We've started the public participation phase of our Effingham 2050 Comprehensive Plan project, and we need your help! A focus group meeting will be conducted to discuss all aspects of transportation: public transit, streets, bridges, sidewalks, bicycle paths, traffic control, and the airport on Monday, December 16th at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall (201 E. Jefferson Avenue). We hope you'll attend!

Request police records

Freedom of Information Act, or commonly known as FOIA, ensures the free and open exchange of information between government and the public. It's simply another term for requesting records.

Generally, any person, group, organization, firm, or partnership, at any time, can request to copy or inspect any document or report that is held by Effingham Police Department.

Even though any record can be requested, FOIA law allows certain exemptions for law enforcement which protect the privacy and personal information of involved persons, including victims, suspects, juveniles and witnesses, among others. There are also other allowed exemptions to prevent interference with pending law enforcement proceedings.

If any record is not provided in its entirety, Effingham Police will include the reasons for any lawful redactions in the response letter.

Before you start

Knowing certain details of information you want helps tremendously. If at all possible, obtain the following information before requesting records:

  • Time of incident
  • Date of incident
  • Location (including apartment numbers) of incident
  • Names of some or all involved persons
  • Cell phone numbers of involved persons
  • Police report numbers
  • Any other pertinent information

What to do

Fill out a written request

Although we provide a standard FOIA request form, any written request is accepted. Oral requests will not be honored.

Submit request

  • Submit the online form below
  • Email request to Records Division
  • Request in person at Effingham Police Department
  • Fax request to 217-342-5345

Pay fee if applicable

Any fees must be paid in advance by cash or check.

  • No charge to view or inspect the requested documents
  • No charge for the first 50 pages of black and white copies
  • $.15 per page for any copies over 50 pages
  • $1.00 per page for color copies
  • Actual cost of media for CDs, DVDs, thumb drives and other media
  • Commercial requests, large requests, and requests from frequent requestors may have additional charges
  • Any incurred certified mailing fees

What's next

For most requests, a written response will be given in 5 business days (excluding weekends and holidays), although we work diligently to provide an immediate response.

Submit online request

  • Please include police report numbers if known, times and dates of incidents, locations of incidents, and names of involved persons.

Get help

Effingham Police Department
Records Division

(217) 347-0774 extension 5326
110 South 3rd Street
Effingham, IL 62401
Office hours:
7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday
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