FOIA Request - Documents pertaining to covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, and domestic intelligence activities (New York State Intelligence Center)

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law, I hereby request the following records:

This FOIA petition is crafted with the intent to uncover documents pertaining to covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, and domestic intelligence activities conducted by your agency or its contracted entities, which bear semblance to or evoke recollection of methodologies utilized in historical initiatives such as COINTELPRO and MK Ultra. Explicitly, this request aims to procure records pertaining to endeavors colloquially denoted as "Cointelpro 2.0" or any analogous covert initiatives undertaken by your agency, encompassing surveillance, infiltration, disruption, or manipulation of individuals or groups within the United States.

The requested documents include, but are not confined to:

Internal memoranda, directives, and communications delineating the planning, execution, and objectives of such covert operations, inclusive of any allusions to MK Ultra or analogous programs.
Operational blueprints, strategies, and protocols dictating the conduct of surveillance and intelligence-gathering activities, encompassing any involvement or coordination with community policing endeavors.
Records chronicling surveillance operations, encompassing logs, reports, and warrants procured for monitoring targeted individuals or groups, alongside any watch lists or databases utilized for tracking.
Intelligence reports, evaluations, and analyses engendered as a consequence of surveillance and infiltration efforts, encompassing any evaluations concerning private contractors engaged in intelligence operations.
Educational resources, manuals, and protocols utilized to instruct personnel involved in covert operations, encompassing any materials pertaining to community alerts or coordination with neighborhood watch groups.
Budgetary documents germane to the financing and allocation of resources for covert surveillance and intelligence activities.
Legal opinions, guidelines, and interpretations pertinent to the legality and oversight of covert programs.
Post-operation analyses, appraisals, and evaluations undertaken to scrutinize the efficacy and ramifications of covert operations.

This request also encompasses documents germane to endeavors synonymous with or allied to "Cointelpro 2.0," comprising covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, undercover inquiries, disruption programs, counter-terrorism measures, covert infiltration methodologies, political surveillance programs, coercive intelligence operations, and national security investigations.

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 5 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Evan L Rees

Subject: Re: Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Request #FOIL NYSP-24-04-1702 - Appeal

Dear Technical Lieutenant Rachel M. Robinson,

I am writing in response to your letter dated 4/18/2024, which constitutes the New York State Police's response to my Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request regarding records related to "COINTELPRO", "MK Ultra", and "Cointelpro 2.0".

I appreciate your prompt attention to my request; however, I must express my dissatisfaction with the response provided. It is evident that the New York State Police's search for responsive records was insufficient, and I believe that relevant records exist within the agency's possession.

Specifically, my request sought access to a broad range of records pertaining to covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, and domestic intelligence activities, including internal memoranda, operational blueprints, surveillance logs, intelligence reports, educational resources, budgetary documents, legal opinions, and post-operation analyses. These records are essential for fostering transparency and accountability regarding government activities that may impact civil liberties and constitutional rights.

Given the nature of the requested records and the scope of the New York State Police's responsibilities, it is implausible that no responsive records exist. As such, I respectfully request that the agency conduct a more thorough and comprehensive search of its records systems to ensure that all responsive documents are identified and disclosed in accordance with the requirements of the FOIL.

Furthermore, I would like to highlight the importance of expeditiously resolving this matter, as the information sought is of significant public interest and pertains to issues of civil liberties and government accountability. Timely access to these records is crucial for fostering informed public discourse and oversight of law enforcement activities.

In light of the foregoing, I hereby appeal the New York State Police's determination to deny access to responsive records and request that the agency undertake a diligent and exhaustive search for all records within the scope of my request. I also request that any identified records be promptly disclosed to me in accordance with the provisions of the FOIL.

Please acknowledge receipt of this appeal and provide an estimated timeline for its review and resolution. Should you require any further clarification or information to facilitate the processing of my request, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at [Your Contact Information].

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

Sincerely,

Evan L. Rees