Clay Whelan, Sheriff at Lee County Sheriff's Department | Facebook
Clay Whelan, Sheriff at Lee County Sheriff's Department | Facebook
FOIA Request to Lee County Sheriff's Department regarding 2023 arrest records on September 24, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Lee County Sheriff's Department by NW Illinois News. The request, sent on September 24, 2025, seeks comprehensive data concerning all arrest records from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. The requested information includes detailed data points such as the arrestee's name, sex, race, age, date of birth, and citizenship status. Additionally, the request seeks booking IDs, dates of arrest, booking photos, names of arresting officers, types of crimes committed, locations and dates of these crimes.
NW Illinois News emphasizes its role in providing transparent news coverage and holding public institutions accountable. As part of this mission and given their media status, they have requested a fee waiver for accessing these public records. This request aligns with their commitment to leveraging Freedom of Information laws to enhance public awareness about governmental actions.
The organization is also affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy—a non-profit dedicated to assisting media outlets in investigating government agencies through FOIA requests. More information about this coalition can be found on their website here.
Our team will continue to keep you updated as we gather and report news related to this request and other matters of public interest. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification regarding this matter.
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