[IN] How do you request drug-related police reports for a rental property?

IN Legal (General)

Jessica B

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Great! Now, in the section where you describe the information you're requesting, be as specific as possible. You might say something like, "I am requesting any and all reports, photos, or body cam footage associated with [your address] from January 2023 to the present." This helps the department know exactly what to look for.

In Indiana, sheriff's department records are requested under the state's Access to Public Records Act, and (IN Code § 5-14-3-3) requires every request to identify the records sought with reasonable particularity. For body camera or other law enforcement recordings, that same section requires the request to include details about the recorded activity, such as its date, approximate time, and location. It can also help to ask specifically for the daily log entries for your address, since (IN Code § 5-14-3-5) requires law enforcement agencies to keep and disclose a daily log of suspected crimes, accidents, and complaints. Keep in mind that full investigative reports may be withheld at the agency's discretion under (IC 5-14-3-4(b)(1)). Does that help?

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I'm trying to write a FOIA request to find out if the last tenet used drugs in the home i now live in, could you please give me tips for writing it.

Lexi, Chatbot

I understand that you're looking to gather important information about your current home. Have you already identified the specific agency or department you need to submit your FOIA request to?

Yes, it will be going to the Sherriff department I'm just out side of the city police jurisdiction and was told by the officer at the police desk there's no overlap.

Lexi, Chatbot

What specific information are you hoping to obtain regarding the previous tenant's drug use?

I was going to request any and all reports, photos, or body cam footage associated with my address going back to Jan of 2023 when the home was built

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they'll be able to help with your FOIA request.

I don't know.

Jessica B

Thank you for choosing our service! My name is Jessica and I am a licensed attorney that will be assisting you with your question. I understand you're dealing with a situation where you're trying to write a FOIA request to find out if the last tenant used drugs in the home you now live in. Have you considered any legal steps to address this situation?

Basically when my wife and I are having some health issues, got a mold inspector to come out and do some tests on the home and he told us that there was no mold and that the only other time he has seen numbers like he has with symptoms like we have it has been meth use in the home from a prior tenant.

We were told its also a possibility of some bacteria under the home so were trying to get it figured out and also gather evidence if there's a case to be had against my landlord. If he knew about meth use and still rented the home to us with out it being professionally cleaned I'm going to take legal action but i need to know he knew first.

Jessica B

It sounds like you're in a tough situation, and gathering evidence is a smart move. Let's start with the basics of your FOIA request. First, you'll want to clearly state that you're making a request under the Freedom of Information Act. This helps ensure your request is processed correctly. Next, include your full name, address, and contact information so they can reach you if needed. Does that make sense so far?

Yes I'm looking at the request form and it has boxes for all of that. I'm in Allen county IN

Jessica B

yeah that's pretty much what I have down I was worried about being to vague and being told they don't really know what I'm asking for or for being to specific and not getting what I'm looking for. For example if i say "related to meth" and get nothing because they say methamphetamines and not meth.

Jessica B

It's a good idea to keep your request broad enough to cover different terms they might use. Instead of specifying "meth," you could say something like "related to any illegal drug activity." This way, it covers a wider range of possibilities without being too vague. Does that approach sound better to you?

Well id like to cast as wide a net as posable to get what I'm looking for in it. If the first suggestion of "any and all" would work and not be thrown out. I'd like to go with that if you think its adequate.

Jessica B

Yes you may use "any and all". It sounds like you're on the right track with your FOIA request. If you have any more questions or need further assistance as you proceed, feel free to reach out. I'm here to help! Good luck with everything, and don't hesitate to come back if you need more support. Take care!

Thank you Jessica have a good holiday weekend.

Jessica B

Thank you so much! I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend as well. If you need anything else, feel free to reach out. Take care!

"our request is not stated with reasonable particularity as required by the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, specifically IC 5-14-3-3. You may refine your request and resubmit it if you wish. The address of: [address redacted] was searched with no results. However with "Lots, Units, Apts" they are not always entered in by dispatch including those in an address. [address redacted] with no Lot came back with too many results."

This is what i got back in an email about my request.

Jessica B

It looks like they need you to be more specific in your request. You might want to refine it by narrowing down the time frame or specifying the type of records you're looking for.

That fist word is supposed to be "your" the Y didn't make it in the copy

Jessica B

Got it, thanks for clarifying!

I cant think of how to do that and keep it wide enough to get what I'm looking for maybe "all drug related activity form January 24 to today.

Jessica B

To refine your request, you could say something like, "I am requesting all records related to any drug-related activity at [address redacted], from January 2023 to the present."

Jessica B

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