FOIA - Covert Surveillance Programs, Counterintelligence Operations and Domestic Intelligence Activities (California Highway Patrol)

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the California Public Records Act, I hereby request the following records:

This FOIA request, submitted by Evan L Rees, seeks access to documents related to covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, and domestic intelligence activities conducted by this agency or it's contractors that may be synonymous with or reminiscent of tactics employed in historical programs such as COINTELPRO and MK Ultra. Specifically, this request aims to obtain records pertaining to activities that could be colloquially referred to as "Cointelpro 2.0" or any other covert programs undertaken by the agency involving surveillance, infiltration, disruption, or manipulation of individuals or groups within the United States.

Documents of interest include, but are not limited to:

1. Internal memoranda, directives, and communications discussing the planning, execution, and objectives of such covert operations, including any references to MK Ultra or similar programs.
2. Operational plans, strategies, and guidelines governing the conduct of surveillance and intelligence-gathering activities, including any involvement or coordination with community policing initiatives.
3. Records of surveillance operations, including logs, reports, and warrants obtained for monitoring targeted individuals or groups, including any watch lists or databases used for tracking.
4. Intelligence reports, assessments, and analyses generated as a result of surveillance and infiltration efforts, including any assessments related to private contractors involved in intelligence activities.
5. Training materials, manuals, and protocols used to educate personnel involved in covert operations, including any materials related to community alerts or coordination with neighborhood watch groups.
6. Budgetary documents related to the funding and allocation of resources for covert surveillance and intelligence activities.
7. Legal opinions, guidance, and interpretations concerning the legality and oversight of covert programs.
8. After-action reports, evaluations, and assessments conducted to review the effectiveness and impact of covert operations.

This request also encompasses documents related to activities synonymous with or related to "Cointelpro 2.0," including but not limited to covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, undercover investigations, disruption programs, counterterrorism measures, covert infiltration tactics, political surveillance programs, coercive intelligence operations, and national security investigations.

Please process this request specifically for Evan L Rees, as the documents sought are requested in relation to myself.

I am specifically requesting expedited processing of this request, as the information sought is of timely and significant public interest.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Evan L Rees

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 calendar days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Evan L Rees

--- Please respond above this line ---

RE: CPRA REQUEST of April 01, 2024, Reference # R002349-040124

Dear Annette Yoakum,

Thank you for your prompt response and clarification regarding my CPRA request.

I am enclosing a JPG file of my driver's license as requested.

Regarding the specific timeframe for the search, I would like to request records from January 1, 2005, to April 9, 2024. Additionally, I would appreciate it if the search could encompass the entirety of California.

Please proceed with my CPRA request accordingly. If there are any further requirements or if you need additional information, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,
Evan Rees

Dear Annette Yoakum,

Thank you for your response regarding my California Public Records Act (CPRA) request.

I understand that the Public Records Unit has determined that the California Highway Patrol does not possess records responsive to my request. However, I must express my concern and request clarification on this matter.

The records I requested pertain to overt surveillance programs, counterintelligence opcerations, and domestic intelligence activities, and it is surprising to learn that the department does not possess any responsive records. Given the nature of my request and the importance of transparency and accountability in matters concerning public safety, I kindly ask for a more detailed explanation regarding the determination that no records exist.

If there are any additional steps I can take or further information I can provide to assist in locating the requested records, please let me know. Ensuring access to public records is essential for fostering trust between government agencies and the communities they serve.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely,
Evan Rees