Covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, and domestic intelligence activities. (Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General)

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following records:

Subject: Freedom of Information Act Request – Request for Expedited Processing

Dear FOIA Officer,

This letter serves as a formal request under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552, and the applicable regulations, for access to records in the possession of this agency related to covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, and domestic intelligence activities.

As an American citizen exercising my rights under the FOIA, I hereby request expedited processing of this request due to its significant public interest and the urgency of the matter.

I am seeking access to the following records:

1. Internal memoranda, directives, and communications discussing the planning, execution, and objectives of covert operations, including any references to historical programs such as COINTELPRO and MK Ultra.
2. Operational plans, strategies, and guidelines governing surveillance and intelligence-gathering activities, including any coordination with community policing initiatives.
3. Records of surveillance operations, including logs, reports, and warrants obtained for monitoring targeted individuals or groups, as well as any watch lists or databases utilized.
4. Intelligence reports, assessments, and analyses resulting from surveillance and infiltration efforts, including assessments of private contractors involved.
5. Training materials, manuals, and protocols used to educate personnel involved in covert operations, including 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.
9. Copies of contracts, agreements, and invoices involving any third-party contractors engaged in activities specified above.
10. All records of complaints, investigations, and disciplinary actions related to the aforementioned activities.

This request also includes documents related to activities synonymous with or related to "Cointelpro 2.0," encompassing covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, undercover investigations, disruption programs, counterterrorism measures, covert infiltration tactics, political surveillance programs, coercive intelligence operations, and national security investigations.

I request that all responsive records be provided to me in electronic format, preferably via email or a secure online portal. If certain documents are exempt from disclosure, please provide a detailed explanation of the applicable exemptions and provide segregable portions that can be released.

Please process this request specifically for Evan L Rees, as the documents sought are requested in relation to myself.

I am willing to pay reasonable fees associated with this request. If the estimated fees exceed $50.00, please notify me in advance of processing the request.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your prompt handling of this request. I look forward to your timely response.

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 20 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Evan L Rees

Subject: Response to DOJ FOIA Request Denial

Dear Chief Hibbard,

I am writing in response to your recent correspondence regarding my Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, dated [Date of DOJ Response]. Firstly, I appreciate the acknowledgment of my request and the guidance provided.

Regarding the matter of identity verification, I understand the necessity for safeguarding privacy and ensuring the appropriate disclosure of personal information. To comply with Department regulation 28 C.F.R. § 16.41(d) (2018), I will duly complete the Certification of Identity form provided. This form will be submitted promptly to verify my identity as required.

In response to the suggestion to direct my requests to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), I note that my initial request was deliberately broad to encompass any pertinent records within the Department of Justice (DOJ) and its components. As such, I will indeed proceed with my request to the FBI, while also considering other DOJ components that may retain relevant documentation.

Regarding the substance of my request, it is imperative to reiterate the gravity of the matter at hand. My inquiry pertains to covert surveillance programs, counterintelligence operations, and domestic intelligence activities, which are of significant public interest. The transparency and accountability of government actions in these realms are fundamental to upholding democratic principles and safeguarding civil liberties. The FOIA exists precisely to ensure such transparency and accountability.

Furthermore, I wish to emphasize that my request is not made frivolously or with any intent other than to exercise my rights as an American citizen to access information about government activities. The seriousness of the subject matter necessitates a thorough and diligent response in accordance with legal obligations.

In light of the importance of this matter, I am committed to pursuing this request diligently with the full support of my legal team. I trust that the Department of Justice will similarly approach this matter with the utmost seriousness and transparency.

I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to a prompt resolution. If further clarification or documentation is required, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Sincerely,
Evan L Rees