Freedom of Information Act

Introduction

This Act promotes transparency and accountability within Government Organisations, particularly Law Enforcement Agencies, in the State of San Andreas. No citizen should have access to information unfairly withheld when that information may be used against them in criminal proceedings.

Constitutional Justification

Under Article III - Rights and Freedoms of the Constitution of San Andreas, all citizens possess the Right to Information necessary for their well-being. Access to information relevant to criminal proceedings ensures both due process and public trust in law enforcement and the judiciary.

Article I - FOIA Request Protocol

1. Any report created by a Law Enforcement Agency may be subject to disclosure under this Act, provided it meets eligibility criteria.
2. Requests for records must be submitted either in person or by formal written communication to an on-duty Law Enforcement Officer, PD Reception, or Dispatch.

Requests must include:

• A clear description of the records sought, specifying incident numbers, dates, or involved parties where possible; and
• The requester’s contact information for follow-up and delivery.

Article II - Review Protocol

1. The receiving Officer or designated FOIA Clerk must acknowledge receipt of the request within twenty-four (24) hours.
2. Additional information may be requested if needed to locate the record.

A review period of twenty-four (24) hours shall follow to determine if the requested record is exempt from disclosure under the following categories:

• Active Investigations;
• Incident Reports involving Active Warrants (excluding charge, time, and fine information);
• Trade Secrets or Confidential Business Information;
• Internal Government Communications; or
• Warrants and Subpoenas (subject to separate notification provisions).

Article III - Response Time and Delivery of Records

1. If the record is deemed disclosable, the maximum response time for delivery shall be three (3) days from the date of request.
   • Completed reports eligible for release must be provided as soon as possible once approved by the Reporting Officer or designated reviewer.
   • Records shall be delivered through formal written documentation, such as email or text message.
   • Once a report or document has been released under this Act, it shall be considered part of the public record and may not be edited, altered, or amended by any Law Enforcement or Government employee. Any modification or deletion after release shall be deemed a violation of this Act and subject to disciplinary and legal consequences.

Article IV - Appeals Process

1. Citizens who believe their FOIA request was wrongfully denied or incomplete may appeal to the San Andreas Department of Justice.
2. A sitting Judge or Justice shall review the initial request, denial, and associated documentation to determine whether Law Enforcement acted in error.
3. Appeals must be filed within forty-eight (48) hours of the denial through formal written communication or in-person submission.
4. The reviewing Judge or Justice must issue a ruling within forty-eight (48) hours of receiving the appeal.

Conclusion

This Act strengthens public oversight and ensures that every citizen of San Andreas may access records relevant to them. By providing a structured and fair mechanism for obtaining information, it upholds the principles of transparency, accountability, and justice.

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Signatories:

• Justice Bailey Harvey
• Justice Peter Brackley
• Justice Mina Mercy
• Justice Tess Timony
• Justice James Anderson