Put it in writing...

The Virginia Freedom of Information Act DOES NOT require a records requester to submit their request in writing, but it is probably a good idea for you to do this for multiple reasons. You can verbally request records, but you will likely find it easier to put your request in writing.

The biggest reason for submitting your request in writing is simply to create a written record for your own records, and to make tracking your requests easier and more manageable.

If you do decide to put your request in writing, it doesn't necessarily have to be anything fancy. It can be a simply worded request as long a you reasonably describe the information you are seeking so that the custodian of the records understands clearly what it is you are looking for. Miscommunication could lead to delays or possibly not finding any records responsive to your request at all. Writing it down could help you organize your thoughts which might in turn lead to a more clearly communicated description of what it is you are looking for or hope to find.

One reason you might not want to put it in writing is because you don't want for there to be a written record of your request. There are many reasons why one might not want a written record of their request, but you should understand that your requests, even if verbal, will not be private. Your requests are a public record as well, and therefore are open to inspection and release. Even if you don't put it in writing, that doesn't mean that your request will be shielded from disclosure to others. We will talk more about this in our next post.