South Central Reporter

FOIA Request to Washington County Sheriff regarding number of applications and tracking on August 14, 2025.

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Washington County Sheriff's Office in Illinois on August 14, 2025. The request seeks specific records concerning job applications received by the office. The South Central Reporter, a media organization focused on local governmental affairs, is behind this inquiry.

The request asks for data detailing the number of job applications received by the sheriff's office, categorized by week, month, or year. Additionally, it seeks information about the department or individual responsible for tracking these application numbers. This information is requested under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140, with a preference for receiving it in electronic format.

The requester has highlighted their role as a member of the media and emphasized the importance of accessing public records to fulfill professional duties related to transparency and accountability in public institutions. A fee waiver is also requested based on their status as a media professional.

Furthermore, it is noted that the requester is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through FOIA and Sunshine Laws. More details about this organization can be found at this link.

Our team will continue to keep you updated as we gather and report news related to this request and other matters of public interest. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification regarding this matter.