Records Request
FOIA FAQs & Request Form
Your right to know. Our commitment to show.
Government belongs to the people, and that includes the records created in the line of duty. At NRV 911, we operate under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which ensures that the residents of Montgomery County have a clear window into our operations, our decisions, and our data.
The sections below outline your rights as a citizen of the Commonwealth, our responsibilities as a regional authority, and the exact steps you can take to request information. We’ve designed this process to be straightforward because accountability shouldn’t be complicated.
What is Public Information?
Public Information is information that is collected, assembled, or maintained under a law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by a governmental body.
What is NRV 911's responsibility?
The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) guarantees citizens of the Commonwealth access to public records held by the Authority. Source: Code of Virginia § 2.2-3700
- Access: We must provide records unless a specific legal exemption applies.
- Written Explanation: If we withhold records, we must cite the specific Code of Virginia exemption.
- Reasonable Charges: We may charge for the actual cost of accessing, searching for, and duplicating records.
What are your rights as a requester?
The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) guarantees citizens of the Commonwealth access to public records held by the Authority. Source: Code of Virginia § 2.2-3700 Your Rights as a Requester
- Request Records: You have the right to request to inspect or receive copies of public records.
- Timely Response: You have the right to a response within five (5) working days.
- Cost Estimates: You have the right to an estimate if costs are expected to exceed $200.
What records can I request?
Requests must identify existing records with “reasonable specificity.” FOIA does not require NRV 911 to answer general questions or create new records. You may request electronic records in any format used by NRV 911.
How do I access records from before 2016?
Meeting agendas, minutes, and documents prior to 2016 are available through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Contact our FOIA Officer:
- FOIA Officer: Deborah O’Brien
- Email: foia@nrv911.org
- Phone: 540-391-4465
- Address: 1 E Main Street, Suite 400, Christiansburg, VA 24073
- FOIA Request Form
What records are exempt from public disclosure?
While FOIA presumes all records are open, certain information is protected by law.
Common examples of records that the Authority may withhold include:
- Personnel Records: Information concerning specific employees, such as performance evaluations or medical data.
- Tactical & Public Safety Plans: Specific plans or software data that, if released, could jeopardize the safety of our dispatchers or the public.
- Legal Advice: Communications between the Authority and its legal counsel that are protected by attorney-client privilege.
- Personal Identifiable Information (PII): Sensitive data such as Social Security numbers, personal phone numbers, or private medical information of citizens mentioned in calls.
- Active Criminal Investigations: Records related to ongoing investigations that have not yet been concluded.
How do I submit a request?
NRV 911 accepts requests by U.S. Mail, fax, email, in person, or phone. FOIA does not require requests to be in writing or to state you’re requesting under FOIA. To submit a request, use the form below. Written requests can help both parties avoid misunderstandings.
- FOIA Officer: Deborah O’Brien
- Email: foia@nrv911.org
- Phone: 540-391-4465
- Address: 1 E Main Street, Suite 400, Christiansburg, VA 24073
- FOIA Request Form
When will I receive my records?
NRV 911 must respond within 5 working days (ie. “Day 1” = day after receipt, excludes weekends/holidays).
- Possible responses: Records provided in full or Records withheld (with specific Code of Virginia exemption cited)
- Partial records (redacted portions explained) Records not found (with referral if another agency has them) Extension: Up to 7 additional days (total 12 working days) if response is practically impossible within 5 days.
What will the charges be?
NRV 911 reserves the right to charge for the actual cost of staff time and duplication. Requesters will be notified if costs are expected to exceed $200 before work begins.
Who do I contact?
- FOIA Officer: Deborah O’Brien
- Email: foia@nrv911.org
- Phone: 540-391-4465
- Address: 1 E Main Street, Suite 400, Christiansburg, VA 24073
- FOIA Request Form
The Rights of Requesters and the Responsibilities of the New River Valley Emergency Communications Regional Authority under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) can be found here.