Hidden cameras in MTA subway stations

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the New York State Freedom of Information Law (1977 N.Y. Laws ch. 933), I hereby request the following records:

Contracts, statements of work, and internal correspondence concerning the installation and use of hidden cameras or other covert video surveillance equipment in New York City subway stations -- as well as any Memorandum(s) of Understanding between the MTA and the New York City Police Department or other law enforcement entities pertaining to the equipment's location, use and/or transmission routes.

I ask that this request receive expedited processing as it is relevant to a developing news story. In a January 18th, 2015 article published in the New York Post, an MTA spokesperson, Kevin Ortiz, acknowledges the existence of "antiquated" cameras hidden in pipes and industrial equipment at the Herald Square station, as well as newer "enhanced equipment ... that serve in a number of various capacities."[1] Please retrieve any relevant records starting from January 1, 1990 to the date of this request.

I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as I believe this request is in the public interest. I am a frequently-published member of the press and I am requesting these documents to obtain information relevant to my coverage of surveillance and privacy. The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com and the request is being made in the process of news gathering and not for commercial usage.

In the event that fees cannot be waived, 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,

Joshua Kopstein

[1] http://nypost.com/2015/01/18/4500-cameras-in-nycs-subways-including-these-hidden-ones/