The Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) gives the public a general right to have access to information about governmental affairs and the official acts of public officials and employees.  The MPIA covers many types of records with varying requirements for disclosure.  Certain records may be privileged by law or exempt from disclosure and must be withheld.  Some records may be provided with confidential or proprietary information redacted.  Further information about the MPIA can be found at this link. 

Requests for FCSO records or documents, including records relating to an administrative or criminal investigation of misconduct by a police officer, must be submitted in writing.  Incomplete or too broad of a request can cause delays in processing, so please be as specific as possible.  Requests can be submitted via email to fcsopia@frederickcountymd.gov, or you may click on the link below to download, complete, and return the Public Information Act Request form.

A copying fee of .25 cents per page will be charged for every request of twenty or more pages.  When the request has been approved, you will be notified as to the total fee.  Remit the exact amount by cash or money order only, payable to the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, within 30 days from date of approval.
 

Should your request be denied, you have the right to petition the Ombudsman or Circuit Court in the jurisdiction of your residence or business location, or where records are situated, to review the matter and rule on such denial.