The Freedom of Information Act requires that the COPS Office provide its records to anyone who requests them in writing and providing a reasonable description of the records requested. Certain records may be exempt from disclosure under FOIA. To obtain information on how to make a FOIA request, see the FOIA Fact Sheet or contact the COPS FOIA Officer directly.

FOIA Contact 
Gary L. Baude FOIA/PA Officer - Legal Division 
145 n Street, NE 
Washington, DC 20530 
(202) 353-9864

FOIA Requester Service Center: (202) 514-1873 
FOIA Public Liaison: Gary L. Baude, (202) 353-9864

Conventional FOIA Library 
The COPS Office does not maintain a conventional FOIA Library at this time. An Electronic FOIA Library is available for viewing by the public.

Electronic FOIA Library 
The COPS Electronic FOIA Library contains materials specifically identified by the EFOIA (5 USC 552) Amendments of 1996. These materials are separated into two major categories: 1) FOIA-Processed Documents and 2) Operational Documents.  Materials contained within the FOIA-Processed Document section includes frequently requested records and other FOIA processed documents which are likely to be of interest to the public.  Materials contained within the Operational Document section include opinions, policy statements, and staff manuals/instructions to staff.  The proactive disclosure of these records allows you to instantly access information which relates to the agency’s day-to-day operations.  If you lack the resources to access our Electronic FOIA Library you can take advantage of a computer made ready for electronic viewing of information maintained in our Electronic FOIA Library by scheduling an appointment with the COPS FOIA Officer at the number listed above.

FOIA-Processed Documents

Operational Documents

Additional current information about COPS and other U.S. Department of Justice grant programs is available from the COPS Office Response Center at 800.421.6770. If you are looking for information about DOJ not related to the COPS Office or community policing, please refer to the DOJ Reference Guide and Component Information or the DOJ FOIA website to direct your request to the appropriate office.