Covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, and domestic intelligence activities. (Los Angeles County Fire 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.

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.

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: Appeal of FOIA Request Denial - Log No. 24-82

Dear Public Reports,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to appeal the denial of my Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, Log No. 24-82, submitted to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. While I appreciate the attention to my request, I believe there may have been a misunderstanding regarding the nature and scope of the information sought.

As an American citizen exercising my rights under the FOIA, I am compelled by law to seek access to records held by government agencies, including the Los Angeles County Fire Department, that are in the public interest. My request is specifically directed toward uncovering any information related to covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, and domestic intelligence activities within the purview of the department.

It is crucial to emphasize the significance of FOIA laws in ensuring transparency, accountability, and the protection of civil liberties. The FOIA grants individuals the right to access government records, promoting openness and fostering trust between the government and the public it serves.

In light of this, I wish to appeal the denial of my request and provide further clarification on its scope. While the Los Angeles County Fire Department may not be directly involved in law enforcement activities, the potential existence of records related to collaborative efforts with federal agencies cannot be discounted. Such records may include communications, agreements, or other documents pertaining to joint operations or activities that intersect with the department's responsibilities.

Therefore, I respectfully request a reconsideration of my FOIA request and a diligent search for any responsive records within the possession of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. I firmly believe that the release of such information is not only in compliance with FOIA laws but also in the public interest, fostering transparency and accountability in government operations.

I appreciate your attention to this matter and your commitment to upholding the principles of the FOIA. If there are any further steps or information required from my end to facilitate the processing of my request, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this appeal. I look forward to your timely response and the opportunity to access the requested information.

Sincerely,

Evan L Rees