(FOIL) Freedom of Information Request

The Freedom of Information Law governs rights of access to government records  The law provides rights of access to records reflective of governmental decisions and policies.  

The law requires all units of state and local government in New York State, as well as others authorities,  to allow access to all records except those records or portions of records that fall into one of nine categories of deniable records.

Requests must be in writing, and should reasonably describe the record in which you are interested.  If possible, you should supply dates, titles, file designations, or any other information that will help agency staff to locate requested records.  Within five business days of the receipt of a written request for a record reasonably described, the agency must make the record available, deny access in writing giving the reasons for denial, or furnish a written acknowledgment of receipt of the request and a statement of the approximate date when the request will be granted or denied, which must be reasonable in consideration of attendant circumstances, such as the volume or complexity of the request. The approximate date ordinarily cannot exceed twenty business days from the date of the acknowledgment of the receipt of a request.     

In the event that your request is denied, written notice will be provided to you, at which time you have the right to appeal to the head, or governing body of the agency, or the person designated to determine appeals by the head, or governing body of the agency. You may appeal within thirty days of a denial.   Upon receipt of the appeal, the agency head, governing body or appeals officer, has ten business days to fully explain in writing the reasons for further denial of access, or to provide access to the records. 

See the Freedom of Information Law or the Committee on Open Government for more information.

FOIL Request Forms and Submission Procedures:
To submit your request online:
             - Click the "FOIL Request FORM" button below
             - Complete the form and push the "SUBMIT" button

You may also download the above form and email your completed request to:  BesseyA@tiogacountyny.gov

Mailed submissions should be sent to:      Tioga County Sheriff's Office
                                                                    Attn: Lieutenant Adam Bessey
                                                                    103 Corporate Drive
                                                                    Owego, New York 13827
FEES:
Please make checks payable to Tioga County Sheriff
     •  Fee of 25¢ per document page must be paid in advance by cash or certified bank check.
      •  Fee of $5.00 per CD containing photographs must be paid in advance by cash or certified bank check.
      •  Actual postage must be paid on all responses that are required to be mailed.

APPEALS:
Please submit appeals to Freedom of Information Officer, County of Tioga, 56 Main Street, Owego, NY 13827 or to foil@tiogacountyny.gov