RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A statewide test of Virginia's public records law shows that many officials are refusing to hand over documents they're required to provide.
Thirteen Virginia newspapers tested the state's Freedom of Information Act to find out whether officials are actually disclosing documents they're supposed to by law.
The Daily Press reports that the newspapers found that more than half of the police or sheriff's departments wouldn't provide information about felony incidents, which the law considers public records.
The newspaper says that about 1/4 of local government and school board officers surveyed wouldn't release the salaries and allowances of administrators, as required by the law.
The survey also found that many officials are requiring people to put their request for documents in writing, even though it's not required by the law.
