Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
Fig A. President Bush Signs the USA PATRIOT Act
◆What is FOIA?
The FOIA is a law that gives you the right to access information from your government, including the Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS).
Under the FOIA, agencies must disclose any information that is requested – unless that information is protected from public disclosure. The FOIA also requires that agencies automatically disclose certain information, including frequently requested records.
As Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court have all recognized, the FOIA is a vital part of our democracy.
◆Your Rights Under FOIA
- ●You have the right to request access to records from the Chicago Department of Streets & Sanitation (DSS).
- ●DSS is required to disclose information unless it falls under one of nine exemptions.
- ●You may appeal if your request is denied in whole or in part.
- ●Frequently requested records are made available in agency reading rooms.
⚠️ NOTICE: THE DEPARTMENT OF STREETS & SANITATION WILL NO LONGER PROCESS FOIA REQUESTS REGARDING THE MOLE RAT SCANDAL OF 2001. ALL FURTHER INQUIRIES ON THIS MATTER WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY DENIED. PLEASE REDIRECT YOUR ATTENTION TO OTHER MATTERS.
◆Previously Classified Videos
The following videos were obtained through successful FOIA requests by the Chicago Department of Streets & Sanitation (DSS) and have been made available to the public. These materials were previously classified or withheld from public disclosure.
No videos currently available. Check back soon for newly released materials.
Questions about FOIA requests?
Call: 311 or webmaster@chicagosanitation.net