FOIA - Covert Surveillance Programs, counterintelligence operations and Domestic Intelligence Activities (Torrance Police Department)
| Tracking # |
W012198-040124 |
| Multi Request | FOIA - Covert Surveillance Programs, counterintelligence operations and Domestic Intelligence Activities |
| Submitted | March 26, 2024 |
| Est. Completion | None |
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Communications
From: Evan Rees
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the California Public Records Act, I hereby request the following records:
This FOIA request, submitted by Evan L Rees, seeks access to documents related to covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, and domestic intelligence activities conducted by agency or it's contractors that may be synonymous with or reminiscent of tactics employed in historical programs such as COINTELPRO and MK Ultra. Specifically, this request aims to obtain records pertaining to activities that could be colloquially referred to as "Cointelpro 2.0" or any other covert programs undertaken by the agency involving surveillance, infiltration, disruption, or manipulation of individuals or groups within the United States.
Documents of interest include, but are not limited to:
1. Internal memoranda, directives, and communications discussing the planning, execution, and objectives of such covert operations, including any references to MK Ultra or similar programs.
2. Operational plans, strategies, and guidelines governing the conduct of surveillance and intelligence-gathering activities, including any involvement or coordination with community policing initiatives.
3. Records of surveillance operations, including logs, reports, and warrants obtained for monitoring targeted individuals or groups, including any watch lists or databases used for tracking.
4. Intelligence reports, assessments, and analyses generated as a result of surveillance and infiltration efforts, including any assessments related to private contractors involved in intelligence activities.
5. Training materials, manuals, and protocols used to educate personnel involved in covert operations, including any 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.
This request also encompasses documents related to activities synonymous with or related to "Cointelpro 2.0," including but not limited to covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, undercover investigations, disruption programs, counterterrorism measures, covert infiltration tactics, political surveillance programs, coercive intelligence operations, and national security investigations.
Please process this request specifically for Evan L Rees, as the documents sought are requested in relation to myself.
I am specifically requesting expedited processing of this request, as the information sought is of timely and significant public interest.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
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
From: Torrance Police Department
Dear Requester,
This is confirmation that your Public Records Act request has been received on 4/1/2024 and is being processed. You requested Other records, which you described as “To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the California Public Records Act, I hereby request the following records:
This FOIA request, submitted by Evan L Rees, seeks access to documents related to covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, and domestic intelligence activities conducted by agency or it's contractors that may be synonymous with or reminiscent of tactics employed in historical programs such as COINTELPRO and MK Ultra. Specifically, this request aims to obtain records pertaining to activities that could be colloquially referred to as "Cointelpro 2.0" or any other covert programs undertaken by the agency involving surveillance, infiltration, disruption, or manipulation of individuals or groups within the United States.
Documents of interest include, but are not limited to:
1. Internal memoranda, directives, and communications discussing the planning, execution, and objectives of such covert operations, including any references to MK Ultra or similar programs.
2. Operational plans, strategies, and guidelines governing the conduct of surveillance and intelligence-gathering activities, including any involvement or coordination with community policing initiatives.
3. Records of surveillance operations, including logs, reports, and warrants obtained for monitoring targeted individuals or groups, including any watch lists or databases used for tracking.
4. Intelligence reports, assessments, and analyses generated as a result of surveillance and infiltration efforts, including any assessments related to private contractors involved in intelligence activities.
5. Training materials, manuals, and protocols used to educate personnel involved in covert operations, including any 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.
This request also encompasses documents related to activities synonymous with or related to "Cointelpro 2.0," including but not limited to covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, undercover investigations, disruption programs, counterterrorism measures, covert infiltration tactics, political surveillance programs, coercive intelligence operations, and national security investigations.
Please process this request specifically for Evan L Rees, as the documents sought are requested in relation to myself.
I am specifically requesting expedited processing of this request, as the information sought is of timely and significant public interest.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
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
Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/
Thank you for your interest in the City of Torrance. We will be contacting you with a prepared response in regards to your request. If you have any questions, or wish to discuss this further, please contact the Office of the City Clerk at (310) 618-2870 or cityclerk@torranceca.gov.
There may be a delay in processing your request due to digital impacts. If you have questions, please call us.
Sincerely,
Office of the City Clerk
City of Torrance
From: Torrance Police Department
04/11/2024 Evan Rees MuckRock News, DEPT MR161199263 Huntington Ave Boston MA 02115 Dear Requester: In response to your records request received on 4/1/2024 8:23:35 PM for Police records, the City of Torrance needs additional time to search for your records. The City Clerk's Office will contact you within fourteen (14) days as to whether the City of Torrance is in possession of records responsive to your request. Thank you for your interest in the City of Torrance. If you have any questions, or wish to discuss this further, please contact the City Clerk's Office at (310) 618-2870.
Sincerely, City Clerk's Office City of Torrance
From: Evan Rees
Dear Torrance Police Department,
Thank you for your prompt acknowledgment of my records request regarding Police records received on April 1, 2024. I appreciate the City of Torrance's attention to this matter.
Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), I understand that reasonable time may be necessary to conduct a thorough search for responsive records. Therefore, I acknowledge the City's need for additional time to ensure a comprehensive and accurate response to my request.
I look forward to hearing from the City Clerk's Office within the fourteen (14) days as indicated in your response. Please do not hesitate to reach out if there are any questions or if further clarification is required regarding the scope of my request.
Thank you again for your attention to this matter and for your commitment to transparency and accountability.
Sincerely,
Evan L Rees
From: Torrance Police Department
--- Please respond above this line ---
04/25/2024
Evan Rees
MuckRock News, DEPT MR161199 263 Huntington Ave
Boston MA 02115
RE: Public Records Act Request: W012198-040124
Date Submitted: 4/1/2024
Dear Requester,
In response to your Public Records Act request received on 4/1/2024, asking for “ To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the California Public Records Act, I hereby request the following records:
This FOIA request, submitted by Evan L Rees, seeks access to documents related to covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, and domestic intelligence activities conducted by agency or it's contractors that may be synonymous with or reminiscent of tactics employed in historical programs such as COINTELPRO and MK Ultra. Specifically, this request aims to obtain records pertaining to activities that could be colloquially referred to as "Cointelpro 2.0" or any other covert programs undertaken by the agency involving surveillance, infiltration, disruption, or manipulation of individuals or groups within the United States.
Documents of interest include, but are not limited to:
1. Internal memoranda, directives, and communications discussing the planning, execution, and objectives of such covert operations, including any references to MK Ultra or similar programs.
2. Operational plans, strategies, and guidelines governing the conduct of surveillance and intelligence-gathering activities, including any involvement or coordination with community policing initiatives.
3. Records of surveillance operations, including logs, reports, and warrants obtained for monitoring targeted individuals or groups, including any watch lists or databases used for tracking.
4. Intelligence reports, assessments, and analyses generated as a result of surveillance and infiltration efforts, including any assessments related to private contractors involved in intelligence activities.
5. Training materials, manuals, and protocols used to educate personnel involved in covert operations, including any 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.
This request also encompasses documents related to activities synonymous with or related to "Cointelpro 2.0," including but not limited to covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, undercover investigations, disruption programs, counterterrorism measures, covert infiltration tactics, political surveillance programs, coercive intelligence operations, and national security investigations.
Please process this request specifically for Evan L Rees, as the documents sought are requested in relation to myself.
I am specifically requesting expedited processing of this request, as the information sought is of timely and significant public interest.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
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
Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/
The City has reviewed its files and have determined there are no documents responsive to your request.
Thank you for your interest in the City of Torrance. Your request is now CLOSED. If you have any questions, please contact our office at (310) 618-2870
Sincerely,
Susan Velasquez
Deputy City Clerk II
From: Evan Rees
04/26/2024
Susan Velasquez
Deputy City Clerk II
RE: Follow-up Regarding Public Records Act Request: W012198-040124
Date Sent: 4/26/2024
Dear Ms. Velasquez,
Thank you for your prompt response to my recent Public Records Act request. However, I must express my concerns regarding the determination that there are no documents responsive to my inquiry. Given the nature of the request and the potential implications, I find it difficult to accept that no such records exist within the City of Torrance's files.
As stated in my initial request, I am specifically seeking access to documents related to covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, and domestic intelligence activities. These activities, if conducted, would undoubtedly leave a paper trail reflective of the agency's directives, strategies, and operational procedures.
In light of the significance of the subject matter and the public interest at stake, I am compelled to request a thorough review of the City's records to ensure that no pertinent documents have been overlooked or inadvertently omitted from the initial response. To facilitate this review, I am providing a revised list of the top five most likely documents, including Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), that would indicate the existence of "COINTELPRO 2.0" or similar activities:
1. Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) or agreements between the City of Torrance and federal agencies or private contractors outlining the scope and objectives of covert surveillance programs or intelligence operations.
2. Internal directives, guidelines, or policies governing the conduct of intelligence-gathering activities, particularly those involving the monitoring or infiltration of individuals or groups within the United States.
3. Records of surveillance operations, including warrants, reports, and logs documenting the monitoring of targeted individuals or organizations, as well as any associated watch lists or databases utilized for tracking purposes.
4. Legal opinions, interpretations, or guidance concerning the legality and oversight of covert programs, including assessments of potential legal risks or implications.
5. Budgetary documents detailing the allocation of resources and funding for covert surveillance and intelligence activities, including any expenditures related to contractor services or specialized equipment.
Failure to produce these documents or to adequately justify their absence may have legal consequences, including but not limited to violations of the California Public Records Act . It is imperative that the City of Torrance fulfills its obligations under the law to provide transparent access to public records, particularly in matters concerning government surveillance and accountability.
I want to reiterate my commitment to pursuing all available avenues to ensure transparency and accountability in this matter. Therefore, I strongly urge the City to conduct a comprehensive search for the requested documents and to release them to me promptly. Doing so not only upholds the principles of open government but also serves the best interests of the City by demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability.
I look forward to your prompt attention to this matter and to receiving a revised response reflecting a thorough review of the City's records.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Evan L Rees
From: Torrance Police Department
--- Please respond above this line ---
04/29/2024
Good morning Evan,
Please note that our office reached out to the corresponding City of Torrance department for assistance with obtaining the requested records. The City's Police Department reviewed its files and determined there are no documents responsive to your request.
Per the Torrance Police Department’s Records Division: “ No copies are transmitted because the agency does not have the requested documents.”
This request is CLOSED. You are more than welcome to submit a new request via the GovQA portal: https://www.torranceca.gov/government/city-clerk/public-records-request
Sincerely,
Leticia Garcia
Records Management Specialist
Files
There are no files associated with this request.