Search results for "requesting documents" ...

• The Ask: Requesting and Negotiating For Records/Data

  A guide on how to procure the documents you need in order to launch your investigation. This step-by-step tipsheet takes you through each individual step to gaining access to government records.

  Tags: Burlington Free Press; FOI; Open Government Laws; Freedom of Information;

  By Mike Donoghue

  2012

• Covering Veteran's Issues

  If you're covering any form of veterans' issues, this tipsheet is a must. Included are helpful tips on dealing with families of veterans and what documents to request when filing a FOIA.

  Tags: veterans' affairs; military families

  By Greg Campbell (Independent Journalist), Henry Schuster (60 Minutes), Michael de Yoanna (Independent Journalist)

  2012

• A Citizen's Guide to Using the Illinois Freedom of Information Act

  7 chapters of useful information on the IL FOIA. Including what a FOIA request is, how to request a document, and what to do if your request is denied.

  Tags: FOIA; freedom of information act; Illinois; IL

  By Adriana Colindres

  2011

• Fighting and winning open records battles

  Grimaldi outlines how to make the best use of FOIA laws. From planning your requests to fighting for documents, Grimaldi provides detailed insight into how to be an effective watchdog reporter.

  Tags: freedom of information; FOIA; sunshine laws; open records;

  By James Grilmadi

  2009

• Quick-hit watchdog stories: Where to find them

  Sforza describes the documents to ask for so journalists can "an eye on those holding the public trust and how they’re spending our money." Making a habit of gathering this material will provide a constant stream of stories at your fingertips.

  Tags: public trust; watchdog journalism; local government; public records; records requests; FOIA;

  By Teri Sforza

  2009

• Data Negotiation: All you've got to do is ask...

  This PowerPoint walks you through the process of negotiating for data. Key to successful data requests is knowing the law. O'Neil and Dowdell provide excellent resources for FOIA information. They suggest who to speak to about documents; what to expect; what to ask for and to ask often. They also recommend always getting electronic records when available. Included are recommendations when your requests are denied.

  Tags: FOIA; open records; data negotiation; government records; open records; close records; freedom of information act; sunshine laws

  By Daniel X. O'Neil

  2009

• Access Arizona: Training and tips for acquiring public records and covering meetings in Arizona

  This handout begins with a general overview of story ideas derived from FOI laws and guidance on creating a document driven newsroom. The second part of the handout details FOI laws specific to the state of Arizona.

  Tags: Arizona; FOIA; Freedom of Information Act; open records; sunshine laws; story ideas; documents; open meetings; FOI request

  By David Cuillier

  2007

• Managing and Juggling: How to Cover Your Beat and Still Produce Investigative Stories

  Hunt offers eight tips about how to dig up investigative stories on a beat. Her tips include information about how to stay organized (make lists, keep files) and how to go about transforming a daily story into an investigative report (ask for documents, keep the big picture in mind).

  Tags: beat reporting; sources; investigative reporting; open records requests

  By Dianna Hunt

  2007

• Making FOI Work for Investigations

  McClure provides a list of helpful hints to consider when making FOI requests. He advises other ways of getting information if you're having trouble with compliance, time tables for FOI requests, fee waivers and much more. McClure also provides a list of helpful Web sites and a sample FOI-request letter.

  Tags: FOI; FOIA; Freedom of Information; access to records; public records; obtaining documents

  By Robert McClure

  2006

• FOIA Tip Sheet

  Scott Reeder, a 2005 IRE Award Winner, provides a list of tips for reporters who are working on projects in which FOI requests are necessary. He gives advice on how to know what you're asking for, how to deal with uncooperative officials and more. Reeder also includes his major investigation of teacher tenure in Illinois, in which he filed 1,500 FOI requests with almost 900 governmental entities and gained 100% compliance.

  Tags: freedom of information; Freedom of Information Act (FOIA); public records; requesting documents; investigative methods; gaining access to public information

  By Scott Reeder

  2006