It is okay not to evaluate information requested for public release through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), one hundred percent, if the request is an emergency. Is this statement true?

The statement is false because all requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) must be evaluated according to the criteria established by the law, regardless of the circumstances, including emergencies. FOIA is designed to balance the public's right to know with the government's need to protect certain sensitive information. Each request must be assessed to determine if the information is subject to disclosure or if it falls under any exemptions.

Even in emergencies, it is vital to adhere to this process to ensure that sensitive data, national security, privacy, or law enforcement information is not inadvertently released. Proper evaluation helps prevent risks associated with the mishandling of potentially sensitive or classified information, thus underscoring the importance of maintaining established protocols for information release.