FOIA Request to Dalton Police Department regarding active employee roster on November 13, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Dalton Police Department on November 13, 2025, by NW Georgia News. The request seeks access to public records under the Georgia Open Records Act § 50.18.70 et seq., specifically requesting an active employee roster from the department.
The requested records include any roster, directory, staffing list, payroll record, or personnel summary that identifies all current employees of the Dalton Police Department. The information sought for each employee includes their name, job title or rank, sex or gender (if available in existing records), date of hire or appointment, and age or year of birth (only if included in existing public-facing records). If multiple versions of such rosters exist—such as HR rosters, payroll rosters, sworn-officer rosters, and civilian-staff rosters—the most recent version of each is requested.
NW Georgia News has emphasized the importance of this information for journalistic purposes. As a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, they argue that access to these public records is essential for holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency. They have also requested a fee waiver based on their role as a media professional.
The requestor is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that assists media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies using Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More information about this organization can be found at https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
Our team will continue to keep you updated as we gather and report news related to this request and other matters of public interest. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification regarding this matter.
