Chambana Sun

FOIA Request to Champaign County Sheriff’s Office regarding 2023 arrest records on September 24, 2025.

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office by Chambana Sun, a media organization dedicated to covering local governmental affairs. The request, sent on September 24, 2025, seeks comprehensive data on all arrest records from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. The requested information includes details such as the arrestee's name, sex, race, age, date of birth, and citizenship status. Additionally, it asks for booking IDs, dates of arrest, booking photos, names of arresting officers, types of crimes committed, locations and dates of these crimes.

The requester emphasizes the importance of accessing public records for media professionals in fulfilling their role in holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency. Chambana Sun is seeking a fee waiver based on its status as a media entity. The requestor is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy—a non-profit organization that aids media companies and advocacy groups in investigating government agencies through FOIA and Sunshine Laws.

For more information about the coalition's mission and activities aimed at promoting governmental transparency and informing the electorate, visit this link.

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.