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Virginia Freedom of Information Act

Public Information Officer Washington County, VA

Alicia Roland

Phone: (276) 525-1300
Fax: (276) 525-1309
Email: aroland@washcova.com
Office Hours: M-F 8:00am – 5:00pm
One Government Center Place
Abingdon, VA 24210

Public Information Officer Washington County Sheriff's Office

Scott Snapp

Phone: (276) 676-6000
Fax: (276) 676-6248
Email: FOIA@washso.org
Office Hours: M-F 8:30am – 5:00pm
20281 Rustic LN
Abingdon, VA 24210

The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), located in § 2.2-3700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia (1950, as amended) (hereinafter, Va. Code), guarantees citizens of the Commonwealth and representatives of the media access to public records held by public bodies, public officials, and public employees.

A public record is any writing or recording — regardless of whether it is a paper record, an electronic file, an audio or video recording, or any other format — that is prepared or owned by, or in the possession of a public body or its officers, employees or agents in the transaction of public business. All public records are presumed to be open, and may only be withheld if a specific, statutory exemption applies.

The policy of FOIA states that the purpose of FOIA is to promote an increased awareness by all persons of governmental activities. In furthering this policy, FOIA requires that the law be interpreted liberally, in favor of access, and that any exemption allowing public records to be withheld must be interpreted narrowly.

FOIA Documents

FOIA Request Forms