McHenry Times

FOIA Request to McHenry Police Department regarding active employee roster on November 13, 2025.

A request for public records has been submitted to the McHenry Police Department under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140. The request was made by a news reporter from McHenry Times, a media organization dedicated to providing accurate coverage of local governmental affairs. The email, sent on November 13, 2025, seeks detailed information about the current employees of the police department.

The requested records include any roster, directory, staffing list, payroll record, or personnel summary that identifies all current employees within the department. Specifically, the request asks for details such as each employee's name, job title or rank, sex or gender (if available in existing records), date of hire or appointment, and age or year of birth (only if included in public-facing records). The requester also specified that if multiple versions of these rosters exist—such as HR rosters or payroll rosters—the most recent version of each should be provided.

The McHenry Times reporter emphasized their role in gathering and reporting news to the public and highlighted the importance of access to public records for ensuring transparency and accountability within public institutions. As part of their professional responsibilities and affiliation with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy—a non-profit organization assisting media companies in investigating governmental agencies—they have requested a fee waiver typically available to media professionals.

We look forward to receiving this information in an electronic format as it will greatly aid in our reporting efforts. As always, we remain open for any questions or clarifications regarding this request.