/7 either in person, in writing, by phone, fax, or e-mail to one of the FOIA officers listed above.  The request should specify in detail the particular record requested to be inspected or copied.  The request should also specify if any records are to be certified.  FOIA Request Forms to request inspection or copy of records are available at Salem City Hall, Salem Police Department, or on the City website.  
 

Fee Schedule:

  • a) First 50 pages, black and white, letter or legal, no cost.
  • b) Each additional page, black and white, letter or legal, $0.15.
  • c) Police Department – Accident Reports, $5.00 per Report (Illinois Vehicle Code)
  • d) Electronic records shall be formatted subject to reimbursement for costs of recording medium.
  • e) Color copies or copies in a size other than letter or legal shall be reimbursed to actual costs.
  • f) Certification sheet, one dollar ($1.00) per record.
  • g) Prepayment of copying costs may be requested if it is determined that the probable cost of copying requested records exceed $10.00.
Public records may be furnished without charge or at a reduced charge, as determined by the City, if the person requesting the documents states the specific purpose for the request and indicated that a waiver or reduction of the fee is in the public interest.  Waiver or reduction of the fee is in the public interest if the principal purpose of the request is to access and disseminate information regarding the health, safety and welfare or the legal rights of the general public and is not for the principal purpose of personal or commercial benefit.  
 
Each request for public records will be made complied with or denied within five working days after its receipt.  The five day period may be extended to fourteen working days if required.  
 
NOTE:  Some public records are exempt from inspection and copying under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, including records that are specifically prohibited from disclosure by federal or state law or rules and regulations implementing federal or state law.  A copy of the exemptions under the Act may be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office upon request or at the Illinois Attorney General’s web site: http://foia.ilattorneygeneral.net/FreedomofInformationAct.aspx  

Procedures for Appeal of a Denial to Inspect or Copy a Public Record:
 
A person whose request to inspect or copy a public record is denied may file a request for review with the Public Access Counselor established in the office of the Attorney General not later than 60 days after the date of the final denial.  The request for review must be in writing, signed by the requester, and include a copy of the request for access to records and any responses from the public body.
Cara Smith
Public Access Counselor
Office of the Attorney General
500 S. 2nd Street
Springfield, IL  62706