FOIA Request to Garfield County Sheriff’s Office regarding 2023 arrest records on September 24, 2025.
A request for information was sent to the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office by Northeast Montana News. The request seeks comprehensive data on all arrest records from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. The requested data points include the arrestee’s name, sex, race, age, date of birth, and citizenship status. Additionally, details such as booking ID, date of arrest, booking photo, names of arresting officers, type of crime committed, location of the crime, and date of the crime are also sought.
The request is made under the Montana Public Records Act § 2-6-1001 et seq., with a preference for receiving the information in electronic format. As a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, Northeast Montana News emphasizes the importance of accessing public records to fulfill its role in holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency.
Furthermore, Northeast Montana News has requested a fee waiver for this information based on their status as a media professional. The requester is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy—a non-profit organization that assists media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws.
Our team will continue to keep you updated as we gather and report news related to this request and other matters of public interest. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification regarding this matter.
