This article gives general information about the United States. Rules and practices differ by state and locality.
When a records request goes wrong, it can feel like a choice between giving up and hiring a lawyer. In reality, there are often other options. Many governments have offices that exist to help resolve disputes between requesters and agencies.
Federal level
The Office of Government Information Services (OGIS), part of the National Archives and Records Administration, serves as a federal FOIA ombudsman. It offers mediation services to help requesters and agencies resolve disputes and reviews agency compliance with FOIA. It was created by the OPEN Government Act of 2007.
State and local options
Many states provide some form of help. Depending on the state, it might be:
- An attorney general’s office that issues opinions or accepts complaints.
- A public access counselor or open government ombudsman.
- An open government commission or board that reviews disputes.
- A state auditor or inspector general with oversight powers.
What these offices can do
- Answer questions about how the law works.
- Mediate between you and the agency.
- Review whether a denial was proper.
- Issue guidance or recommendations.
- Receive complaints about patterns of delay or non-compliance.
What they usually cannot do
Some offices can only advise, not order an agency to release records. For binding decisions, you may need a court or a specific appeal board. Check what authority your state’s office has.
When to contact them
Try talking to the records officer first. If that does not work, write to a supervisor or follow the appeal process. If the problem continues, an oversight office may be your next step.
Keep good records
Bring copies of your request, the agency’s replies, and a timeline when you contact an oversight office. Clear documentation helps them assist you more quickly.
Oversight offices are a practical, low-cost way to resolve many open government disputes.
