{
 "topic": "FOIA section 7(1)(d) - Law-enforcement/administrative-proceeding records",
 "statute": "5 ILCS 140/7(1)(d)",
 "family": "FOIA exemptions (section 7)",
 "page": "https://illinoisfoia.org/issues/foia-7-1-d/",
 "note": "Determination letters are non-binding. Verify against the source PDF before citing.",
 "counts": {
  "violation_found": 35,
  "no_violation": 22,
  "no_determination": 3,
  "other": 0
 },
 "challenge_notes": {
  "generated_by": "AI summary of the decisions listed on this page; not legal advice; verify each decision against its PDF",
  "when_a_challenge_is_strong": [
   {
    "text": "The public body's denial relies on conclusory statements or speculation without specific facts showing how disclosure would interfere with proceedings.",
    "why": "The body must provide clear and convincing evidence with specific facts; bare assertions are insufficient.",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Audio and video recordings of a police photo array",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-64491/#issue-3"
     },
     {
      "title": "Police body-camera footage of a traffic stop arrest",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-83308/#issue-3"
     },
     {
      "title": "Police reports and video footage of a traffic crash",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-83921/#issue-1"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "The records do not contain confidential source or witness information, yet the body withheld them under section 7(1)(d)(iv).",
    "why": "The exemption only protects identities of persons who provided information to law enforcement; interactions with arrestees or general crime descriptions are not covered.",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Police body-camera footage of a traffic stop arrest",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-83308/#issue-6"
     },
     {
      "title": "A police report of a DUI arrest and vehicle impoundment",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-82136/#issue-4"
     },
     {
      "title": "Police records of a past burglary investigation",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-51910/#issue-7"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "The public body claims the fair trial exemption but no trial or hearing is pending or imminent.",
    "why": "Section 7(1)(d)(iii) requires a pending or truly imminent trial and a showing that disclosure would seriously interfere with fairness; speculation about future proceedings is insufficient.",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Police body-camera footage of a traffic stop arrest",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-83308/#issue-5"
     },
     {
      "title": "Police interview records of a private citizen",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-79596/#issue-2"
     },
     {
      "title": "An investigation of police officers",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-52348/#issue-1"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "The records were not created in the course of an administrative enforcement proceeding, so the body's claim under section 7(1)(d)(ii) fails.",
    "why": "The exemption applies only to records created in active administrative enforcement proceedings.",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Police body-camera footage of a traffic stop arrest",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-83308/#issue-4"
     },
     {
      "title": "A letter about workplace harassment allegations",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-56109/#issue-1"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "The public body claims unique investigative techniques but only describes routine procedures or fails to show how disclosure would reveal specialized techniques.",
    "why": "Generalized descriptions do not meet the burden; the body must show the techniques are unique and disclosure would cause demonstrable harm.",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Police body-camera footage of a traffic stop arrest",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-83308/#issue-7"
     },
     {
      "title": "An email about an incident log",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-70185/#issue-2"
     },
     {
      "title": "Police use-of-force reports for 2017",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-53887/#issue-4"
     }
    ]
   }
  ],
  "when_the_body_usually_wins": [
   {
    "text": "The public body redacts names, contact information, and other identifying details of witnesses or persons who provided information to law enforcement.",
    "why": "Section 7(1)(d)(iv) protects the anonymity of such persons, and contact information is also exempt under other provisions.",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Investigative records and photos of a 1992 murder case",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-62344/#issue-3"
     },
     {
      "title": "Police reports and complaints about an individual",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-58607/#issue-6"
     },
     {
      "title": "Police records of a past burglary investigation",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-51910/#issue-6"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "The public body withholds records in their entirety because redaction cannot meaningfully protect a confidential source's identity.",
    "why": "If disclosure would necessarily reveal the identity of a source, the entire record may be withheld.",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Police incident report of criminal damage to a vehicle",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-84503/#issue-2"
     },
     {
      "title": "Witness statements in a police report",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-85113/#issue-2"
     },
     {
      "title": "Body-camera footage and 911 recordings of a YMCA incident",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-74512/#issue-2"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "The public body demonstrates with specific facts that disclosure would interfere with an active, early-stage law enforcement investigation.",
    "why": "When an investigation is ongoing and disclosure would reveal witness statements or suspect identities, the exemption applies.",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Video footage of a shooting under investigation",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-84370/#issue-1"
     },
     {
      "title": "Police reports, body camera footage, and 911 recordings of a shooting",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-82157/#issue-1"
     },
     {
      "title": "Police reports on a fatal motor vehicle accident",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-58605/#issue-1"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "The public body withholds internal communications about enforcement strategy during an active administrative enforcement proceeding.",
    "why": "Disclosure of internal deliberations on enforcement actions could interfere with the proceeding.",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Records on environmental and zoning violations at a freight site",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-58120/#issue-1"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "The public body shows that disclosure would reveal specialized investigative techniques in a non-segregable manual.",
    "why": "A law enforcement agency's audit manual containing non-segregable specialized techniques is exempt under section 7(1)(d)(v).",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Internal audit manual sections for tax enforcement",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-13591/#issue-1"
     }
    ]
   }
  ],
  "points_to_put_in_the_letter": [
   {
    "text": "State that the denial is conclusory and lacks specific facts; demand that the public body provide clear and convincing evidence of how disclosure would interfere.",
    "why": "",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Audio and video recordings of a police photo array",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-64491/#issue-3"
     },
     {
      "title": "Police body-camera footage of a traffic stop arrest",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-83308/#issue-3"
     },
     {
      "title": "Police reports and video footage of a traffic crash",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-83921/#issue-1"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "Point out that the records do not contain confidential source information—for example, they only capture interactions between officers and the arrestee—so section 7(1)(d)(iv) does not apply.",
    "why": "",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Police body-camera footage of a traffic stop arrest",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-83308/#issue-6"
     },
     {
      "title": "A police report of a DUI arrest and vehicle impoundment",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-82136/#issue-4"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "Argue that no trial or hearing is pending or imminent, and the public body has not shown a substantial likelihood of serious interference with fairness.",
    "why": "",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Police body-camera footage of a traffic stop arrest",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-83308/#issue-5"
     },
     {
      "title": "Police interview records of a private citizen",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-79596/#issue-2"
     },
     {
      "title": "An investigation of police officers",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-52348/#issue-1"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "Note that the records were not created in an administrative enforcement proceeding, so the (d)(ii) exemption is inapplicable.",
    "why": "",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Police body-camera footage of a traffic stop arrest",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-83308/#issue-4"
     },
     {
      "title": "A letter about workplace harassment allegations",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-56109/#issue-1"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "Explain that the claimed investigative techniques are routine and not unique, and the public body has not demonstrated demonstrable harm from disclosure.",
    "why": "",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Police body-camera footage of a traffic stop arrest",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-83308/#issue-7"
     },
     {
      "title": "Police use-of-force reports for 2017",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-53887/#issue-4"
     }
    ]
   }
  ],
  "facts_to_gather": [
   "Whether a trial date has been set or any hearing is scheduled.",
   "Whether the records contain witness statements or only interactions between law enforcement and the requester/arrestee.",
   "Whether the public body's denial letter includes a detailed, fact-specific explanation or only boilerplate language.",
   "Whether the records were created as part of an administrative enforcement proceeding (e.g., an active investigation by a regulatory agency).",
   "Whether the investigative techniques claimed are described in public manuals, policies, or are common knowledge."
  ],
  "common_mistakes": [
   {
    "text": "A requester might assume that any denial under section 7(1)(d) is invalid without checking if the public body provided specific facts showing interference.",
    "why": "",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Audio and video recordings of a police photo array",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-64491/#issue-3"
     },
     {
      "title": "Police body-camera footage of a traffic stop arrest",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-83308/#issue-3"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "A requester might not realize that witness names and identifying details are often properly redacted, and may demand full disclosure of all witness information.",
    "why": "",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Investigative records and photos of a 1992 murder case",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-62344/#issue-3"
     },
     {
      "title": "Police reports and complaints about an individual",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-58607/#issue-6"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "A records coordinator might mistakenly redact information that does not reveal a confidential source's identity, such as general crime descriptions or police handling details.",
    "why": "",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Police records of a past burglary investigation",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-51910/#issue-7"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "A records coordinator might think that citing the exemption number without a detailed rationale is sufficient to meet the burden of proof.",
    "why": "",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Audio and video recordings of a police photo array",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-64491/#issue-3"
     },
     {
      "title": "I-Pass transponder and license plate data for an individual",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-82640/#issue-3"
     }
    ]
   },
   {
    "text": "A requester might fail to gather facts about whether a trial is actually pending before challenging a fair trial exemption, weakening their argument.",
    "why": "",
    "decisions": [
     {
      "title": "Police body-camera footage of a traffic stop arrest",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-83308/#issue-5"
     },
     {
      "title": "Police interview records of a private citizen",
      "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-79596/#issue-2"
     }
    ]
   }
  ],
  "caution": "These notes are based on non-binding determination letters; outcomes depend on specific facts, and you should verify the current status of the law and the PDFs of the decisions."
 },
 "issues": [
  {
   "issue": "Redaction under section 7(1)(d)(iv) for confidential source",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "The driver's statements to police in response to questioning prior to arrest do not fall within the exemption for confidential sources or persons providing information to law enforcement.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "A police report of a DUI arrest and vehicle impoundment",
    "date": "2024-08-21",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-82136/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Chicago Alliance for Neighborhood Safety v. City of Chicago, 348 Ill. App. 3d 188 (2004)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 57951",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Redaction of law enforcement records under section 7(1)(d)(iv)",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "A public body may redact witness statements and identifying information when disclosure would unavoidably identify persons who provided information to law enforcement.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police reports and dashcam footage in a custody dispute",
    "date": "2022-01-05",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-68694/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Copley Press Inc. v. City of Springfield, 266 Ill. App. 3d 421, 426 (4th Dist. 1994)",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/pre1996-141552/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Redaction of identifying information of individuals who provided information",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "The Department may redact names and identifying information of individuals who provided information to the Department.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police reports on juvenile suspects at a golf course",
    "date": "2021-08-24",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-66759/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Redaction of complainant identity and statements under 7(1)(d)(iv)",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Section 7(1)(d)(iv) permits withholding the identity of a person who provides information to law enforcement, and records may be withheld entirely if redaction cannot meaningfully protect identity.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Witness statements in a police report",
    "date": "2025-02-14",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-85113/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Chicago Alliance for Neighborhood Safety, 348 Ill. App. 3d at 200-01",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Copley Press, Inc. v. City of Springfield, 266 Ill. App 3d 421, 426 (1994)",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/pre1996-141552/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 37032",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 17520",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding witness-identifying information under law enforcement exemption",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Records may be withheld in their entirety if disclosure would necessarily reveal the identity of a source and redaction cannot meaningfully be accomplished.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police incident report of criminal damage to a vehicle",
    "date": "2025-06-06",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-84503/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Copley Press, Inc. v. City of Springfield, 266 Ill. App. 3d 421, 426 (1994)",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/pre1996-141552/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Denial of video footage under section 7(1)(d)(i)",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Disclosure of video footage during an early stage of an active law enforcement investigation would interfere with pending proceedings, so the exemption applies.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Video footage of a shooting under investigation",
    "date": "2024-12-20",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-84370/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Green v. Chicago Police Department, 2022 IL 127229",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/2016%20IL%20App%20(1st)%20143884/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding entire crash records under 7(1)(d)(i)",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "A public body must show with specific facts, not conclusory statements, that disclosure would interfere with law enforcement proceedings.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police reports and video footage of a traffic crash",
    "date": "2025-02-11",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-83921/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Southern Illinoisan v. Illinois Department of Public Health, 218 Ill. 2d 390, 415 (2006)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Lieber v. Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University, 176 Ill. 2d 401, 408 (1997)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Baudin v. City of Crystal Lake, 192 Ill. App. 3d 530, 536 (1989)",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/pre1996-130767/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 24-006, issued April 1, 2024, at 8-9",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/24-006/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding witness statements pending accident reconstruction report",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Withholding witness statements that would interfere with the creation of an incomplete accident reconstruction report is proper under the law enforcement exemption.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police reports and video footage of a traffic crash",
    "date": "2025-02-11",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-83921/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Section 7(1)(d)(i) interference with law enforcement proceedings",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "A public body must provide specific facts showing disclosure would interfere with pending or reasonably contemplated law enforcement proceedings; speculation is insufficient.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police body-camera footage of a traffic stop arrest",
    "date": "2025-03-20",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-83308/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Rockford Police Benevolent & Protective Ass'n v. Morrissey, 398 Ill. App. 3d 145, 151 (2010)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Illinois Education Ass'n v. Illinois State Board of Education, 204 Ill. 2d 456, 464 (2003)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Green v. Chicago Police Department, 2022 IL 127229, ¶ 72",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/2016%20IL%20App%20(1st)%20143884/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Section 7(1)(d)(ii) interference with administrative enforcement proceedings",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "The public body did not show active administrative enforcement proceedings or that the recordings were created in the course of such proceedings.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police body-camera footage of a traffic stop arrest",
    "date": "2025-03-20",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-83308/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Section 7(1)(d)(iii) fair trial or impartial hearing",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "The public body must demonstrate a pending or imminent trial and that disclosure would more likely than not seriously interfere with fairness; it failed to do so.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police body-camera footage of a traffic stop arrest",
    "date": "2025-03-20",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-83308/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Washington Post Co. v. U.S. Department of Justice, 863 F.2d 96, 102 (D.C. Cir. 1988)",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Section 7(1)(d)(iv) confidential source or witness information",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "The recordings captured only interactions between law enforcement and the arrestee, so no witness information subject to redaction was present.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police body-camera footage of a traffic stop arrest",
    "date": "2025-03-20",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-83308/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Section 7(1)(d)(v) unique investigative techniques",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "The public body did not show that release of the recordings would reveal unique or specialized investigative techniques.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police body-camera footage of a traffic stop arrest",
    "date": "2025-03-20",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-83308/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Section 7(1)(d)(vi) endanger life or physical safety",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "The public body did not establish that releasing the recordings would endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel or any other person.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police body-camera footage of a traffic stop arrest",
    "date": "2025-03-20",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-83308/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Section 7(1)(d)(vii) obstruction of ongoing criminal investigation",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "The public body did not illustrate with facts how disclosure would obstruct an ongoing criminal investigation; mere speculation is insufficient.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police body-camera footage of a traffic stop arrest",
    "date": "2025-03-20",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-83308/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Denial of incident report under section 7(1)(d)(i)",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "A public body must provide specific facts showing how disclosure would interfere with pending law enforcement proceedings; conclusory statements are insufficient.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "An incident report about missing swan decoys",
    "date": "2024-10-09",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-82717/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Baudin v. City of Crystal Lake, 192 Ill. App. 3d 530, 536 (1989)",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/pre1996-130767/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 24-006, issued April 1, 2024",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/24-006/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Section 7(1)(d)(i) law enforcement proceedings exemption",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "Conclusory assertions that disclosure would interfere with law enforcement proceedings are insufficient; the body must show actual interference.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "I-Pass transponder and license plate data for an individual",
    "date": "2024-12-31",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-82640/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Day v. City of Chicago, 388 Ill. App. 3d 70 (2009)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 17-011",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2017-pac-47695/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Baudin v. City of Crystal Lake, 192 Ill. App. 3d 530 (1989)",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/pre1996-130767/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Section 7(1)(d)(vi) endangerment exemption",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "The body must identify and explain a reasonable threat of harm; conclusory claims of endangerment are insufficient.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "I-Pass transponder and license plate data for an individual",
    "date": "2024-12-31",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-82640/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "King v. United States Department of Justice, 245 F. Supp. 3d 153 (D.D.C. 2017)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Center for National Security Studies v. United States Department of Justice, 331 F.3d 918 (D.C. Cir. 2003)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 39298, 39299",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 38173",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Redaction of witness name and sentence under 7(1)(d)(iv)",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "A public body may withhold a witness's name and a sentence that would unavoidably disclose the identity of a confidential source or person providing information to law enforcement.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Redacted name and sentence in a police report",
    "date": "2024-10-21",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-82571/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Southern Illinoisan v. Illinois Dep't of Public Health, 218 Ill. 2d 390, 415 (2006)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Lieber v. Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University, 176 Ill. 2d 401, 407 (1997)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Chicago Alliance for Neighborhood Safety v. Town of Chicago, 348 Ill. App. 3d 188, 200-01 (2004)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Copley Press, Inc. v. City of Springfield, 266 Ill. App. 3d 421, 426 (1994)",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/pre1996-141552/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 68998, issued April 13, 2022, at 5-6",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 51832, issued July 25, 2018, at 5",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 75565, issued September 28, 2023, at 4",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding case report under 7(1)(d)(i)",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "A public body may withhold records if it shows with clear and convincing evidence that disclosure would interfere with pending law enforcement proceedings.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police reports, body camera footage, and 911 recordings of a shooting",
    "date": "2024-09-05",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-82157/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Baudin v. City of Crystal Lake, 192 Ill. App. 3d 530, 536 (1989)",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/pre1996-130767/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Day v. City of Chicago, 388 Ill. App. 3d 70, 74-77 (2009)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 17-001, issued March 14, 2017",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2017-pac-45894/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding cross-designated deputy names under 7(1)(d)(vi)",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "A public body must show disclosure would endanger officers beyond inherent risks; speculation about surveillance exposure does not meet the clear and convincing burden.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "A list of cross-designated sheriff's deputies",
    "date": "2024-12-30",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-81145/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Southern Illinoisan v. Illinois Dep't of Public Health, 218 Ill. 2d 390, 415 (2006)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Lieber v. Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University, 176 Ill. 2d 401, 407 (1997)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "King v. United States Dep't of Justice, 245 F. Supp. 3d 153, 162 (D.D.C. 2017)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility v. United States Section, International Boundary & Water Comm'n, 740 F.3d 195, 206 (D.C. Cir. 2014)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Center for National Security Studies v. United States Department of Justice, 331 F.3d 918, 948 (D.C. Cir. 2003)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 49142, issued November 21, 2017",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-49142/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 39298, 39299, issued December 6, 2017",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 38173, issued February 13, 2018",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Rev. Ltr. 25887, issued January 11, 2019",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Garza v. U.S. Marshals Service, No. 16-CV-0976, 2018 LEXIS 167379, at 47 (D.D.C. September 28, 2018)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Rugiero v. United States Department of Justice, 257 F.3d 534, 552 (6th Cir. 2001)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 66594 66596, issued September 20, 2021",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Denial under section 7(1)(d)(i) law enforcement exemption",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "A public body must provide objective indicia and specific facts showing disclosure would interfere with pending or contemplated law enforcement proceedings; conclusory assertions are insufficient.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Surveillance video footage of a shooting incident",
    "date": "2022-07-22",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-80655/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Baudin v. City of Crystal Lake, 192 Ill. App. 3d 530, 536 (1989)",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/pre1996-130767/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Day v. City of Chicago, 388 Ill. App. 3d 70, 74-77 (2009)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 17-001, issued March 14, 2017",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2017-pac-45894/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Denial under section 7(1)(d)(iii) fair trial exemption",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "A public body must establish that a trial or adjudication is pending or truly imminent and that disclosure would more probably than not seriously interfere with fairness; conclusory statements are insufficient.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Surveillance video footage of a shooting incident",
    "date": "2022-07-22",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-80655/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Washington Post Co. v. U.S. Dep't of Justice, 863 F.2d 96, 102 (D.C. Cir. 1988)",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding under section 7(1)(d)(i) law enforcement exemption",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "A public body must show objective indicia that disclosure would interfere with pending or reasonably contemplated law enforcement proceedings; mere possibility of a new trial is too speculative.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police interview records of a private citizen",
    "date": "2024-03-01",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-79596/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Baudin v. City of Crystal Lake, 192 Ill. App. 3d 530, 536 (1989)",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/pre1996-130767/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Day v. City of Chicago, 388 Ill. App. 3d 70, 76 (2009)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Illinois Education Ass'n v. Illinois State Board of Education, 204 Ill. 2d 456, 470 (2003)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 17-001, issued March 14, 2017",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2017-pac-45894/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding under section 7(1)(d)(iii) fair trial exemption",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "To withhold records, a public body must show a trial is pending or truly imminent and that disclosure would more probably than not seriously interfere with fairness; speculation about a new trial is insufficient.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police interview records of a private citizen",
    "date": "2024-03-01",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-79596/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Washington Post Co. v. U.S. Dep't of Justice, 863 F.2d 96, 102 (D.C. Cir. 1988)",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Redaction of confidential source identity under section 7(1)(d)(iv)",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Blurring an individual who provided information to police is permissible to avoid disclosing a confidential source's identity.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police body-camera footage of a public encounter",
    "date": "2023-10-04",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-75330/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Redaction of witness contact information",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Section 7(1)(d)(iv) requires disclosure of witness names only, not contact information, which is exempt under section 7(1)(b).",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Redacted witness information in a police crash report",
    "date": "2023-02-06",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-74691/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 11566",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Redaction of body camera audio under section 7(1)(d)(iv)",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Information that would unavoidably disclose the identity of a confidential source who provided information to law enforcement is exempt from disclosure.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Body-camera footage and 911 recordings of a YMCA incident",
    "date": "2023-02-06",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-74512/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Chicago Alliance for Neighborhood Safety v. City of Chicago, 348 Ill. App. 3d 188, 200-01 (1st Dist. 2004)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 56481, issued January 25, 2019",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Copley Press, Inc. v. City of Springfield, 266 Ill. App 3d 421, 426 (4th Dist. 1994)",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/pre1996-141552/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 23372, issued August 21, 2013",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 74075, issued January 17, 2023",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Section 7(1)(d)(v) investigative techniques exemption",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "The public body's generalized and conclusory explanation failed to show unique or specialized techniques or demonstrable harm from disclosure.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "An email about an incident log",
    "date": "2023-09-28",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-70185/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Rockford Police Benevolent & Protective Ass'n v. Morrissey, 398 Ill. App. 3d 145 (2010)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Illinois Education Ass'n v. Illinois State Board of Education, 204 Ill. 2d 456 (2003)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Turner v. Joliet Police Department, 2019 IL App (3d) 170819",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/2019%20IL%20App%20(3d)%20170819/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding photo array and lineup report under section 7(1)(d)(v)",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "Bare assertions without a detailed rationale do not satisfy a public body's burden to prove an exemption applies by clear and convincing evidence.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Audio and video recordings of a police photo array",
    "date": "2025-12-02",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-64491/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Rockford Police Benevolent & Protective Ass'n v. Morrissey, 398 Ill. App. 3d 145, 151 (2010)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Illinois Education Ass'n v. Illinois State Board of Education, 204 Ill. 2d 456, 464 (2003)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Turner v. Joliet Police Department, 2019 IL App (3d) 170819, ¶ 10",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/2019%20IL%20App%20(3d)%20170819/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Redaction of witness identities under section 7(1)(d)(iv)",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Section 7(1)(d)(iv) protects the anonymity of persons who provide information to law enforcement, and redaction of witness names and identifying details is proper.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Investigative records and photos of a 1992 murder case",
    "date": "2024-11-21",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-62344/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Chicago Alliance for Neighborhood Safety v. City of Chicago, 348 Ill. App. 3d 188, 200-01 (2004)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Copley Press, Inc. v. City of Springfield, 266 Ill. App. 3d 421, 426 (1994)",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/pre1996-141552/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding narratives and video under 7(1)(d)(vii)",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "A public body must provide specific facts showing disclosure would obstruct an ongoing criminal investigation; conclusory assertions are insufficient.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police reports and dash-camera footage of an arrest",
    "date": "2020-10-26",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-61964/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Southern Illinoisan v. Illinois Department of Public Health, 218 Ill. 2d 390, 415 (2006)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Lieber v. Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University, 176 Ill. 2d 401, 407 (1997)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Day v. City of Chicago, 388 Ill. App. 3d 70, 74-77 (1st Dist. 2009)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 17-011, issued August 14, 2017",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2017-pac-47695/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Baudin v. City of Crystal Lake, 192 Ill. App. 3d 530, 536 (2nd Dist. 1989)",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/pre1996-130767/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding of remaining incident report under section 7(1)(d)(i)",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "The City failed to show by clear and convincing evidence that disclosing information about arrestees and their incidents would interfere with pending law enforcement proceedings.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police incident report for case 2019-48357",
    "date": "2020-03-11",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-61099/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Baudin v. City of Crystal Lake, 192 Ill. App. 3d 530, 536 (2d Dist. 1989)",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/pre1996-130767/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Day v. City of Chicago, 388 Ill. App. 3d 70, 74-77 (1st Dist. 2009)",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Permissible redaction of other suspects and incidents",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "The City may redact specific information about other suspects who have not been arrested and other incidents that have not resulted in arrests.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police incident report for case 2019-48357",
    "date": "2020-03-11",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-61099/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Permissible redaction of non-arrested witness identities",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "The City may redact information identifying witnesses who provided information to police but were not arrested.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police incident report for case 2019-48357",
    "date": "2020-03-11",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-61099/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Future denial under law enforcement and administrative exemptions",
   "outcome": "no_determination",
   "rule": "Whether CPD can prove by clear and convincing evidence that disclosure would interfere with pending proceedings is undecided until a future request is denied.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police body-camera footage of a search warrant execution",
    "date": "2020-01-10",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-60599/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Redaction of identifying information of victim, witnesses, and third parties",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Section 7(1)(d)(iv) permits redaction of names, addresses, contact information, and other identifying information of individuals who provide information to law enforcement.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police reports and complaints about an individual",
    "date": "2023-05-25",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-58607/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Chicago Alliance for Neighborhood Safety v. City of Chicago",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 56481",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Copley Press, Inc. v. City of Springfield",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/pre1996-141552/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding witness statements and suspect identity under 7(1)(d)(vii)",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Withholding witness statements and suspect-identifying information was proper because disclosure could reasonably be expected to obstruct an ongoing criminal investigation.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police reports on a fatal motor vehicle accident",
    "date": "2023-10-02",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-58605/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Day v. City of Chicago, 388 Ill. App. 3d 70 (1st Dist. 2009)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 17-011",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2017-pac-47695/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Baudin v. City of Crystal Lake, 192 Ill. App. 3d 530 (2d Dist. 1989)",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/pre1996-130767/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding remaining records under 7(1)(d)(vii)",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "The Police Department's largely conclusory explanation failed to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that disclosure of the remaining information would obstruct its ongoing criminal investigation.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police reports on a fatal motor vehicle accident",
    "date": "2023-10-02",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-58605/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Day v. City of Chicago, 388 Ill. App. 3d 70 (1st Dist. 2009)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 17-011",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2017-pac-47695/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Baudin v. City of Crystal Lake, 192 Ill. App. 3d 530 (2d Dist. 1989)",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/pre1996-130767/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding internal enforcement emails under 7(1)(d)(ii)",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Disclosure of internal emails discussing the District's enforcement actions going forward could interfere with its active administrative enforcement proceeding, so they are exempt.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Records on environmental and zoning violations at a freight site",
    "date": "2022-02-01",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-58120/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Stein v. U.S. Securities & Exchange Comm'n, 266 F. Supp. 3d 326 (D.D.C. 2017)",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding external enforcement emails under 7(1)(d)(ii)",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "Emails that merely relay facts about alleged violations without describing internal actions or opinions do not meet the public body's clear and convincing burden of showing interference.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Records on environmental and zoning violations at a freight site",
    "date": "2022-02-01",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-58120/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Section 7(1)(d)(i) law enforcement exemption",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "A public body must show by clear and convincing evidence how disclosure would interfere with a pending investigation; conclusory assertions are insufficient.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Death investigation records and police-federal communications",
    "date": "2023-06-05",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-57377/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Baudin v. City of Crystal Lake, 192 Ill. App. 3d 530, 536 (2d Dist. 1989)",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/pre1996-130767/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Day v. City of Chicago, 388 Ill. App. 3d 70, 74-77 (1st Dist. 2009)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 17-001, issued March 14, 2017",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2017-pac-45894/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 33927, issued May 6, 2015",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 30811, issued November 21, 2014",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Req. Rev. Ltr. 26563, issued November 21, 2013",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding police reports in entirety under 7(1)(d)(vi)",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "A public body must specifically explain how disclosure would endanger life or physical safety; conclusory assertions are insufficient to meet its burden.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police reports naming the requester",
    "date": "2021-07-01",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-56184/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Lieber v. Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University, 176 Ill. 2d 401, 407 (1997)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Rockford Police Benevolent and Protective Ass'n v. Morrissey, 398 Ill. App. 3d 145, 150 (2d Dist. 2010)",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/2-09-0100/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Day v. City of Chicago, 388 Ill. App. 3d 70, 74-77 (1st Dist. 2009)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Reg. Rev. Ltr. 39298, 39299, issued December 6, 2017",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "King v. United States Department of Justice, 245 F. Supp. 3d 153, 162 (D.D.C. 2017)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Center for National Security Studies v. United States Department of Justice, 331 F.3d 918, 948 (D.C. Cir. 2003)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Rev. Ltr. 49142, issued November 21, 2017",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Rev. Ltr. 38173, issued February 13, 2018",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. PAC Rev. Ltr. 25887, issued January 11, 2019",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Section 7(1)(d)(ii) exemption claim rejected",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "IDOT failed to meet its burden of showing the responsive letter was exempt under section 7(1)(d)(ii) because the record was not created in the course of an administrative enforcement proceeding.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "A letter about workplace harassment allegations",
    "date": "2022-02-28",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-56109/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Section 7(1)(d)(iii) exemption claim rejected",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "IDOT failed to meet its burden of showing the responsive letter was exempt under section 7(1)(d)(iii) because the record was not created in the course of an administrative enforcement proceeding.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "A letter about workplace harassment allegations",
    "date": "2022-02-28",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-56109/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Section 7(1)(d)(iv) exemption claim rejected",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "IDOT failed to meet its burden of showing the responsive letter was exempt under section 7(1)(d)(iv) because the record was not created in the course of an administrative enforcement proceeding.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "A letter about workplace harassment allegations",
    "date": "2022-02-28",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-56109/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Section 7(1)(d)(v) law enforcement techniques",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "Use of force reports do not disclose unique or specialized investigative techniques, so the exemption does not apply.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police use-of-force reports for 2017",
    "date": "2018-09-13",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-53887/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Section 7(1)(d)(iii) fair trial exemption denial",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "A public body must show a pending or imminent trial and that disclosure would more probably than not seriously interfere with fairness; an ongoing investigation alone is insufficient.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "An investigation of police officers",
    "date": "2018-06-27",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-52348/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Washington Post Co. v. U.S. Dep't of Justice, 863 F.2d 96, 102 (D.C. Cir. 1988)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Pub. Acc. Op. No. 17-001, issued March 14, 2017, at 5",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/2017-pac-45894/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Permissible redaction of witness-identifying information",
   "outcome": "no_determination",
   "rule": "Information identifying witnesses who provided information may be withheld from disclosure.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "An investigation of police officers",
    "date": "2018-06-27",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-52348/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Ill. Att'y Gen. Req. Rev. Ltr. 12887, issued July 20, 2011",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Redaction of identifying information of persons providing information under 7(1)(d)(iv)",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Identifying information of persons who provide information to police may be redacted to protect their anonymity.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police records of a past burglary investigation",
    "date": "2018-04-17",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-51910/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Chicago Alliance for Neighborhood Safety v. Town of Chicago",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Copley Press, Inc. v. City of Springfield",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/pre1996-141552/"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Redaction of police handling, crime nature, and surveillance descriptions under 7(1)(d)(iv)",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "Information about police handling, general crime nature, and surveillance images does not reveal a confidential source's identity and is not exempt.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police records of a past burglary investigation",
    "date": "2018-04-17",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-51910/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withheld jail round records exempt under section 7(1)(d)(vi)",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Records revealing correctional officers' times and locations are exempt because disclosure could endanger their life or physical safety.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Jail inspection reports and security-round logs",
    "date": "2017-11-21",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-49142/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding records in their entireties under section 7(1)(d)(iii)",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "A public body must show that a trial is imminent and that disclosure would more probably than not seriously interfere with its fairness; conclusory claims are insufficient.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police reports and 9-1-1 recordings in a retail theft and homicide case",
    "date": "2017-12-06",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-48891/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Washington Post Co. v. U.S. Dep't of Justice, 863 F.2d 96 (D.C. Cir. 1988)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Chiquita Brands Int'l Inc. v. S.E.C., 805 F.3d 289 (D.C. Cir. 2015)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Margolis v. Director, Ill. Department of Revenue, 180 Ill. App. 3d 1084 (1st Dist. 1989)",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding records in their entireties under sections 7(1)(d)(i) and 7(1)(d)(vii)",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "A public body must provide a detailed, specific justification showing how disclosure would obstruct an ongoing investigation or interfere with pending proceedings; generalized concerns are insufficient.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police reports and 9-1-1 recordings in a retail theft and homicide case",
    "date": "2017-12-06",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-48891/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Baudin v. Department of Crystal Lake, 192 Ill. App. 3d 530 (2d Dist. 1989)",
     "url": "https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/2208365/baudin-v-city-of-crystal-lake/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Day v. City of Chicago, 388 Ill. App. 3d 70 (1st Dist. 2009)",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding records under section 7(1)(d)(i)",
   "outcome": "no_determination",
   "rule": "Because the section 7(1)(f) determination was dispositive, the Public Access Bureau declined to address the applicability of section 7(1)(d)(i).",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Correspondence between state attorneys general on environmental policy",
    "date": "2016-08-24",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-42018/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Permissible redaction of witness identifying information",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "The City may redact names and identifying information of witnesses who voluntarily provided information to law enforcement.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Disciplinary records and citizen complaints for three police officers",
    "date": "2016-02-11",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-39260/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Redaction of names under administrative enforcement exemption",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "Records not created in administrative enforcement proceedings or held by law enforcement for law enforcement purposes are not exempt.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Animal research protocol and medical records",
    "date": "2015-07-14",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-35091/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Section 7(1)(d)(i) withholding based on pending law enforcement proceedings",
   "outcome": "violation_found",
   "rule": "Section 7(1)(d)(i) applies only to proceedings conducted by the recipient law enforcement agency, and the Sheriff's Office neither conducts the trial court proceedings nor showed interference with its own proceedings.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Dash-cam video and police reports of a fatal pursuit",
    "date": "2015-03-31",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-34055/"
   },
   "authorities": []
  },
  {
   "issue": "Withholding videos under fair trial exemption",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "Withholding was proper because disclosure at the time of the request would have created a substantial likelihood of depriving a person of a fair trial.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Police video of a hit-and-run incident",
    "date": "2019-03-29",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-32130/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Washington Post Co. v. U.S. Dep't of Justice, 863 F.2d 96, 102 (D.C. Cir. 1988)",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "issue": "Section 7(1)(d)(v) exemption for Audit Manual",
   "outcome": "no_violation",
   "rule": "The Department is a law enforcement agency; the Audit Manual contains non-segregable specialized investigative techniques whose disclosure would demonstrably harm the Department.",
   "decision": {
    "title": "Internal audit manual sections for tax enforcement",
    "date": "2018-10-30",
    "binding": false,
    "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/opinions/letter-13591/"
   },
   "authorities": [
    {
     "text": "Southern Illinoisan v. Illinois Department of Public Health, 218 Ill. 2d 390, 844 N.E.2d 1 (2006)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Nelson v. Kendall County, 2014 IL 116303, 10 N.E.3d 893",
     "url": "https://illinoisfoia.org/cases/2013%20IL%20App%20(2d)%20120635/"
    },
    {
     "text": "Lacey v. Village of Palatine, 232 Ill. 2d 349, 904 N.E.2d 18 (2009)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Sutton v. Internal Revenue Service, No. 05 C 7177, 2007 WL 30547 (N.D. Ill. Jan. 4, 2007)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Mayer Brown LLP v. I.R.S., 562 F.3d 1190 (D.C. Cir. 2009)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Roberts v. I.R.S., 584 F. Supp. 1241 (E.D. Mich. 1984)",
     "url": null
    },
    {
     "text": "Margolis v. Director, Illinois Department of Revenue, 180 Ill. App. 3d 1084 (1st Dist. 1989)",
     "url": null
    }
   ]
  }
 ]
}