Have a clever request you want to share with other requesters? Now’s your chance as we’re building the ultimate directory of FOIA and public records ideas to help new requesters get inspired while showcasing how valuable public records are in keeping government open and accountable.
You can submit your suggestions below. We’ll be reviewing submissions and publishing them all in a searchable database so that whether you’re looking for a random idea or trying to get a better sense of how to dive into a topic, you’ll be able to find other request ideas, request language, and expert tips to build off of.
If you’re new or relatively new to FOIA, you can browse through other requests people have filed to get a sense of how requests are phrased. In general, we’re looking for specific, repeatable request topics that others can learn from and use to explore issues.
Request idea submissions should:
- Be specific: Avoid requests that ask for “any and all documents about Topic X.”
- Ask for a document: Public records requests should not be general questions, but rather be phrased in a way that the agency knows to search for a specific document or data set.
Take a look at the examples of the bottom of this page for examples of good submissions.
Every accepted submission will get a free piece of Mystery Swag, coming soon to the MuckRock Swag Store just in time for Sunshine Week 2019. (International submissions are encouraged, but we will have to charge shipping for non-U.S. swag shipments).
And if you’re interested in trading ideas and getting advice in real time, join the MuckRock FOIA Slack.
Style Notes
- Entries should be plural (i.e., “Subway Transit Messages” and not “Subway Transit Message”).
Example Submissions
We’re working on making the full submission database public, but in the meantime, here are a few examples:
FTC Complaints
A SHORT DESCRIPTION OF WHAT THE REQUEST IS AND WHY SOMEONE WOULD WANT TO MAKE IT
Complaints submitted to the Federal Trade Commission regarding a company can reveal patterns of bad business practices, and some cases, scams and outright fraud.
ADDITIONAL TIPS OR THINGS A REQUESTER SHOULD KNOW
Be sure to include a date range, and any parent/holding companies.
LINKS TO REPORTING THAT THIS TYPE OF REQUEST MADE POSSIBLE
- https://www.muckrock.com/news/archives/2016/sep/26/pokemon-go-ftc-complaints/
- https://www.muckrock.com/news/archives/2015/sep/16/ftc-immigration/
- https://www.muckrock.com/news/archives/2016/jun/09/coursera-ftc-complaints/
SAMPLE REQUEST LANGUAGE / LINK TO A SAMPLE MUCKROCK REQUEST
https://www.muckrock.com/foi/united-states-of-america-10/tinder-complaints-44508/
HOW WE SHOULD CREDIT THIS REQUEST (MAY INCLUDE A LINK)
JPat Brown / MuckRock
Sexual harassment investigations
A SHORT DESCRIPTION OF WHAT THE REQUEST IS AND WHY SOMEONE WOULD WANT TO MAKE IT
We requested every complaint of sexual harassment, subsequent investigation and any related discipline in state agencies.
ADDITIONAL TIPS OR THINGS A REQUESTER SHOULD KNOW
Personnel records are not universally available, but investigations/discipline for public employees usually are.
LINKS TO REPORTING THAT THIS TYPE OF REQUEST MADE POSSIBLE
https://kycir.org/series/sexual-harassment-allegations-in-kentucky-government/
SAMPLE REQUEST LANGUAGE / LINK TO A SAMPLE MUCKROCK REQUEST
https://www.muckrock.com/foi/massachusetts-1/sexual-harassment-complaints-68512/
HOW WE SHOULD CREDIT THIS REQUEST (MAY INCLUDE A LINK)
Kate Howard and Eleanor Klibanoff / KyCIR.org
Image via US National Archives Flickr
