2004-2014 on-base crime statistics for USFJ (Okinawa)

To Whom It May Concern:

This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:

Statistics of crimes - including but not limited to murder, rape, robbery, assault, motor vehicle theft and larceny - committed within USFJ bases on Okinawa for the years 2004 - 2014.

I am making this request as a representative of the media. I have written extensively about the US military presence on Okinawa - these articles have been published by The Japan Times and Asia-Pacific Journal. In addition, this research has been published in Asahi Shimbun, Ryukyu Shimpo and Okinawa Times. These articles have been the focus of intense public debate.

I refer to the above articles in support that my request receive expedited processing. There is “urgency to inform the public concerning actual or alleged Federal Government activity.” 5 U.S.C. § 552. I believe there is widespread and exceptional media interest in which there exist possible questions about the government’s integrity affecting public confidence.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Jon Mitchell

Dear H. Keliiwaiwaiole,

To clarify the initial request:

I hereby request the following records:

1. Statistics of reported crimes - including but not limited to murder, rape, robbery, assault, motor vehicle theft and larceny - committed within USFJ bases on Okinawa for the years 2004 - 2014.

2. Statistics on which of the above reported crimes were investigated.

2. Statistics of convictions for crimes committed within USFJ bases on Okinawa for the years 2004 - 2014. I am seeking statistics re: convictions of service members.

3. Statistics of actions taken against military dependants and DoD civilian employees found to have committed criminal acts within U.S. bases on Okinawa.

As stated in my initial request, I am only seeking statistics related to crimes commited within U.S. bases,

Sincerely,

Mitchell

Dear H. Keliiwaiwaiole,

Please note the correction on the numbered points of the previous clarification.

Apologies,

Mitchell

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Dear H. Keliiwaiwaiole,

To clarify the initial request:

I hereby request the following records:

1. Statistics of reported crimes - including but not limited to murder, rape, robbery, assault, motor vehicle theft and larceny - committed within USFJ bases on Okinawa for the years 2004 - 2014.

2. Statistics on which of the above reported crimes were investigated.

3. Statistics of convictions for crimes committed within USFJ bases on Okinawa for the years 2004 - 2014. I am seeking statistics re: convictions of service members.

4. Statistics of actions taken against military dependants and DoD civilian employees found to have committed criminal acts within U.S. bases on Okinawa.

As stated in my initial request, I am only seeking statistics related to crimes commited within U.S. bases,

Sincerely,

Mitchell

Dear Administrator,

This is an appeal under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552.

On June 15 2015, I made a FOIA request to your agency for:
Statistics of crimes - including but not limited to murder, rape, robbery, assault, motor vehicle theft and larceny - committed within USFJ bases on Okinawa for the years 2004 - 2014.

On 28 June, I made the following clarification:
I hereby request the following records:
1. Statistics of reported crimes - including but not limited to murder, rape, robbery, assault, motor vehicle theft and larceny - committed within USFJ bases on Okinawa for the years 2004 - 2014.
2. Statistics on which of the above reported crimes were investigated.
3. Statistics of convictions for crimes committed within USFJ bases on Okinawa for the years 2004 - 2014. I am seeking statistics re: convictions of service members.
4. Statistics of actions taken against military dependants and DoD civilian employees found to have committed criminal acts within U.S. bases on Okinawa.

On July 17 2015, your agency provided me with a “no record” response.

Here it is clear that your agency has failed to fulfill its obligation in searching diligently for the documents requested. I draw your attention to the following:

1. the previous release of data to Associated Press related to sex crimes perpetrated by U.S. service members in Japan. Data available here: http://hosted.ap.org/specials/interactives/_documents/military-sexual-assaults/

2. all USMC command chronologies contain itemized data related to law enforcement, security and legal issues.

If materials responsive to my request exist as a subset of a larger dataset, provision of that information would be appreciated.

I trust that upon re-consideration, you will re-investigate my request. However, if you deny this appeal, I intend to initiate a lawsuit to compel disclosure.

As I have made this request in the capacity of a journalist and this information is of timely value, I would appreciate your expediting the consideration of my appeal in every way possible. In any case, I will expect to receive your decision within 20 business days, as required by the statute.

Thank you for your assistance,

Jon Mitchell

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on June 15, 2015. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #15-AC-0072-A1.

Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.