Request Components

[Raeann Worrall]

I received a request for records via email that included a description of the record, requestor’s email, name & phone number but no address of any kind (not a business or personal address).

It’s my understanding that without an address for requestor, the “request” doesn’t meet the criteria for a FOIA request.

Would your agency reach out and ask for requestor’s address? Would you honor the request without an address? Any other thoughts?

[Susie Haney]

I personally send back a letter citing missing information and a link to our electronic request form to kindly ask they resubmit so it constitutes a proper request. (I also have a thorn who would argue I demand different standards from just him if he ever found out I did not hold everyone to the same standards.) MCL 15.233(1) states name, address (in compliance w/ the USPS), phone and/or email. I have a file of multiple FOIA letters I have tweaked over the years from FOIA classes. This is a sample of what I would send.

March 12, 2025
Subject: Incomplete FOIA request

Mr. Smith,

The City of Fenton Police Department (FPD) has received your request for public records under the provisions of the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.233 et seq.

The FPD is unable to process your request as presented. Section 3(1) of the FOIA, MCL 15.233(1) requires as follows:

A request from a person, other than an individual who qualifies as indigent under section 4(2)(a), must include requesting person’s complete name, address, and contact information, and, if the request is made by a person other than the individual, the complete name, address, and contact information of the person’s agent who is an individual. An address must be written in compliance with the United States Postal Service addressing standards. Contact information must include a valid telephone number or electronic mail address.

In order to obtain publicly available records, please re-submit your request at:
Form Center • Freedom of Information Act Request and include the statutorily-required information.

Sincerely,

[Melissa Sullivan]

We also would reply to the email advising them that we are unable to process the request without the address and offer the link to our FOIA request form. If they do not re-submit within a few days, we formally send a denial citing the MCL prior to the 5 days expiring.

[Author]

Posts