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. 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