FOIA Request to Pope County Sheriffs Department regarding 2023 arrest records on September 24, 2025.
The Southern Illinois News has submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Pope County Sheriffs Department in Illinois. The request seeks access to all arrest records from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. The requested data includes detailed information such as the arrestee’s name, sex, race, age, date of birth, and citizenship status. Additionally, the request asks for booking IDs, dates of arrest, booking photos, names of arresting officers, types of crimes committed, locations and dates of crimes.
This request was made under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), with a preference for receiving the information in electronic format. The Southern Illinois News emphasizes its role in providing comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs and underscores the importance of public records in maintaining transparency and accountability within public institutions.
The media organization also mentions its affiliation with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy. This non-profit Missouri corporation aids media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies by utilizing Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More details about this coalition can be found on their website here.
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.
