From the Radio Free Michigan archives



ftp://141.209.3.26/pub/patriot



If you have any other files you'd like to contribute, e-mail them to

bj496@Cleveland.Freenet.Edu.

------------------------------------------------



The Beast, by its very nature, hates to relinquish anything of value to the

people. That is--pun intended--the nature of The Beast. The Federal Government

an unwitting and often fully cooperative agent of The Beast, loves to cling

to information like an pit bull clamping down on the throat of its adversary.



Perhaps as a joke, perhaps by accident or perhaps purely by random chance,

Congress passed the Freedom of Information Act in 1966. The idea was to 

make federal information more freely available to the people who pay for

its creation: us, the United States citizens. Oddly enough, the FOIA can 

sometimes even work in favor of the citizens.



Because of the immense bureaucracy of the federal government, The Beast isn't

always aware of the importance of a document. Also, many documents are held

by disinterested agencies and often times, a mosaic of federal documents can

be used like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle to create a picture that wasn't 

clearly visible apart from the singular components. 



This file contains a good backgrounder on the FOIA as well as a "kit" for

using and exploiting the FOIA to your advantage. While there are still 

tons of clauses in the FOIA that The Beast can use to hide, suppress or

otherwise keep secret practically any information in its possession, its

low-level agenst are often too busy, stupid or careless to consider what

they're releasing. This is one instance when the immense size and bureaucracy

of the federal government can work to the advantage of the people



Don't just sit there and refuse to exploit one of your key strenghts over The

Beast. File a FOIA request today!



========================================================================





From INSIGHT FEATURES / CONTENTS / November 1992 

     If any IF articles are downloaded for use in the print 

media, please call us. Our rates are cheap or, in many cases,

there is no cost at all.  There is no fee for downloads to other

BBS or for your private reading, but please send us your comments

anyway.  Call VOICE 312/384-8827 or leave E-MAIL with PEACENET's

NFD.GEN Conference or for Insight Features at NY ON-LINE. 



Feature Article / 1275 Words



Using the Freedom of Information Act

How To Get

Information from

the Government



By Mary O'Connell and Patti Wolter

Insight Features



   The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) guarantees citizens access

to information about what the government and its various

bureaucracies are doing.  Congress passed the federal Freedom of

Information Act in 1966.  Since then, state laws have expanded on

the federal guarantees.  The Illinois was effective July 1, 1984.



   What it means is that any citizen has the right to follow up on

the records of the institutions governing society--such as property

title and deed transfers, court cases and politician's voting

records.  FOIA requests can lead to public disclosure of

information useful to organizers--such as environmental impact

studies or budget allocations to certain projects.  In one Utah

case, FOIA requests proved government knowledge of health hazards

(including cancer risk) caused by atomic fallout from testing in

Nevada.  In another instance, National Highway Safety

Administration documents disclosed to the public forced the recall

of 500 defective tires.



   While federal FOI laws do not apply to state or local

governments, most states have their own open records laws--some of

which are more inclusive than the federal law.  Any documents of a

state or local agency which are submitted to a federal agency,

however, automatically become subject to the federal FOIA.  Contact

your state attorney general's office for copies of your state's

act.



What Can You Get?



   The federal law covers all agencies of the federal government,

from the Pentagon to your local post office.  It does not extend to

activities at the White house, Congress, the federal courts or

private corporations.  The Illinois law covers all branches of the

state and local government except the judiciary.  It also applies

to all local public bodies, including school districts, city and

county governments, state universities, and the innumerable board,

bureaus and committees that spend tax dollars. Local bodies may

have their own FOI regulations.



   In general, you're entitled to review and copy public records of

any of these bodies.  These can include reports, forms, memoranda,

maps, photographs, microfilms, tapes and computerized data.  You

can be charged for the cost of searching for and copying the

records; however, if you can prove disclosure of the information

will benefit the public, those fees may be waived.  This provision

usually applies to journalists, researchers and scholars.



What Can't You Get



   The law assumes you are entitled to information unless specified

otherwise.  Exemptions are for such information as:



   --classified material (federal);



   --information that would invade personal privacy, such as

medical records, personnel files, student records (although other

laws guarantee you access to your own files);



   --criminal investigations;



   --trade secrets, sealed bids, exam questions and answers--the

kind of information that would give you unfair advantage over

others;



   --investigatory records which, if released, would "impede law

enforcement, disclose confidential sources or investigative

techniques;"



   --documents concerning government regulation or supervision of

financial institutions;



   --internal agency memoranda and policy discussions;



   --national security;



   --oil and gas wells (location of and other trade

specifications).



How Does It Work?



   Formal written requests for information (as opposed to inquiries

in person or over the phone) are the only requests considered as

falling within the FOI guidelines and subject to the law.



   Mention in your letter that you are asking for information under

the FOIA.  Identify the source that led you to this agency. (For

example, send a clipping that mentions the study you want, or give

the name of the person who referred you.) Describe what you want as

specifically as possible (documents, letters, bills, financial

records relating to the sale of the former school building at 1211

Oak St.).  You are not required to explain why you are making the

request.



   Mention that you will expect a reply within seven days (10 days

for the federal government).  If you want copies of records--not

just the chance to look at them--you can specify how much you are

willing to pay for copying, in case your request turns out to be

bigger than you expected.  Keep a copy of all correspondence.



   Once you submit your written request, the government must reply

within seven (or 10) working days.  They can give you the

information, ask for an extension, or turn you down.



   Extensions cover situations where the records are stored

elsewhere, where they require an extensive search, where the agency

wants time to review them for exempt material or to check with

another agency involved in the case, or where the seven-day limit

is "unduly burdensome."  Extensions cover the same period as the

original request.



   Be persistent.  Despite deadline requirements for releasing

information, in practice some agencies will take months (or even

years) to fulfill an FOI request.  At the same time, if you can

prove you need a document urgently--for example, for a court case--

you can also persuade the agency to meet your request early.



Getting What You Want



   The more targeted your request for information, the more likely

you are to get the specific information you need.  This means

filing your request with the appropriate agency of office as well

as knowing what kinds of documents you're looking for (as opposed

to asking for general information on a subject). Most large

agencies have a designated FOI officer to handle requests; if no

such officer exists, it is a good idea to call and find out how to

best direct your letter.



   Federal law requires each agency to issue quarterly indexes of

its records dating back to July 4, 1967.  Illinois law requires

each public body to make available "reasonably detailed" lists of

its records and information on how they are stored.  The

information must be comprehensible even to those who don't

understand computers.



   You can also call an agency and ask about records on your

subject, trying to first identify what will be most useful to you. 

Also, if the information you need is not stored elsewhere,

sometimes visiting the office and viewing the documents there,

rather than than waiting for copies to arrive in the mail, is

quicker.



What If They Say No?



   Under provisions of the FOIA, once you make a written request

for information, the burden of compliance with the law is on the

agency.  If the agency denies your request (not answering within a

time limit is a denial), they have to say why that information is

exempt.  If only a part of what they ask for is exempt, they have

to cut that part out and send you the rest.



   The first step in appealing a denial is to write a formal letter

citing the date and basic information of your original request, the

date of the denial, and a statement that you believe the denial

violated the FOIA.  Send the letter and copies of all previous

correspondence to the head of the agency (state or local) or to

specified federal appeals offices.



   If you get no action in 20 days of your request or appeal, you

can file a lawsuit provided you have the appropriate copies of the

paper trail).  If you win, you can still be awarded attorneys' fees

if the material is considered of significant public interest.



   For a 32-page booklet, How To Use The Freedom of Information

Act, contact the FOI Service Center, c/o Reporters Committee, 1735

Eye St, NW, Suite 504, Washington DC 20006, 202-466-6312.  The book

contains an actual copy of the act.  It also summarizes and

explains how to use the act; list Supreme Court cases which are

relevant to the act (and their rulings); contains a directory of

addresses for federal agencies; and gives sample letters for

requests, appeals, a filing a lawsuit.  Cost is $3.



                            -- 30 --



   Mary O'Connell and Patti Wolter edit The Neighborhood Works, the

newsletter of the Center for Neighborhood Technology, 2125 W North

Ave, Chicago, IL 60647. 312-248-4800.





========================================================================





-------------------------------------------

from the Amnet Civil Liberties BBS, Chicago

1 312 436-3062

-------------------------------------------

. FOIA FILES KIT

. Instructions 

  

.                     USING THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

.                                REVISED EDITION



Fund for Open Information and Accountability, Inc.  339 Lafayette Street, New

York, NY 10012 (212) 477-3188



INSTRUCTIONS



	The Freedom of Information Act entitles you to request any record

maintained by a federal Executive branch agency. The agency must release the

requested matieral unless it falls into one of nine exempt categores, such as

"national security," "privacy," "confidential source" and the like, in which

case the agency may but is not compelled to refuse to disclose the records.



	This kit contains all the material needed to make FOIA requests for

records on an individual, an orgnaization or on a particular subject matter or

event.



HOW TO MAKE A COMPLETE REQUEST



	Step 1: Select the appropriate smaple letter. Fill in the blanks in the

body of the letter. Read the directions printed to the right of each letter in

conjunction with the following instructions:



	For organizational files: In the first blank space insert the full and

formal name of the organization whose files you are requesting. In the second

blank space insert any other names, acronyms or shortened forms by which the

organization is or has ever been known or referred to by itself or others. If

some of the organization's work is conducted by sub-groups such as clubs,

committees, special programs or through coalitions known by other names, these

should be listed.



	For individual files: Insert the person's full name in the first blank

space and any vaiations in spelling, nicknames, stage names, marriage names,

titles and the like in the second blank space. Unlike other requests, the

signatures of an individual requesting her/his own file must be notarized.



	For subject matter or event files: In the first blank space state the

formal title of the subject matter or event including relevant dates and

locations. In the second blank space provide the names of individuals or group

sponsors or participants and/or any other information that would assist the

agency in locating the material you are requesting.



	Step 2: The completed sample letter may be removed, photocopies and

mailed as is or retyped on your own stationary.  Be sure to keep a copy of

each letter.



	Step 3: Addressing the letters: Consult list of agency addresses.



	FBI: A complete request requires a minimum of two letters.  Sen done

letter to FBI Headquarters and separate letter to each FBI field office

nearest the location of the individual, the organization or the subject

matter/event. Consdier the location of residences, schools, work and other

activities.



	INS: Send a request letter to each district office nearest the location

of the individual, the organization or the subject matter/event.



	Address each letter to the FOIA/PA office of the appropraite agency. Be

sure to make clearly on the envelope: ATTENTION--FOIA REQUEST.



FEE WAIVER



	You will notice that the sample letters include a request for fee waiver.

Many agencies automatically waive fees if a request results in the release of

only a small number of documents, e.g. 250 pages or less. Under the Act, you

are entitled to a waiver of all search and copy fees associated with your

request if the release of the information would primarily benefit the general

public. However, in January 1983, the Justice Department issued a memo to all

federal agencies listing five criteria which requesters must meet before they

are deemed entitled to a fee waiver. Under these criteria, a requester must

show that the material sought to be released is already the subject of

"genuine public interest" and "meaningfully contributes to the public

development or understanding of the subject"; and that she/he has the

qualifications to understand and evaluate the materials and the ability to

interpret and disseminate the information to th epublic and is not motivated

by any "personal interest." Finally, if the requested information is already

"in the public domain," such as in the agency's reading room, no fee waiver

will be granted.



	You should always request a waiver of fees if you believe the information

you are seeking will benefit the public. If your request for a waiver is

denied, you should appeal that denial, citing the ways in which your request

meets the standards set out above.



MONITORING THE PROGRESS OF YOUR REQUEST



	Customarily, you will receive a letter from each agency within 10 days

stating that your request has been received and is being processed. You may be

asked to be patient and told that requests are handled cafeteria style. You

have no alternative but to be somewhat patient. but there is no reason to be

complacent and simply sit and wait.



	A good strategy is to telephone the FOIA office in each agency after

about a month if nothing of substance has been received. Ask for a progress

report. The name of the person you talk with and the gist of the converstaion

should be recorded.  try to take notes during the conversation focusing

especially on what is said by the agency official. Write down all the details

you can recall after the call is completed. Continue to call every 4 to 6

weeks.



	Good recordkeeping helps avoid time-consuming and frustrating confusion.

A looseleaf notebook with a section devoted to each request simplifies this

task. Intervening correspondence to and from the agency can be inserted

bewteen the notes on phone calls so that all relevant material will be at hand

for the various tasks: phone consultations, writing the newsletter,

correspondence, articles, preparation for media appearances, congressional

testimony or litigation, if that course is adopted.





HOW TO MAKE SURE YOU GET EVERYTHING YOU ARE ENTITLED TO ...

AND WHAT TO DO IF YOU DO NOT



	After each agency has searched and processed your request, you will

receive a letter that announces the outcome, encloses the released documents,

if any, and explains where to direct an appeal if any material has been

withheld. There are four possible outcomes:



	1. Request granted in full: This response indicates that the agency has

released all records pertinent to your request, with no exclusions or

withholdings. The documents may be enclosed or, if bulky, may be mailed under

separate cover. This is a very rare outcome.



	Next Step: Check documents for completeness (see instructions below).



	2. Requested granted in part and denied in part: This response indicates

that the agency is releasing some material but has withheld some documents

entirely or excized some passages from the documents released. The released

documents may be enclosed or, if bulky, mailed under separate cover.



	Next step: Check documents released for completeness (see instructions

below) and make an administrative appeal of denials or incompleteness (see

instructions below).



	3. Request denied in full: This response indicates that the agency is

asserting that all material in its files pertaining to your request falls

under one or the nine FOIA exemptions.  These are categories of information

that the agency may, at its discretion, refuse to release.



	Next step: Make an administrative appeal (see instructions below). Since

FOIA exemptions are not mandatory, even a complete denial of your request can

and should be appeals.



	4. No records: This response will state that a search of the agency's

files indicates that it has no records corresponding to those you requested.



	Next step: Check your original request to be sure you have not overlooked

anything. If you receive documents from other agencies, review them for

indications that there is matieral in teh files of the agency claiming it has

none. For example, look for correspondence, or references to correspondence,

to or from that agency. If you determine that there are reasonable grounds,

file an administrative appeal (see instructions below).



HOW TO CHECK FOR COMPLETENESS



	Step 1: Before reading the documents, turn them over and number the back

of each page sequentilaly. The packet may contain documents from the agency's

headquarters as well as several field office files. Separate the documents

into their reqpective office packets. Each of these offices will have assigned

the investigation a separate file number. Try to find the numbering system.

Usually the lower righthand corner of the first page carries a hand-written

file and document number. For instance, an FBI document might be marked

"100-7142-22". This would indicate that it is the 22nd document in the 7142nd

file in the 100 classification. As you inspect the documents, make a list of

these file numbers and which office they represent. In this way you will be

able to determine which office created and which office received the document

you have in your hand. Often there is a block stamp affixed with the name of

the office from whose files this copy was retrieved. the "To/From" heading on

a document may also give you corresponding file numbers and will help you

puzzle out the origin of the document.



	When you have finally identified eahc document's file and serial number

and separated the documents into their proper office batches, make a list of

all the serial numbers in each batch to see if there any any missing numbers.

If there are missing serial numbers and some documents have been withheld, try

to determine if teh missing numbers might reasonably correspond to the

withheld documents. If not, the realease may be incomplete and an

administrative appeal should be made.



	Step 2: Read all the document released to you. Keep a list of all

document referred to the text--letters, memos, teletypes, reports, etc. Each

of these "referred to" documents should turn up in the packet released to you.

If any are not in the packet, it is possible they may be among those document

withheld; a direct inquiry should be made. In an administrative appeal, ask

that each of these "referred to" documents be produced or that the agency

state plainly that they are among those withheld. Of course, the totals of

unproduced vs. withheld must be within reasons; that is, if the total number

of unproduced documents you find referred to the text of the documents

produced exceeds the total number of documents withheld, the agency cannot

claim that all the referred to documents are accounted for by the withheld

categoty. You will soon get the hand of making logical conclusions from

discrepancies in the totals and missing document numbers.



	Another thing to look for when reading the released documents if the

names of persons or agencies to whom the document has been disseminated. the

lower left-hadn corncer is a common location for the typed list of agencies or

offices to whom the document has been directed. In addition, there may be

additional distribution recorded by hand, there or elsewhere on the cover

page. There are published glossaries for some agencies that will help in

deciphering these notaitons when they are not clear. Contact FOIA, Inc., if

you need assistance in deciphering the text.



	Finally, any other file numbers that appear on the document should be

noted, particularaly in the subject of the file is of interest and is one you

have not requested. You may want to make an additional request for some of

these files.



HOW TO MAKE AN ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL



	Under the FOIA, a dissatified requester has the right of administrative

appeal. the name and address of the proper appeal office will be given to you

by each agency in its final response letter.



	This kit contains a sample appeal letter with suggesting for adapting it

to various circumstances. However, you need not make such an elaborate appeal;

in fact, you need not offer any reasons at all but rather simply write a

letter to the appeals unit stating that "this letter constitutes an appeal of

the agency's decision." Of course, if you have identified some real

discrepanices, you will want to set them forth fully, but even if you have not

found any, you may simply ask that the release be reviewed.



	If you are still dissatisfied after the administrative appeal process,

the FOIA gives you the right to bring a lawsuit in federal district court on

an expedited basis.





FOIA FILES KIT

FBI Request Letter



Fund for Open Information and Accountability, Inc.  339 Lafayette Street, New

York, NY 10012 (212) 477-3188



Date:



To:  FOIA/PA Unit

Federal Bureau of Investigation



This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act.



	I request a complete and thorough search of all filing systems and

locations for all records maintained by your agency pertaining to and/or

captioned: ______ _____________________________________________________

[describe records desired and/or insert full and

_____________________________________________________ formal name]

_____________________________________________________



_____________________________________________________



including, without limitations, files and documents captioned, or whose

captions include



_____________________________________________________ [insert changes in name,

commonly used names, _____________________________________________________

acronyms, sub-groups, and the like]

_____________________________________________________



_____________________________________________________



	This request specifically includes "main" files and "see references,"

including, but not limited to numbered and lettered sub files, "DO NOT FILE"

files, and control files. I also request a search of the ELSUR Index,a nd the

COINTELPRO Index. I request that all records be produced with the

administrative pges.



	I wish to be sent copies of "see reference" cards, abstracts, serach

slips, including search slips used to process this request, file covers,

multiple copies of the same documents if they appear in a file, and tapes of

any electronic surveillances.



	I wish to make it clear that I want all records in you roffice

"identifiable with my request," even though reports on those records have been

sent to Headquarters and even though there may be duplication between the two

sets of fils. I do not want just "interim" documents. I want all documents as

they appear in the "main" files and "see references" of all units of your

agency.



	If documents are denied in whole or in part, please specify which

exemption(s) is(are) claimed for each passage or whole document denied. Please

provide a complete itemized inventory and a detailed factual justification of

total or partial denial of documents. Give the number of pages in each

document and the total number of pages pertaining to this request. For

"classified" material denied pleae include the following information: the

classification (confidential, secret or top secret); identity of the

classifer; date or event for automatic declassification, classification

review, or down-grading; if applicable, identity of official authorizing

extension of automatic declassification or review; and if applicable, the

reason for extended classification.



	I request that excized material be "blacked out" rather thatn "whited

out" or cut out and that the remaining non-exempt portions of documents will

be released as provided under the Freedom of Information Act.



	Please send a memo (copy to me) to the appropriate units in your office

to assure that no records related to this request are destroyed. Please advise

of any destruction of records and include the date of and authority for such

destruction.



	As I expect to appeal any denials, please specify the office and address

to which an appeal should be directed.



	I believe my request qualifies for a waiver of fees since the release of

the requested information would primarily benefit the general public and be

"in the public interest."



	I can be reached at the phone listed below. Please call rather than write

if there are any questions or if you need additional information from me.



	I expect a response to this request within ten (10) working days, as

provided for in the Freedom of Information Act.



Sincerely,



name: _______________________________________________

address: ____________________________________________

.          __________________________________________

telephone: __________________________________________

signature: __________________________________________





FOIA FILES KIT  

Federal Agency Request Letter



Fund for Open Information and Accountability, Inc.  339 Lafayette Street, New

York, NY 10012 (212) 477-3188





DATE:



TO: FOIA/PA Unit



This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act.



	I request a complete and thorough search of all filing systems and

locations for all records maintained by your agency pertaining to and/or

captioned ______________________________________________________ [describe

records desired and/or insert full and

______________________________________________________ formal name]

______________________________________________________



______________________________________________________



including, without limitation, files and documents captioned, or whose

captions include:



______________________________________________________ [insert changes in

name, commonly used names,

______________________________________________________ acronyms, sub-groups

and the like] ______________________________________________________



______________________________________________________



	I also request all "see references" to these names, a search of the ELSUR

Index or any similar technique for locating records of electronic

surveillance.



	This request is also a request for any corresponding files in INS

Headquarters or regional offices.



	Please place any "missing" files pertaining to this request on "special

locate" and advise that you have done this.



	If documents are denied in part or whole, please specify which

exemption(s) is(are) claimed for each passage or whole document denied. Please

provide a complete itemized inventory and detialed factual justification of

total or partial denial of documents. Specify the number of pates in each

document and th ttoal number of pages pertaining to this request. For

classified material denied, please include the following information: the

classification rating (confidential, secret, or top secret); identify the

classifier; date or event for automatic declassification, classification

review or downgrading; if applicable, identify the official authorizing

extension of automatic declassification or reviw; and, if applicable, give the

reason for extended classification.



	I request that excised material be "blacked out" rather than "whited out"

or cut out. I expect, as provided by the Freedom of Information Act, that the

remaining non-exempt portions of documents will be released.



	Please send a memo (copy to me) to the appropriate units in your office

or agency to assure that no records related to this request are destroyed.

Please advise of any destruction of records and include the date of and

authority for such destruction.



	As I expect to appeal any denials, please specify the office and address

to which an appeal should be directed.



	I believe my request qualifies for a waiver of fees since the release of

the requested information would primarily benefit the general public and be

"in the public interest."



	I can be reached at the phone listed below. Please call rather than write

if there are any questions or if you need additional information from me.



	I expect a response to this request within ten (10) working days, as

provided for in the Freedom of Information Act.



Sincerely,



name: _______________________________________________

address: ____________________________________________

.        ____________________________________________

telephone: (___)_____________________________________

signature: __________________________________________





FOIA FILES KIT  

Appeal Letter



Fund for Open Information and Accountability, Inc.  339 Lafayette Street, New

York, NY 10012 (212) 477-3188





Date:



To:  FOIA/PA Appeals Office



RE:  Request numer [Add this if the agency has given your request a number]



	This is an appeal pursuant to subsection (a)(6) of the Freedom of

Information Act as amended (5U.S.C. 552).



	On [date], I received a letter from [name of official] of your agency

denying my request for [describe briefly the information you are after]. This

reply indicated that an appeal letter could be sent to you. I am enclosing a

copy of my exchange of correspondence with your agency so that you can see

exactly what files I have requested and the insubstantial grounds on which my

request has been denied.



	[Optional paragraph, to be used if the agency has withheld all or nearly

all the material which has been requested]:



	You will note that your agency has withheld the entire (or nearly the

entire) document (or file, or report, or whatever) that I requested. Since the

FOIA provides that "any reasonably secregable portion of a record shall be

provided to any eprson requesting such record after deletion of the portions

which are exempt," I believe that your agency has not complied with the FOIA.

I believe that there must be (additional) segregble portions which do not fall

wihtin FOIA exemptions and which must be released.



	[Optional paragraph, to be used in the agency has used the (b)(1)

exemption for national security, to withhold information]



	Your agency has used the (b)(1) exemption to withhold information [I

question whether files relating to events that took place over twenty years

ago could realistically harm the national security.] [Because I am familiar

with my own activities during the period in question, and know that none of

these activities in any way posed a significant threat to the national

security, I question the designation of my files or portions of my file as

classified and exempt from disclosure beca8use of national security

considerations.]



	[Sample optional argument to be used if the exemption which is claimed

does not seem to make sense; you should cite as many specific instances as you

care to of items withheld from the documents that you ahve received. We

provide two examples which you might want to adampt to your own case.]



	"On the memo dated _____________ the second paragraph withheld under the

(b)(1) exemption appears to be describing a conversation at an open meeting.

If this is the case, it is impossible that the substance of this converation

could be properly classified." Or, "The memo dated _____ refers to a meeting

which I attended, but a substantial portion is deleted because of the (b)(6)

and (b)(7)(c) exemptions for unwarranted invasions of personal privacy. Since

I already know who attended this meeting, no privacy interest is served by the

withholding."



	I trust that upon examination of my request, you will conclude that the

records I requested are not properly covered by exemption(s) [here repeat the

exemptions which the agency's denial letter claimed applied to your request]

of the amended FOIA, and that you will overrule the decision to withhold the

information.



[Use if an itemized inventory is not supplied originally]



	If you choose instead to continue to withhold some or all of the material

which was denied in my initial request to your agency, I ask that you give me

an index of such matieral, together with the justification for the denial of

each item which is still withheld.



	As provided in the Act, I will expect to receive a reply to this

administrative appeal letter within twenty working days.



	If you deny this appeal and do not adequately explain why the material

withheld is properly exempt, I intend to initial a lawsuit to compel its

disclosure. [You can say that you intend to sue, if that is your present

inclination; you may still decide ultimately not to file suit.]



Sincerely yours,



name:	____________________________________________

address:  ____________________________________________

.         ____________________________________________

signature: ___________________________________________



[Mark clearly on envelope: Attention: Freedom of Information Appeals]



FOIA FILES KIT 

FBI Field Office Addresses



Fund for Open Information and Accountability, Inc.

339 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10012

(212) 477-3188



.       FBI OFFICES -- ADDRESSES AND PHONE NUMBERS



FBI HEADQUARTERS, J.Edgar Hoover Bldg, Washington, D.C., 20535, 

202-324-5520 (FOI/PA Unit)



.                      FIELD OFFICES



Albany, NY 12207, U.S. Post Office and Courthouse, 518-465-7551

Albuquerque, NM 87101, Federal Office Bldg., 505-247-1555

Alexandria, VA 22314, 300 N. Lee St., 703-683-2681

Anchorage, AK 99510, Federal bldg., 907-272-6414

Atlanta, GA 30303, 275 Peachtree St. NE, 404-521-3900

Baltimore, MD 21207, 7142 Ambassador Rd., 301-265-8080

Birminghan, AL 35203, Room 1400, 2121 Bldg. 205-252-7705 

Boston, MA 02203, J.F. Kennedy Federal Office Bldg., 617-742-5533

Buffalo, NY 14202, 111 W. Huron St., 716-856-7800

Butte, MT 59701, U.S. Courthouse and Federal Bldg., 406-792-2304

Charlotte, NC 28202, Jefferson Standard Life Bldg., 704-372-5485

Chicago, IL 60604, Everett McKinley Dirksen Bldg., 312-431-1333

Cincinnati, OH 45202, 400 U.S. Post Office & Crthse Bldg., 513-421-4310

Cleveland, OH 44199, Federal Office Bldg., 216-522-1401

Columbia, SC 29201, 1529 Hampton St., 803-254-3011

Dallas TX 75201, 1810 Commrce St., 214-741-1851

Denver, CO 80202, Federal Office Bldg., 303-629-7171

Detroit, MI 48226, 477 Michigan Ave., 313-965-2323

El Paso, TX 79901, 202 U.S. Courthosue Bldg., 915-533-7451

Honolulu, HI 96850, 300 Ala Moana Blvd., 808-521-1411

Houston, TX 77002, 6015 Fed. Bldg and U.S.Courthouse, 713-224-1511

Indianapolis, IN 46202, 575 N. Pennsylvania St., 317-639-3301

Jackson, MS 39205, Unifirst Federal and Loan Bldg., 601-948-5000

Jacksonville, FL 32211, 7820 Arlington Expressway, 904-721-1211

Kansas City, MO 64106, 300 U.S. Courthouse Bldg., 816-221-6100

Knoxville, TN 37919, 1111 Northshore Dr., 615-588-8571

Las Vegas, NV 89101, Federal Office Bldg., 702-385-1281

Little Rock, AR 72201, 215 U.S Post Office Bldg., 501-372-7211

Los Angeles, CA 90024, 11000 Wilshire Blvd, 213-272-6161

Louisville, KY 40202, Federal Bldg., 502-583-3941

Memphis, TN 38103, Clifford Davis Federal bldg., 901-525-7373

Miami, FL 33137, 3801 Biscayne Blvd., 305-573-3333

Milwaukee, WI 53202, Federal Bldg and U.S. Courthouse, 414-276-4681

Minneapolis, MN 55401, 392 Federal Bldg., 612-339-7846

Mobile, AL 36602, Federal Bldg., 205-438-3675

Newark, NJ 07101, Gateway I, Market St., 201-622-5613

New Haven, CT 06510, 170 Orange St., 203-777-6311

New Orleans, LA 70113, 701 Loyola Ave., 504-522-4671

New York, NY 10007, 26 Federal Plaza, 212-553-2700

Norfolk, VA, 23502, 870 N. Military Hwy., 804-461-2121

Oklahoma City, OK 73118, 50 Penn Pl. NW, 405-842-7471

Omaha, NB 68102, 215 N. 17th St., 402-348-1210

Philadelpha, PA 19106, Federal Office Bldg., 215-629-0800

Phoenix, AZ 85004, 2721 N. central Ave., 602-279-5511

Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Federal Office Bldg., 412-471-2000

Portland, OR 97201, Crown Plaza Bldg., 503-224-4181

Richmond, VA 23220, 200 W. Grace St., 804-644-2531

Sacramento, CA 95825, Federal Bldg., 916-481-9110

St. Louis, MO 63103, 2704 Federal Bldg., 314-241-5357

Salt Lake City, UT 84138, Federal Bldg., 801-355-7521

San Diego, CA 92188, Federal Office Bldg., 619-231-1122

San Francisco, CA 94102, 450 Golden Gate Ave., 415-552-2155

San Juan, PR 00918 U.S. Courthouse and Fed. Bldg., 809-754-6000

Savannah, GA 31405, 5401 Paulson St., 912-354-9911

Seattle, WA 98174, 915 2nd Ave., 206-622-0460

Springfield, IL 62702, 535 W. Jefferson St., 217-522-9675

Tampa, FL 33602, Federal Office Bldg., 813-228-7661

Washington, DC 20535, 9th and Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 202-324-3000





FOIA FILES KIT

Federal Agency Addresses



Fund for Open Information and Accountability, Inc.  339 Lafayette Street, New

York, NY 10012 (212) 477-3188



FOIA/PA Addresses for Selected Federal Agencies



Central Intelligence Agency

Information and Privacy Coordinator

Central Intelligence Agency

Washington, D.C. 20505

202-351-5659



Civil Service Commission

Appropriate Bureau (Bureau of Personnel Investigation, Bureau of Personnel Information Systems, etc.)

Civil Service Commission

1900 E Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20415

202-632-4431



Commission on Civil Rights

General Counsel, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights 1121 Vermont Ae., N.W. 

Room 600 Washington, D.C. 20415

202-254-6610



Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of the Secretary

Consumer Product Safety Commission 1111 18th St., N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20207

202-624-7700



Department of Defense/Dept. of Air Force 

Freedom of Information Manager 

Headquarters, USAF/DADF Washington, D.C. 20330-5025

202-697-3467







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