If you would like to obtain information from the Geneva Police Department, you should begin by writing down a list of the information you are seeking. Then prepare a letter to the Geneva Police Department. Address the letter to the Geneva Police Department FOIA officer (Rhonda Sayles). Your letter should include your name, your address, the date and a daytime phone number so that the Police Department can contact you if they have any questions. Describe the information you are seeking with sufficient detail so that the public body can find the requested records. Providing as much information as possible in your request on the subject matter may expedite the Police Department's search process. You do not need to describe the document specifically and accurately by the same name the Police Department uses. As long as the Police Department understands what is being requested. The Geneva Police Department does not accept oral FOIA request, you must make your request in writing or fill out this form or email the FOIA Officer (Rhonda Sayles) for requests from the Police Department via email.
What should I include in the FOIA request?
On your written request, include your name, address, the date and a daytime phone
number so that the public body can contact you if they have any questions. Provide as
much information as possible on the subject matter. This will help expedite the search
process.
How many days does the public body have to respond to my FOIA request?
A public body must respond to a FOIA request within 5 business days after the public
body receives the request. Day 1 of the 5-day timeline is the first business day after the
request is received by the public body. The date that the request was received by the
public body does not count as “Day 1.” That time period may be extended for an
additional 5 business days from the date of the original due date if:
1. The requested information is stored at a different location;
2. The request requires the collection of a substantial number of documents;
3. The request requires an extensive search;
4. The requested records have not been located and require additional effort to find;
5. The requested records need to be reviewed by staff who can determine whether
they are exempt from FOIA;
6. The requested records cannot be produced without unduly burdening the public body or interfering with its operations; or
7. The request requires the public body to consult with another public body who has
substantial interest in the subject matter of the request.
If additional time is needed, the public body must notify the requestor in writing within 5 business days after the receipt of the request of the statutory reasons for the extension and when the requested information will be produced. When does the 5 business day time period start? On the first business day after the public body receives the request. What is a “business day” or “working day”? A “business day” or “working day” is a regular day of the week (Monday through Friday) when public offices and most businesses are open. Saturdays, Sundays and state holidays are not business days and cannot be counted in the 5 business day time period. What is the incentive for a public body to respond to my request within 5 business days (or 10 business days if extended)?
FEES
Can the public body charge for copies?
Yes, but the fees are limited. For black and white, letter or legal sized copies (8 ½ x 11
or 11 x 17), the first 50 pages are free, and any additional pages cost 15
cents a page. For color copies or abnormal size copies, the public body can charge the
actual cost of copying.
Can a public body charge for electronic copies?
Yes, but only the actual cost of the recording medium. For example, if information is
produced on CDs, the public body may only charge the actual cost of purchasing the
CDs.