Challenges and Complexities of Obtaining Public Records

Exploring the intricacies of filing FOIA requests in different states, this chapter highlights the hurdles faced by journalists in accessing public records, particularly focusing on variations in laws across states like Virginia and Massachusetts. It delves into examples of limitations and personnel exemptions, such as the challenges in obtaining police records under Pennsylvania's right-to-know act and the privacy invasion concerns in disclosing personnel incident reports in Massachusetts.