Use of Force Reports/Passenger Removals
| Tracking # |
22-FOI-00039 |
| Submitted | Nov. 26, 2021 |
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Communications
From: Michael Quinn
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following records:
1. All reports detailing use of force incidents by Amtrak Police personnel (Time range: January 1st, 2018 to the date this request is processed)
2. Any and all guidelines, documents, instructional/educational materials (including video), etc regarding use of force by Amtrak Police personnel (including but not limited to a "Use of Force Continuum")
3. Any and all reports regarding physical removal of disruptive, intoxicated, aggressive/violent, non-compliant/disobedient or otherwise unruly passengers from Amtrak trains. (Time range: January 1st, 2018 to the date this request is processed)
4. Any and all guidelines, documents, instructional/educational materials (including video), etc regarding removal of disruptive, intoxicated, aggressive/violent, non-compliant/disobedient or otherwise unruly passengers from Amtrak trains. (Time range: January 1st, 2018 to the date this request is processed)
If the records deemed to be responsive to this request total over 100 pages, I ask that you please provide them on a rolling basis to increase record release frequency.
Additionally, I formally request a fee waiver under the belief that this request in within public interest -- as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was recently passed (one of the biggest beneficiaries of which being Amtrak and, by extension, Amtrak Police, with the largest investment in rail passenger travel since Amtrak's inception) and more passengers ride with Amtrak as the country continues to rebound from the pandemic, I strongly believe that the public should have further knowledge regarding the 1) conduct and training of Amtrak Police and 2) the frequency of use of force/unruly passenger removal incidents. Amtrak Police is significantly less recognized, researched and documented in comparison to TSA, some major cities' transit security or even private security companies.
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,
Michael Quinn
From: Muckrock Staff
Hello,
Please find the request form attached. Thank you for your help with this request.
Sincerely,
MuckRock
From: Amtrak Police Department
Thank you. Your request has been received by the Amtrak Police Department and will be processed within ten business days.
If you require additional assistance, please call 215-349-3313.
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From: Amtrak Police Department
12-14-21 Michael Quinn MuckRock News DEPT MR 121562, 411A Highland Ave Somerville, MA 02144-2516 Dear Quinn: This letter acknowledges the receipt of your FOIA request dated 11-26-21 requesting I hereby request the following records:1. All reports detailing use of force incidents by Amtrak Police personnel (Time range: January 1st, 2018 to the date this request is processed)2. Any and all guidelines, documents, instructional/educational materials (including video), etc regarding use of force by Amtrak Police personnel (including but not limited to a "Use of Force Continuum")3. Any and all reports regarding physical removal of disruptive, intoxicated, aggressive/violent, non-compliant/disobedient or otherwise unruly passengers from Amtrak trains. (Time range: January 1st, 2018 to the date this request is processed)4. Any and all guidelines, documents, instructional/educational materials (including video), etc regarding removal of disruptive, intoxicated, aggressive/violent, non-compliant/disobedient or otherwise unruly passengers from Amtrak trains. (Time range: January 1st, 2018 to the date this request is processed)If the records deemed to be responsive to this request total over 100 pages, I ask that you please provide them on a rolling basis to increase record release frequency.Additionally, I formally request a fee waiver under the belief that this request in within public interest -- as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was recently passed (one of the biggest beneficiaries of which being Amtrak and, by extension, Amtrak Police, with the largest investment in rail passenger travel since Amtrak's inception) and more passengers ride with Amtrak as the country continues to rebound from the pandemic, I strongly believe that the public should have further knowledge regarding the 1) conduct and training of Amtrak Police and 2) the frequency of use of force/unruly passenger removal incidents. Amtrak Police is significantly less recognized, researched and documented in comparison to TSA, some major cities' transit security or even private security companies.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.. This request has been issued tracking number 22-FOI-00039. Please reference this number in all correspondence and communications with this office. Thank you, FOIA Officer
From: Michael Quinn
Hi,
The letter you've set me appears to be partially incomplete and it's unclear if my fee waiver has been granted/what category of requestor i've been classified as. Can you please let me know this information?
Thank you.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I'm following up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Nov. 26, 2021. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Jan. 28, 2022. I wanted to check on the status of my request, and to see if there was a new estimated completion date. You had assigned it reference number #22-FOI-00039.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
Hi,
Please see the following request for records. Thank you for your help with this request.
Sincerely,
MuckRock
From: Muckrock Staff
Hi,
Please see the following request for records. Thank you for your help with this request.
Sincerely,
MuckRock
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I'm following up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Nov. 26, 2021. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Jan. 28, 2022. I wanted to check on the status of my request, and to see if there was a new estimated completion date. You had assigned it reference number #22-FOI-00039.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I'm following up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Nov. 26, 2021. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Jan. 28, 2022. I wanted to check on the status of my request, and to see if there was a new estimated completion date. You had assigned it reference number #22-FOI-00039.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I'm following up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Nov. 26, 2021. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Jan. 28, 2022. I wanted to check on the status of my request, and to see if there was a new estimated completion date. You had assigned it reference number #22-FOI-00039.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I'm following up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Nov. 26, 2021. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Jan. 28, 2022. I wanted to check on the status of my request, and to see if there was a new estimated completion date. You had assigned it reference number #22-FOI-00039.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I'm following up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Nov. 26, 2021. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Jan. 28, 2022. I wanted to check on the status of my request, and to see if there was a new estimated completion date. You had assigned it reference number #22-FOI-00039.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I'm following up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Nov. 26, 2021. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Jan. 28, 2022. I wanted to check on the status of my request, and to see if there was a new estimated completion date. You had assigned it reference number #22-FOI-00039.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Amtrak Police Department
10-05-22 Michael Quinn MuckRock News DEPT MR 121562, 411A Highland Ave Somerville, MA 02144-2516 Dear Quinn: This letter acknowledges the receipt of your FOIA request dated 11-26-21 requesting I hereby request the following records:1. All reports detailing use of force incidents by Amtrak Police personnel (Time range: January 1st, 2018 to the date this request is processed)2. Any and all guidelines, documents, instructional/educational materials (including video), etc regarding use of force by Amtrak Police personnel (including but not limited to a "Use of Force Continuum")3. Any and all reports regarding physical removal of disruptive, intoxicated, aggressive/violent, non-compliant/disobedient or otherwise unruly passengers from Amtrak trains. (Time range: January 1st, 2018 to the date this request is processed)4. Any and all guidelines, documents, instructional/educational materials (including video), etc regarding removal of disruptive, intoxicated, aggressive/violent, non-compliant/disobedient or otherwise unruly passengers from Amtrak trains. (Time range: January 1st, 2018 to the date this request is processed)If the records deemed to be responsive to this request total over 100 pages, I ask that you please provide them on a rolling basis to increase record release frequency.Additionally, I formally request a fee waiver under the belief that this request in within public interest -- as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was recently passed (one of the biggest beneficiaries of which being Amtrak and, by extension, Amtrak Police, with the largest investment in rail passenger travel since Amtrak's inception) and more passengers ride with Amtrak as the country continues to rebound from the pandemic, I strongly believe that the public should have further knowledge regarding the 1) conduct and training of Amtrak Police and 2) the frequency of use of force/unruly passenger removal incidents. Amtrak Police is significantly less recognized, researched and documented in comparison to TSA, some major cities' transit security or even private security companies.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.. This request has been issued tracking number 22-FOI-00039. Please reference this number in all correspondence and communications with this office. Thank you, FOIA Officer
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I'm following up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Nov. 26, 2021. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Jan. 28, 2022. I wanted to check on the status of my request, and to see if there was a new estimated completion date. You had assigned it reference number #22-FOI-00039.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I'm following up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Nov. 26, 2021. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Jan. 28, 2022. I wanted to check on the status of my request, and to see if there was a new estimated completion date. You had assigned it reference number #22-FOI-00039.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I'm following up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Nov. 26, 2021. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Jan. 28, 2022. I wanted to check on the status of my request, and to see if there was a new estimated completion date. You had assigned it reference number #22-FOI-00039.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Amtrak Police Department
To Whom It May Concern,
We are currently finalizing the collection and organization of the requested documents. The estimated release date is 01-31-2023.
Sincerely,
FOIA Officer
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From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I'm following up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Nov. 26, 2021. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Jan. 28, 2022. I wanted to check on the status of my request, and to see if there was a new estimated completion date. You had assigned it reference number #22-FOI-00039.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I'm following up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Nov. 26, 2021. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Jan. 28, 2022. I wanted to check on the status of my request, and to see if there was a new estimated completion date. You had assigned it reference number #22-FOI-00039.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Amtrak Police Department
03-08-23 Michael Quinn MuckRock News DEPT MR 121562, 411A Highland Ave Somerville, MA 02144-2516 Dear Quinn: This letter acknowledges the receipt of your FOIA request dated 11-26-21 requesting I hereby request the following records:1. All reports detailing use of force incidents by Amtrak Police personnel (Time range: January 1st, 2018 to the date this request is processed)2. Any and all guidelines, documents, instructional/educational materials (including video), etc regarding use of force by Amtrak Police personnel (including but not limited to a "Use of Force Continuum")3. Any and all reports regarding physical removal of disruptive, intoxicated, aggressive/violent, non-compliant/disobedient or otherwise unruly passengers from Amtrak trains. (Time range: January 1st, 2018 to the date this request is processed)4. Any and all guidelines, documents, instructional/educational materials (including video), etc regarding removal of disruptive, intoxicated, aggressive/violent, non-compliant/disobedient or otherwise unruly passengers from Amtrak trains. (Time range: January 1st, 2018 to the date this request is processed)
This request has been issued tracking number 22-FOI-00039. Please reference this number in all correspondence and communications with this office.
This request is too broad. Please narrow the scope of the request for location and time frame. If we do not hear from you by 3/17/23, we will close this file. Thank you, FOIA Officer
From: Amtrak Police Department
05-08-23 Michael Quinn MuckRock News DEPT MR 121562, 411A Highland Ave Somerville, MA 02144-2516 Dear Quinn: This letter acknowledges the receipt of your FOIA request dated 11-26-21 requesting I hereby request the following records:1. All reports detailing use of force incidents by Amtrak Police personnel (Time range: January 1st, 2018 to the date this request is processed)2. Any and all guidelines, documents, instructional/educational materials (including video), etc regarding use of force by Amtrak Police personnel (including but not limited to a "Use of Force Continuum")3. Any and all reports regarding physical removal of disruptive, intoxicated, aggressive/violent, non-compliant/disobedient or otherwise unruly passengers from Amtrak trains. (Time range: January 1st, 2018 to the date this request is processed)4. Any and all guidelines, documents, instructional/educational materials (including video), etc regarding removal of disruptive, intoxicated, aggressive/violent, non-compliant/disobedient or otherwise unruly passengers from Amtrak trains. (Time range: January 1st, 2018 to the date this request is processed)If the records deemed to be responsive to this request total over 100 pages, I ask that you please provide them on a rolling basis to increase record release frequency.Additionally, I formally request a fee waiver under the belief that this request in within public interest -- as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was recently passed (one of the biggest beneficiaries of which being Amtrak and, by extension, Amtrak Police, with the largest investment in rail passenger travel since Amtrak's inception) and more passengers ride with Amtrak as the country continues to rebound from the pandemic, I strongly believe that the public should have further knowledge regarding the 1) conduct and training of Amtrak Police and 2) the frequency of use of force/unruly passenger removal incidents. Amtrak Police is significantly less recognized, researched and documented in comparison to TSA, some major cities' transit security or even private security companies.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.. This request has been issued tracking number 22-FOI-00039. Please reference this number in all correspondence and communications with this office.
Hi, items 1 and 3 result in too voluminous to handle search results. Can you narrow your request so we can process it? Thank you, FOIA Officer
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I'm following up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on Nov. 26, 2021. You had previously indicated that it would be completed on Jan. 28, 2022. I wanted to check on the status of my request, and to see if there was a new estimated completion date. You had assigned it reference number #22-FOI-00039.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Amtrak Police Department
As stated twice previously, the request is far too broad. We gave you until 3/17/2023 to respond and absent a response we closed our file. Please feel free to submit a new request at https://pal-amtrak.efoia-host.com/
Rebecca Conner (she/her/hers)
Manager, Records and Information Management
Amtrak | 1 Massachusetts Ave NW | 620O | Washington DC 20001
Email: rebecca.conner@amtrak.com<mailto:rebecca.conner@amtrak.com> | office: 202.906.3215 | cell: 202.860.6507
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