Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides that all persons are entitled to full and complete information as to a public body’s fulfillment of statutory functions and concerning the inner working of government in general. The people shall be informed so that they may fully participate in the democratic process.

During this presentation guest speaker Lori Hinkley will cover the basics of how to effectively submit a request under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to assist requesters in obtaining  the desired information for the least expense and shortest waiting time. We will also discuss the requester's options when a public body fails to respond, denies records, or doesn't produce documents the requester believes they are legally entitled to obtain.

Information on how to join the Zoom session will be sent with your registration confirmation. The deadline to register is December 11.

About Our Speaker

Lori Hinkley has been training law enforcement professionals in the FOIA, records management, labor relations, and leadership for over 20 years and she recently retired from the Michigan State Police (MSP) after 23 years of service. Ms. Hinkley holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University and a J.D. from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She began her legal career as labor counsel for the Michigan State Police Troopers Association where she represented Michigan State Police troopers and sergeants in bargaining and served as their advocate in grievance and discipline hearings. In 1999, she was hired as a labor representative by the MSP where she functioned as management’s advocate for multiple labor contracts. After six years in that role, Ms. Hinkley was appointed as the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Coordinator for the MSP. In addition to serving as the FOIA Coordinator, she was also named the FOIA Appeals Officer and the Records Management Officer. During her tenure as FOIA coordinator she managed a staff of 25 in the Records Resource Section who were responsible for responding to all public records requests and third-party subpoenas received by the MSP.

Ms. Hinkley is a member of the Law Enforcement Records Management Association of Michigan (LERMA) and served as President for eight years. She is currently on the LERMA Board as the Immediate Past President. She is also an active member of the National Association of Government Archivists and Records Administrators (NAGARA).