Covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, and domestic intelligence activities. (Hermosa Beach Police Department)

To Whom It May Concern:

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

Subject: Freedom of Information Act Request – Request for Expedited Processing

Dear FOIA Officer,

This letter serves as a formal request under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552, and the applicable regulations, for access to records in the possession of this agency related to covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, and domestic intelligence activities.

As an American citizen exercising my rights under the FOIA, I hereby request expedited processing of this request due to its significant public interest and the urgency of the matter.

I am seeking access to the following records:

1. Internal memoranda, directives, and communications discussing the planning, execution, and objectives of covert operations, including any references to historical programs such as COINTELPRO and MK Ultra.
2. Operational plans, strategies, and guidelines governing surveillance and intelligence-gathering activities, including any coordination with community policing initiatives.
3. Records of surveillance operations, including logs, reports, and warrants obtained for monitoring targeted individuals or groups, as well as any watch lists or databases utilized.
4. Intelligence reports, assessments, and analyses resulting from surveillance and infiltration efforts, including assessments of private contractors involved.
5. Training materials, manuals, and protocols used to educate personnel involved in covert operations, including 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.
9. Copies of contracts, agreements, and invoices involving any third-party contractors engaged in activities specified above.
10. All records of complaints, investigations, and disciplinary actions related to the aforementioned activities.

This request also includes documents related to activities synonymous with or related to "Cointelpro 2.0," encompassing covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, undercover investigations, disruption programs, counterterrorism measures, covert infiltration tactics, political surveillance programs, coercive intelligence operations, and national security investigations.

I request that all responsive records be provided to me in electronic format, preferably via email or a secure online portal. If certain documents are exempt from disclosure, please provide a detailed explanation of the applicable exemptions and provide segregable portions that can be released.

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

I am willing to pay reasonable fees associated with this request. If the estimated fees exceed $50.00, please notify me in advance of processing the request.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your prompt handling of this request. I look forward to your timely response.

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

Subject: Response to FOIA Request - Clarification and Additional Information

Dear City of Sierra Madre Police Department,

Thank you for your prompt response to my Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. In response to your letter, I am providing the necessary clarification and additional information as requested.

Regarding the clarification of the time period for items 3, 4, 6, 8, and 9 of my FOIA request, the requested timeframe spans from April 5, 2002, to April 5, 2024.

Additionally, I acknowledge your concern regarding the broad nature of my initial request. I assure you that my intention is to obtain pertinent information within the defined scope while minimizing unnecessary burden on your department.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that this clarification and additional information will assist in expediting the processing of my FOIA request. Should you require any further clarification or documentation, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Sincerely,
EVAN L REES

Dear Reanna Guzman,

Thank you for your prompt response.

Yes, indeed, my request pertains to records from the Hermosa Beach Police Department. I apologize for any confusion caused by the email thread. To clarify, I am seeking access to the following records:

1. Internal memoranda, directives, and communications discussing the planning, execution, and objectives of covert operations, including any references to historical programs such as COINTELPRO and MK Ultra.
2. Operational plans, strategies, and guidelines governing surveillance and intelligence-gathering activities, including any coordination with community policing initiatives.
3. Records of surveillance operations, including logs, reports, and warrants obtained for monitoring targeted individuals or groups, as well as any watch lists or databases utilized.
4. Intelligence reports, assessments, and analyses resulting from surveillance and infiltration efforts, including assessments of private contractors involved.
5. Training materials, manuals, and protocols used to educate personnel involved in covert operations, including 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.
9. Copies of contracts, agreements, and invoices involving any third-party contractors engaged in activities specified above.
10. All records of complaints, investigations, and disciplinary actions related to the aforementioned activities.

This request also includes documents related to activities synonymous with or related to "Cointelpro 2.0," encompassing covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, undercover investigations, disruption programs, counter-terrorism measures, covert infiltration tactics, political surveillance programs, coercive intelligence operations, and national security investigations.

If there are any additional steps I need to take or further information you require to process my request, please do not hesitate to let me know. I appreciate your assistance in this matter and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thank you,

Evan L Rees
MuckRock News

Hi Reanna,

Thank you for your prompt response and for submitting the request to Next Request. I appreciate your assistance with this matter.

I wanted to kindly express my preference to receive any responsive records through conventional means rather than through the portal. While I understand that the portal is meant to streamline processes, it presents some challenges on my end that I hope we can work around.

Using the portal as a requirement poses a few difficulties for me. Firstly, I have concerns about managing yet another set of login credentials. Keeping track of numerous passwords can sometimes become overwhelming, and I strive to maintain a manageable digital footprint.

Additionally, relying solely on the portal for record access may present accessibility issues. As much as possible, I try to ensure that my workflows are inclusive and accessible to all. Having alternative methods of accessing records ensures that everyone can participate fully.

I hope you understand that my request stems from a desire for efficiency and accessibility, as well as considerations of compliance with legal standards regarding accessibility and data management.

While I appreciate the convenience the portal offers, I believe it should supplement rather than replace traditional methods of communication.

Would it be possible to arrange for the records to be delivered via email or another conventional means? I want to ensure a smooth and accessible process for both parties involved.

Thank you once again for your understanding and cooperation. Please let me know if there are any further steps I need to take on my end.

Best regards,

Evan Rees
MuckRock News

Hi Starla,

I hope you're doing well! I wanted to confirm the timeframe for the documents I'm requesting. It spans from January 1, 2006, through April 23, 2024.

Also, your request for a time extension is fine with me. Take the time you need to ensure everything is processed smoothly.

*** Below you will find a revised FOIA request.

Thanks for your assistance with this!

Warm regards, Evan L Rees

Subject: Freedom of Information Act Request

This letter serves as a formal request under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552, and the applicable regulations, for access to records in the possession of any federal agency related to collaborative efforts between any federal agency and the Hermosa Beach Police Department for covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, and domestic intelligence activities, specifically akin to COINTELPRO 2.0.

As an American citizen exercising my rights under the FOIA, I hereby request expedited processing of this request due to its significant public interest and the urgency of the matter.

I am seeking access to the following records:

1. Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), agreements, or other formal documents establishing the terms, objectives, and scope of collaboration between any federal agency and the Hermosa Beach Police Department for covert surveillance or intelligence-gathering operations.

2. Correspondence, emails, or communications exchanged between officials or representatives of any federal agency and the Hermosa Beach Police Department regarding the planning, coordination, or execution of covert operations or surveillance activities.

3. Operational plans, guidelines, or protocols developed jointly or separately by any federal agency and the Hermosa Beach Police Department governing the conduct of surveillance operations, including any directives or procedures for targeting individuals or groups.

4. Records of surveillance operations conducted in collaboration between any federal agency and the Hermosa Beach Police Department, including logs, reports, or documentation of surveillance activities, as well as any warrants or legal authorization obtained for such operations.

5. Intelligence reports, analyses, or assessments produced as a result of collaborative surveillance efforts between any federal agency and the Hermosa Beach Police Department, including assessments of potential threats, targets, or subjects of interest.

6. Training materials, manuals, or guides provided to personnel from the Hermosa Beach Police Department involved in collaborative surveillance programs or operations with any federal agency.

7. Budgetary documents or financial records related to the funding, allocation, or reimbursement of expenses incurred by the Hermosa Beach Police Department in collaboration with any federal agency for covert surveillance or intelligence activities.

Please provide all responsive records in electronic format, preferably via email or a secure online portal. If certain documents are exempt from disclosure, please provide a detailed explanation of the applicable exemptions and any segregable portions that can be released.

I request that this FOIA request be specifically processed for Evan L Rees, as the documents sought are requested in relation to myself.

I am willing to pay reasonable fees associated with this request. If the estimated fees exceed $50.00, please notify me in advance of processing the request.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your prompt handling of this request. I look forward to your timely response.

Sincerely,

Evan L Rees

*** CORRECTION ****

Darla, please accept my correction as that I am not requesting documents and records that pertain specially to me but rather any documents or records that fits the criteria contained within the request. I apologize for this oversight!

Below is a new version of my request that reflects this correction:
Cordially, Evan L Rees

Subject: Freedom of Information Act Request – Request for Expedited Processing

This letter serves as a formal request under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552, and the applicable regulations, for access to records in the possession of any federal agency related to collaborative efforts between any federal agency and the Hermosa Beach Police Department for covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, and domestic intelligence activities, specifically akin to COINTELPRO 2.0.

As an American citizen exercising my rights under the FOIA, I hereby request expedited processing of this request due to its significant public interest and the urgency of the matter.

I am seeking access to the following records:

Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), agreements, or other formal documents establishing the terms, objectives, and scope of collaboration between any federal agency and the Hermosa Beach Police Department for covert surveillance or intelligence-gathering operations.

Correspondence, emails, or communications exchanged between officials or representatives of any federal agency and the Hermosa Beach Police Department regarding the planning, coordination, or execution of covert operations or surveillance activities.

Operational plans, guidelines, or protocols developed jointly or separately by any federal agency and the Hermosa Beach Police Department governing the conduct of surveillance operations, including any directives or procedures for targeting individuals or groups.

Records of surveillance operations conducted in collaboration between any federal agency and the Hermosa Beach Police Department, including logs, reports, or documentation of surveillance activities, as well as any warrants or legal authorization obtained for such operations.

Intelligence reports, analyses, or assessments produced as a result of collaborative surveillance efforts between any federal agency and the Hermosa Beach Police Department, including assessments of potential threats, targets, or subjects of interest.

Training materials, manuals, or guides provided to personnel from the Hermosa Beach Police Department involved in collaborative surveillance programs or operations with any federal agency.

Budgetary documents or financial records related to the funding, allocation, or reimbursement of expenses incurred by the Hermosa Beach Police Department in collaboration with any federal agency for covert surveillance or intelligence activities.

Please provide all responsive records in electronic format, preferably via email or a secure online portal. If certain documents are exempt from disclosure, please provide a detailed explanation of the applicable exemptions and any segregable portions that can be released.

I would like to clarify that the FOIA request is not solely specific to myself, Evan L Rees. I apologize for any confusion caused by the oversight in the initial request. The documents and records requested pertain to any materials meeting the criteria outlined above, regardless of any personal association.

I am willing to pay reasonable fees associated with this request. If the estimated fees exceed $50.00, please notify me in advance of processing the request.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your prompt handling of this request. I look forward to your timely response.

Sincerely,

Evan L Rees