Freedom of Information Act

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a State law (5 ILCS 140/1-140/11) that provides for a method for the public to gain access to government records. Any person who wishes to inspect and/or obtain copies of public records from the City of Crystal Lake shall follow the rules below, in accordance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.

How to Request Information and Public Records

Citizen Support Center
You can now submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request through the City of Crystal Lake Citizen Support Center on the City's webiste.  This new FOIA request system will make it easier to submit a FOIA request, track your FOIA request and receive the requested document(s) electronically. 

Follow these easy steps to submit your FOIA request:

1. Visit the City's website at www.crystallake.org.  Under the "Residents" tab, select Citizen Support Center.
2. Click the "Make a Request" link.
3. Click the Freedom of Information (FOIA) Request selection button.*

*If this is your first time using the Citizen Support Center, you will be asked to create an account.

By Mail or Fax
For your convenience, a Freedom of Information Request Form is available to you for requesting City records. It would be helpful (but not required) for you to complete the City's Freedom of Information Request form stating the specific type of records requested, including address and dates/time frame. Freedom of Information Request forms are available here (click here) and at City Hall. Completed Freedom of Information requests should be submitted to:

For All Non-Police Related FOIA Requests
City Manager's Office
Attn: Freedom of Information Officer
City of Crystal Lake
100 W. Woodstock Street
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Fax: 815-459-3780

For All Police-Related FOIA Request
Crystal Lake Police Department
Attn: Freedom of Information Officer
100 W. Woodstock Street
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Fax: 815-477-4732

Each request will be complied with or denied within five (5) working days after its receipt. The five (5) working days time limit may be extended to include an additional five (5) working days in some cases. Each request for a commercial purpose will be complied with or denied within twenty-one (21) days after its receipt. Records will be made available for inspection and reproduction unless the records are specifically exempt under the Freedom of Information Act. Accordingly, if your request is for a commercial purpose, please indicate that it is for a commercial purpose as required under the Act.

Fees
No charge for the first 50 pages of black and white
(legal or letter sized copies)

$ .15 per page after the first 50 copies
$1.00 - Certification Cost from the Clerk’s office
All other records are charged actual costs.
Prices are subject to change without notice.

Forms and Other Documents
FOIA Request Form
FOIA Rules and Regulations
FOIA Directory
Other helpful websites:
Illinois Attorney General (click here)