If you’re a journalist wanting to learn what policies are in place at the agencies you cover, fill out this Freedom of Information Request and send it to the agency’s records officer. Often, employees think they’re not allowed to speak with in reality no actual policy forbids them from doing so.
Once you obtain a copy of the policy, write about it, publicize it, question it and challenge it. Sometimes, you’ll find the policy either doesn’t exist at all or is not as restrictive as you’re being told. If so, write about that, and know that you’re free to seek interviews as needed.
Next: What We Found
