The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 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 or other law applies to those records.
Lieutenant C.M. Smith is the custodian of all records for the Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office; therefore, all FOIA requests should be sent to his attention.
Your FOIA Rights
- You have the right to request to inspect or receive copies of public records, or both.
- You have the right to request that any charges for the requested records be estimated in advance.
- If you believe that your FOIA rights have been violated, you may file a petition in district or circuit court to compel compliance with FOIA. Alternatively, you may contact the FOIA Council for a nonbinding advisory opinion.
For detailed information on your Rights and Responsibilities regarding FOIA, click here.
Law Enforcement Records and the Freedom of Information Act
FOIA Contact
Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office
ATTN: Captain C.M. Smith #3/ FOIA requests
175 Polk Street
P.O. Box 305
Montross, Virginia 22520
Phone: (804) 493-8066
Fax: (804) 493-3088
Email: csmith@westcoso.us
