Freedom of Information Act

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.

Freedom of Information Request Types

Non Commercial Freedom of Information (FOIA) Request
The City of Crystal Lake responds to all public record requests in accordance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 ILCS 140. A response to a request for records for non-commercial purposes will be made within five (5) business days after receipt of the request. The City of Crystal Lake will require full payment of fees, if any, prior to the disbursement of the request for non-commercial purposes.

Commercial Freedom of Information (FOIA) Request
The City of Crystal Lake responds to freedom of information requests for commercial purposes in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/3.1). A request for commercial purpose is defined as the use of any part of a public record or records or information derived from public records in any form for sale, resale or solicitation or advertisement for sales or services. A response to a request for records for commercial purposes will be made within twenty-one (21) business days after receipt of the request. The City of Crystal Lake will require full payment of fees, if any, prior to the disbursement of the request for commercial purposes.

How to Request Information and Public Records

Citizen Support Center
To submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, please select the following link: Citizen Support Center.  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.  

Please follow these steps to submit a FOIA request:

1. Select either Non-Commercial Freedom of Information (FOIA) Request or Commercial Freedom of Information (FOIA) Request.
2. Log into your account. If this is your first time using the Citizen Support Center, you will be asked to make an account. 
3. Complete online FOIA request form and submit.

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 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 receive a response within five working days after its receipt. The five working days time limit may be extended to include an additional five working days in some cases. Each request for a commercial purpose will receive a response within twenty-one 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.