Tacoma IED threats, investigations, and discoveries

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to RCW Ch. 42.56 (Public Records Act), I hereby request the following records:

All records of threats, investigations, discoveries, prevention, protection, response and recovery measures, and disposal of improvised explosive devices ("IEDs," also known as "bombs" but typically exclusive of those bombs which are commercially-manufactured by war contractors) in Tacoma, Washington.

As reported in [an August 26, 2014, Tacoma News Tribune article][1], the scourge of IEDs in the city of Tacoma was implied by a 2013 memo from Don Ramsdell, chief of Tacoma Police, to the city’s purchasing department, in which Mr. Ramsdell lobbied for expenditure of approximately $250,000 on equipment that "offers enhanced technological capabilities for the Tacoma Police Department Explosives Ordinance Detail (EOD) with IED (improvised explosive device) prevention, protection, response and recovery measures."

[1]: <http://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/08/26/3347665_documents-tacoma-police-using.html>

I seek both records of the presumable prevalence of IEDs prior to acquisition of the IMSI catcher for which Mr. Ramsdell successfully lobbied and records reflecting the evaluation of the effectiveness of the device for its stated purpose. The public deserve to know that our money is spent wisely.

I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as I believe this request is in the public interest. The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com, processed by a representative of the news media/press and is 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,

Phil Mocek