USP Florence April 20, 2008 Race Riot (BOP)
| Tracking # |
11-11003 |
| Submitted | Sept. 12, 2011 |
| Due | May 14, 2012 |
| Est. Completion | None |
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Communications
From: Jason Smathers
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
All records or files relating to events leading up to, including and following a April 20, 2008 disturbance at USP Florence that involved about 200 inmates and lasted almost half an hour. The BOP describes the disturbance as a race riot, started when white inmates walked across the prison soccer field in an aggressive manner yelling racial slurs. The prison's attempts to control the inmates failed, and white and African-American inmates began physically assaulting each other, striking each other with fists, kicks, baseball bats, and stabbing each other with homemade knives. The prison attempted to disburse the group by firing less than lethal munitions and gas rounds. When the riot continued, the prison fired lethal munitions. Finally, prison staff was able to separate the groups and regain control of the situation. During the fighting, however, two inmates were shot by prison guards and dozens of other inmates were injured.
When conducting your search for records and determining which records are releasable, I instruct the BOP to consider Kubik et al v. United States Federal Bureau of Prisons and act in accordance with that judicial opinion on this matter.
I request these records be provided by mail on CD. Please provide paper only if you refuse to provide an electronic copy for some reason.
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 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Jason Smathers
From: Bureau of Prisons
From: Jason Smathers
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed.
Thank you for your help.
From: Jason Smathers
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed.
Thank you for your help.
From: "OGC Electronic Freedom of Information" <ogc_efoia@bop.gov>
Your request for information has been received. Please read this automatic reply carefully as this may be the only response you receive from this office.
If your request involves:
Inmate Records:
Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release date and location, or date released can be found on the BOP website via the Inmate Locator at:
http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/LocateInmate.jsp
The website contains information on the current prison population and on inmates released from 1982 - present. If your request is for information available on the website, this is the only response you will receive. If you are unable to access the information via the website you may resubmit your request, however, please specify that you were unable to obtain the information from the website. In order that we may continue to provide needed information in a quick and efficient manner, please also indicate why you could not obtain the information from the site.
Additionally, the database we use in our office to search for inmate information is the same database used on our website. If your search results in "NO RECORD FOUND," there is no further search our office can conduct that will provide a different response.
If you are requesting information that is not available via the Inmate Locator, (Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release date and location, or date released) please be advised that an original release Authorization from that person that is either notarized or contains a penalty of perjury statement is required. For your convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
This is the only response you will receive to such requests until a written request is submitted.
Requests for records maintained on non-inmate persons:
Requests for information on an individual cannot be processed without a current, original release Authorization from that person that is either notarized or contains a penalty of perjury statement. For your convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
This is the only response you will receive to such requests.
Requests for information not related to an individual:
All other requests will be processed and a response forwarded as soon as possible.
BOP's FOIA Service Center:
You may check the status of a request by contacting the BOP's FOIA Service Center (FSC) at 202.616.7750. Please note that this service is available only to requesters seeking information concerning the status of a submitted FOIA request.
From: "OGC Electronic Freedom of Information" <ogc_efoia@bop.gov>
Your request for information has been received. Please read this automatic reply carefully as this may be the only response you receive from this office.
If your request involves:
Inmate Records:
Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release date and location, or date released can be found on the BOP website via the Inmate Locator at:
http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/LocateInmate.jsp
The website contains information on the current prison population and on inmates released from 1982 - present. If your request is for information available on the website, this is the only response you will receive. If you are unable to access the information via the website you may resubmit your request, however, please specify that you were unable to obtain the information from the website. In order that we may continue to provide needed information in a quick and efficient manner, please also indicate why you could not obtain the information from the site.
Additionally, the database we use in our office to search for inmate information is the same database used on our website. If your search results in "NO RECORD FOUND," there is no further search our office can conduct that will provide a different response.
If you are requesting information that is not available via the Inmate Locator, (Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release date and location, or date released) please be advised that an original release Authorization from that person that is either notarized or contains a penalty of perjury statement is required. For your convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
This is the only response you will receive to such requests until a written request is submitted.
Requests for records maintained on non-inmate persons:
Requests for information on an individual cannot be processed without a current, original release Authorization from that person that is either notarized or contains a penalty of perjury statement. For your convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
This is the only response you will receive to such requests.
Requests for information not related to an individual:
All other requests will be processed and a response forwarded as soon as possible.
BOP's FOIA Service Center:
You may check the status of a request by contacting the BOP's FOIA Service Center (FSC) at 202.616.7750. Please note that this service is available only to requesters seeking information concerning the status of a submitted FOIA request.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed.
Thank you for your help.
From: "OGC Electronic Freedom of Information" <ogc_efoia@bop.gov>
Your request for information has been received. Please read this
automatic reply carefully as this may be the only response you receive
from this office.
If your request involves:
Inmate Records:
Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release date and
location, or date released can be found on the BOP website via the
Inmate Locator at:
http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/LocateInmate.jsp
The website contains information on the current prison population and on
inmates released from 1982 - present. If your request is for information
available on the website, this is the only response you will receive.
If you are unable to access the information via the website you may
resubmit your request, however, please specify that you were unable to
obtain the information from the website. In order that we may continue
to provide needed information in a quick and efficient manner, please
also indicate why you could not obtain the information from the site.
Additionally, the database we use in our office to search for inmate
information is the same database used on our website. If your search
results in "NO RECORD FOUND," there is no further search our office can
conduct that will provide a different response.
If you are requesting information that is not available via the Inmate
Locator, (Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release
date and location, or date released) please be advised that an original
release Authorization from that person that is either notarized or
contains a penalty of perjury statement is required. For your
convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP
website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in
writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
This is the only response you will receive to such requests until a
written request is submitted.
Requests for records maintained on non-inmate persons:
Requests for information on an individual cannot be processed without a
current, original release Authorization from that person that is either
notarized or contains a penalty of perjury statement. For your
convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP
website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in
writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
This is the only response you will receive to such requests.
Requests for information not related to an individual:
All other requests will be processed and a response forwarded as soon as
possible.
BOP's FOIA Service Center:
You may check the status of a request by contacting the BOP's FOIA
Service Center (FSC) at 202.616.7750. Please note that this service is
available only to requesters seeking information concerning the status
of a submitted FOIA request.
From: Jason Smathers
Over 5 months have passed since you acknowledged receipt of request 11-11003. Can you please update me concerning the status of this request.
Thank you.
From: "OGC Electronic Freedom of Information" <ogc_efoia@bop.gov>
Your request for information has been received. Please read this
automatic reply carefully as this may be the only response you receive
from this office.
If your request involves:
Inmate Records:
Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release date and
location, or date released can be found on the BOP website via the
Inmate Locator at:
http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/LocateInmate.jsp
The website contains information on the current prison population and on
inmates released from 1982 - present. If your request is for information
available on the website, this is the only response you will receive.
If you are unable to access the information via the website you may
resubmit your request, however, please specify that you were unable to
obtain the information from the website. In order that we may continue
to provide needed information in a quick and efficient manner, please
also indicate why you could not obtain the information from the site.
Additionally, the database we use in our office to search for inmate
information is the same database used on our website. If your search
results in "NO RECORD FOUND," there is no further search our office can
conduct that will provide a different response.
If you are requesting information that is not available via the Inmate
Locator, (Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release
date and location, or date released) please be advised that an original
release Authorization from that person that is either notarized or
contains a penalty of perjury statement is required. For your
convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP
website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in
writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
This is the only response you will receive to such requests until a
written request is submitted.
Requests for records maintained on non-inmate persons:
Requests for information on an individual cannot be processed without a
current, original release Authorization from that person that is either
notarized or contains a penalty of perjury statement. For your
convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP
website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in
writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
This is the only response you will receive to such requests.
Requests for information not related to an individual:
All other requests will be processed and a response forwarded as soon as
possible.
BOP's FOIA Service Center:
You may check the status of a request by contacting the BOP's FOIA
Service Center (FSC) at 202.616.7750. Please note that this service is
available only to requesters seeking information concerning the status
of a submitted FOIA request.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed.
Thank you for your help.
From: "OGC Electronic Freedom of Information" <ogc_efoia@bop.gov>
Your request for information has been received. Please read this
automatic reply carefully as this may be the only response you receive
from this office.
If your request involves:
Inmate Records:
Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release date and
location, or date released can be found on the BOP website via the
Inmate Locator at:
http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/LocateInmate.jsp
The website contains information on the current prison population and on
inmates released from 1982 - present. If your request is for information
available on the website, this is the only response you will receive.
If you are unable to access the information via the website you may
resubmit your request, however, please specify that you were unable to
obtain the information from the website. In order that we may continue
to provide needed information in a quick and efficient manner, please
also indicate why you could not obtain the information from the site.
Additionally, the database we use in our office to search for inmate
information is the same database used on our website. If your search
results in "NO RECORD FOUND," there is no further search our office can
conduct that will provide a different response.
If you are requesting information that is not available via the Inmate
Locator, (Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release
date and location, or date released) please be advised that an original
release Authorization from that person that is either notarized or
contains a penalty of perjury statement is required. For your
convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP
website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in
writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
This is the only response you will receive to such requests until a
written request is submitted.
Requests for records maintained on non-inmate persons:
Requests for information on an individual cannot be processed without a
current, original release Authorization from that person that is either
notarized or contains a penalty of perjury statement. For your
convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP
website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in
writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
This is the only response you will receive to such requests.
Requests for information not related to an individual:
All other requests will be processed and a response forwarded as soon as
possible.
BOP's FOIA Service Center:
You may check the status of a request by contacting the BOP's FOIA
Service Center (FSC) at 202.616.7750. Please note that this service is
available only to requesters seeking information concerning the status
of a submitted FOIA request.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed.
Thank you for your help.
From: "OGC Electronic Freedom of Information" <ogc_efoia@bop.gov>
Your request for information has been received. Please read this
automatic reply carefully as this may be the only response you receive
from this office.
If your request involves:
Inmate Records:
Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release date and
location, or date released can be found on the BOP website via the
Inmate Locator at:
http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/LocateInmate.jsp
The website contains information on the current prison population and on
inmates released from 1982 - present. If your request is for information
available on the website, this is the only response you will receive.
If you are unable to access the information via the website you may
resubmit your request, however, please specify that you were unable to
obtain the information from the website. In order that we may continue
to provide needed information in a quick and efficient manner, please
also indicate why you could not obtain the information from the site.
Additionally, the database we use in our office to search for inmate
information is the same database used on our website. If your search
results in "NO RECORD FOUND," there is no further search our office can
conduct that will provide a different response.
If you are requesting information that is not available via the Inmate
Locator, (Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release
date and location, or date released) please be advised that an original
release Authorization from that person that is either notarized or
contains a penalty of perjury statement is required. For your
convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP
website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in
writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
This is the only response you will receive to such requests until a
written request is submitted.
Requests for records maintained on non-inmate persons:
Requests for information on an individual cannot be processed without a
current, original release Authorization from that person that is either
notarized or contains a penalty of perjury statement. For your
convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP
website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in
writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
This is the only response you will receive to such requests.
Requests for information not related to an individual:
All other requests will be processed and a response forwarded as soon as
possible.
BOP's FOIA Service Center:
You may check the status of a request by contacting the BOP's FOIA
Service Center (FSC) at 202.616.7750. Please note that this service is
available only to requesters seeking information concerning the status
of a submitted FOIA request.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed.
Thank you for your help.
From: OGC Electronic Freedom of Information
Your request for information has been received. Please read this
automatic reply carefully as this may be the only response you receive
from this office.
If your request involves:
Inmate Records:
Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release date and
location, or date released can be found on the BOP website via the
Inmate Locator at:
http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/LocateInmate.jsp
The website contains information on the current prison population and on
inmates released from 1982 - present. If your request is for information
available on the website, this is the only response you will receive.
If you are unable to access the information via the website you may
resubmit your request, however, please specify that you were unable to
obtain the information from the website. In order that we may continue
to provide needed information in a quick and efficient manner, please
also indicate why you could not obtain the information from the site.
Additionally, the database we use in our office to search for inmate
information is the same database used on our website. If your search
results in "NO RECORD FOUND," there is no further search our office can
conduct that will provide a different response.
If you are requesting information that is not available via the Inmate
Locator, (Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release
date and location, or date released) please be advised that an original
release Authorization from that person that is either notarized or
contains a penalty of perjury statement is required. For your
convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP
website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in
writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
If you believe you are entitled to the information you seek without
authorization from the subject of the record, you should reply to this
text and indicate that you wish us to process your request as is,
without authorization. Otherwise, this is the only response you will
receive to such requests until a written request is submitted.
Requests for records maintained on non-inmate persons:
Requests for information on an individual cannot be processed without a
current, original release Authorization from that person that is either
notarized or contains a penalty of perjury statement. For your
convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP
website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in
writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
If you believe you are entitled to the information you seek without
authorization from the subject of the record, you should reply to this
text and indicate that you wish us to process your request as is,
without authorization. Otherwise, this is the only response you will
receive to such requests until a written request is submitted.
Requests for information not related to an individual:
All other requests will be processed and a response forwarded as soon as
possible.
BOP's FOIA Service Center:
You may check the status of a request by contacting the BOP's FOIA
Service Center (FSC) at 202.616.7750. Please note that this service is
available only to requesters seeking information concerning the status
of a submitted FOIA request.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed.
Thank you for your help.
From: OGC Electronic Freedom of Information
Your request for information has been received. Please read this
automatic reply carefully as this may be the only response you receive
from this office.
If your request involves:
Inmate Records:
Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release date and
location, or date released can be found on the BOP website via the
Inmate Locator at:
http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/LocateInmate.jsp
The website contains information on the current prison population and on
inmates released from 1982 - present. If your request is for information
available on the website, this is the only response you will receive.
If you are unable to access the information via the website you may
resubmit your request, however, please specify that you were unable to
obtain the information from the website. In order that we may continue
to provide needed information in a quick and efficient manner, please
also indicate why you could not obtain the information from the site.
Additionally, the database we use in our office to search for inmate
information is the same database used on our website. If your search
results in "NO RECORD FOUND," there is no further search our office can
conduct that will provide a different response.
If you are requesting information that is not available via the Inmate
Locator, (Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release
date and location, or date released) please be advised that an original
release Authorization from that person that is either notarized or
contains a penalty of perjury statement is required. For your
convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP
website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in
writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
If you believe you are entitled to the information you seek without
authorization from the subject of the record, you should reply to this
text and indicate that you wish us to process your request as is,
without authorization. Otherwise, this is the only response you will
receive to such requests until a written request is submitted.
Requests for records maintained on non-inmate persons:
Requests for information on an individual cannot be processed without a
current, original release Authorization from that person that is either
notarized or contains a penalty of perjury statement. For your
convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP
website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in
writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
If you believe you are entitled to the information you seek without
authorization from the subject of the record, you should reply to this
text and indicate that you wish us to process your request as is,
without authorization. Otherwise, this is the only response you will
receive to such requests until a written request is submitted.
Requests for information not related to an individual:
All other requests will be processed and a response forwarded as soon as
possible.
BOP's FOIA Service Center:
You may check the status of a request by contacting the BOP's FOIA
Service Center (FSC) at 202.616.7750. Please note that this service is
available only to requesters seeking information concerning the status
of a submitted FOIA request.
From: NCRO/FOIA~ NCRO/FOIA~
Mr. Smathers -
Your recent inquiry concerning the status of your request for information wherein you seek information concerning the disturbance at the Federal Correctional Complex in Florence, Colorado in April 2008, was forwarded to me for response. Review of our database indicates that on or about September 24, 2012, correspondence was sent notifying you of fees incurred in response to this request. Instructions provided in the letter to you identify several options for responding to the fee assessment. If you have not already, you should be receiving this letter soon. Meanwhile, I trust this is responsive to your inquiry.
From: Jason Smathers
Hello,
We never received the fee letter referred to below. Please advise as to status of this request, and send the fee letter as soon as you can.
Thank you.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed.
Thank you for your help.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed.
Thank you for your help.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed.
Thank you for your help.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed.
Thank you for your help.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed.
Thank you for your help.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed.
Thank you for your help.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed.
Thank you for your help.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed.
Thank you for your help.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed.
Thank you for your help.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed.
Thank you for your help.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed.
Thank you for your help.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed.
Thank you for your help.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed.
Thank you for your help.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed.
Thank you for your help.
From: MuckRock
Hello,
The attached acknowledgement from September 2011 was the last communication received for this request. Please advise.
Thank you.
From: OGC Electronic Freedom of Information
Your request for information has been received. Please read this
automatic reply carefully as this may be the only response you receive
from this office.
If your request involves:
Inmate Records:
Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release date and
location, or date released can be found on the BOP website via the
Inmate Locator at:
http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/LocateInmate.jsp
The website contains information on the current prison population and on
inmates released from 1982 - present. If your request is for information
available on the website, this is the only response you will receive.
If you are unable to access the information via the website you may
resubmit your request, however, please specify that you were unable to
obtain the information from the website. In order that we may continue
to provide needed information in a quick and efficient manner, please
also indicate why you could not obtain the information from the site.
Additionally, the database we use in our office to search for inmate
information is the same database used on our website. If your search
results in "NO RECORD FOUND," there is no further search our office can
conduct that will provide a different response.
If you are requesting information that is not available via the Inmate
Locator, (Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release
date and location, or date released) please be advised that an original
release Authorization from that person that is either notarized or
contains a penalty of perjury statement is required. For your
convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP
website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in
writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
If you believe you are entitled to the information you seek without
authorization from the subject of the record, you should reply to this
email, and indicate that you wish us to process your request as is,
without authorization. You will need to explain why you are entitled to
the information without an authorization. Absent a legally sufficient
reason for releasing the records without consent, your request will be
denied and appeal rights will be given. Otherwise, this is the only
response you will receive to such requests until a written request is
submitted.
Requests for records maintained on non-inmate persons:
Requests for information on an individual cannot be processed without a
current, original release Authorization from that person that is either
notarized or contains a penalty of perjury statement. For your
convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP
website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in
writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
If you believe you are entitled to the information you seek without
authorization from the subject of the record, you should reply to this
text and indicate that you wish us to process your request as is,
without authorization. Otherwise, this is the only response you will
receive to such requests until a written request is submitted.
Requests for information not related to an individual:
All other requests will be processed and a response forwarded as soon as
possible.
BOP's FOIA Service Center:
You may check the status of a request by contacting the BOP's FOIA
Service Center (FSC) at 202.616.7750. Please note that this service is
available only to requesters seeking information concerning the status
of a submitted FOIA request.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thank you for your help.
From: OGC Electronic Freedom of Information
Your request for information has been received. Please read this
automatic reply carefully as this may be the only response you receive
from this office.
If your request involves:
Inmate Records:
Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release date and
location, or date released can be found on the BOP website via the
Inmate Locator at:
http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/LocateInmate.jsp
The website contains information on the current prison population and on
inmates released from 1982 - present. If your request is for information
available on the website, this is the only response you will receive.
If you are unable to access the information via the website you may
resubmit your request, however, please specify that you were unable to
obtain the information from the website. In order that we may continue
to provide needed information in a quick and efficient manner, please
also indicate why you could not obtain the information from the site.
Additionally, the database we use in our office to search for inmate
information is the same database used on our website. If your search
results in "NO RECORD FOUND," there is no further search our office can
conduct that will provide a different response.
If you are requesting information that is not available via the Inmate
Locator, (Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release
date and location, or date released) please be advised that an original
release Authorization from that person that is either notarized or
contains a penalty of perjury statement is required. For your
convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP
website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in
writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
If you believe you are entitled to the information you seek without
authorization from the subject of the record, you should reply to this
email, and indicate that you wish us to process your request as is,
without authorization. You will need to explain why you are entitled to
the information without an authorization. Absent a legally sufficient
reason for releasing the records without consent, your request will be
denied and appeal rights will be given. Otherwise, this is the only
response you will receive to such requests until a written request is
submitted.
Requests for records maintained on non-inmate persons:
Requests for information on an individual cannot be processed without a
current, original release Authorization from that person that is either
notarized or contains a penalty of perjury statement. For your
convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP
website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in
writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
If you believe you are entitled to the information you seek without
authorization from the subject of the record, you should reply to this
text and indicate that you wish us to process your request as is,
without authorization. Otherwise, this is the only response you will
receive to such requests until a written request is submitted.
Requests for information not related to an individual:
All other requests will be processed and a response forwarded as soon as
possible.
BOP's FOIA Service Center:
You may check the status of a request by contacting the BOP's FOIA
Service Center (FSC) at 202.616.7750. Please note that this service is
available only to requesters seeking information concerning the status
of a submitted FOIA request.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thank you for your help.
From: OGC Electronic Freedom of Information
Your request for information has been received. Please read this
automatic reply carefully as this may be the only response you receive
from this office.
If your request involves:
Inmate Records:
Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release date and
location, or date released can be found on the BOP website via the
Inmate Locator at:
http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/LocateInmate.jsp
The website contains information on the current prison population and on
inmates released from 1982 - present. If your request is for information
available on the website, this is the only response you will receive.
If you are unable to access the information via the website you may
resubmit your request, however, please specify that you were unable to
obtain the information from the website. In order that we may continue
to provide needed information in a quick and efficient manner, please
also indicate why you could not obtain the information from the site.
Additionally, the database we use in our office to search for inmate
information is the same database used on our website. If your search
results in "NO RECORD FOUND," there is no further search our office can
conduct that will provide a different response.
If you are requesting information that is not available via the Inmate
Locator, (Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release
date and location, or date released) please be advised that an original
release Authorization from that person that is either notarized or
contains a penalty of perjury statement is required. For your
convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP
website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in
writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
If you believe you are entitled to the information you seek without
authorization from the subject of the record, you should reply to this
email, and indicate that you wish us to process your request as is,
without authorization. You will need to explain why you are entitled to
the information without an authorization. Absent a legally sufficient
reason for releasing the records without consent, your request will be
denied and appeal rights will be given. Otherwise, this is the only
response you will receive to such requests until a written request is
submitted.
Requests for records maintained on non-inmate persons:
Requests for information on an individual cannot be processed without a
current, original release Authorization from that person that is either
notarized or contains a penalty of perjury statement. For your
convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP
website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in
writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
If you believe you are entitled to the information you seek without
authorization from the subject of the record, you should reply to this
text and indicate that you wish us to process your request as is,
without authorization. Otherwise, this is the only response you will
receive to such requests until a written request is submitted.
Requests for information not related to an individual:
All other requests will be processed and a response forwarded as soon as
possible.
BOP's FOIA Service Center:
You may check the status of a request by contacting the BOP's FOIA
Service Center (FSC) at 202.616.7750. Please note that this service is
available only to requesters seeking information concerning the status
of a submitted FOIA request.
From: MuckRock
Hello,
Can you please provide an estimated date of completion for this request? No update has been provided by your office since the attached acknowledgment was received.
Thank you very much for your help.
From: OGC Electronic Freedom of Information
Your request for information has been received. Please read this automatic reply carefully as this may be the only response you receive from this office.
If your request involves:
Inmate Records:
Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release date and location, or date released can be found on the BOP website via the Inmate Locator at:
http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/LocateInmate.jsp
The website contains information on the current prison population and on inmates released from 1982 - present. If your request is for information available on the website, this is the only response you will receive. If you are unable to access the information via the website you may resubmit your request, however, please specify that you were unable to obtain the information from the website. In order that we may continue to provide needed information in a quick and efficient manner, please also indicate why you could not obtain the information from the site.
Additionally, the database we use in our office to search for inmate information is the same database used on our website. If your search results in "NO RECORD FOUND," there is no further search our office can conduct that will provide a different response.
If you are requesting information that is not available via the Inmate Locator, (Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release date and location, or date released) please be advised that an original release Authorization from that person that is either notarized or contains a penalty of perjury statement is required. For your convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
If you believe you are entitled to the information you seek without authorization from the subject of the record, you should reply to this email, and indicate that you wish us to process your request as is, without authorization. You will need to explain why you are entitled to the information without an authorization. Absent a legally sufficient reason for releasing the records without consent, your request will be denied and appeal rights will be given. Otherwise, this is the only response you will receive to such requests until a written request is submitted.
Requests for records maintained on non-inmate persons:
Requests for information on an individual cannot be processed without a current, original release Authorization from that person that is either notarized or contains a penalty of perjury statement. For your convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
If you believe you are entitled to the information you seek without authorization from the subject of the record, you should reply to this text and indicate that you wish us to process your request as is, without authorization. Otherwise, this is the only response you will receive to such requests until a written request is submitted.
Requests for information not related to an individual:
All other requests will be processed and a response forwarded as soon as possible.
BOP's FOIA Service Center:
You may check the status of a request by contacting the BOP's FOIA Service Center (FSC) at 202.616.7750. Please note that this service is available only to requesters seeking information concerning the status of a submitted FOIA request.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thank you for your help.
From: OGC Electronic Freedom of Information
Your request for information has been received. Please read this automatic reply carefully as this may be the only response you receive from this office.
If your request involves:
Inmate Records:
Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release date and location, or date released can be found on the BOP website via the Inmate Locator at:
http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/LocateInmate.jsp
The website contains information on the current prison population and on inmates released from 1982 - present. If your request is for information available on the website, this is the only response you will receive. If you are unable to access the information via the website you may resubmit your request, however, please specify that you were unable to obtain the information from the website. In order that we may continue to provide needed information in a quick and efficient manner, please also indicate why you could not obtain the information from the site.
Additionally, the database we use in our office to search for inmate information is the same database used on our website. If your search results in "NO RECORD FOUND," there is no further search our office can conduct that will provide a different response.
If you are requesting information that is not available via the Inmate Locator, (Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release date and location, or date released) please be advised that an original release Authorization from that person that is either notarized or contains a penalty of perjury statement is required. For your convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
If you believe you are entitled to the information you seek without authorization from the subject of the record, you should reply to this email, and indicate that you wish us to process your request as is, without authorization. You will need to explain why you are entitled to the information without an authorization. Absent a legally sufficient reason for releasing the records without consent, your request will be denied and appeal rights will be given. Otherwise, this is the only response you will receive to such requests until a written request is submitted.
Requests for records maintained on non-inmate persons:
Requests for information on an individual cannot be processed without a current, original release Authorization from that person that is either notarized or contains a penalty of perjury statement. For your convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
If you believe you are entitled to the information you seek without authorization from the subject of the record, you should reply to this text and indicate that you wish us to process your request as is, without authorization. Otherwise, this is the only response you will receive to such requests until a written request is submitted.
Requests for information not related to an individual:
All other requests will be processed and a response forwarded as soon as possible.
BOP's FOIA Service Center:
You may check the status of a request by contacting the BOP's FOIA Service Center (FSC) at 202.616.7750. Please note that this service is available only to requesters seeking information concerning the status of a submitted FOIA request.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thank you for your help.
From: OGC Electronic Freedom of Information
Your request for information has been received. Please read this automatic reply carefully as this may be the only response you receive from this office.
If your request involves:
Inmate Records:
Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release date and location, or date released can be found on the BOP website via the Inmate Locator at:
http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/LocateInmate.jsp
The website contains information on the current prison population and on inmates released from 1982 - present. If your request is for information available on the website, this is the only response you will receive. If you are unable to access the information via the website you may resubmit your request, however, please specify that you were unable to obtain the information from the website. In order that we may continue to provide needed information in a quick and efficient manner, please also indicate why you could not obtain the information from the site.
Additionally, the database we use in our office to search for inmate information is the same database used on our website. If your search results in "NO RECORD FOUND," there is no further search our office can conduct that will provide a different response.
If you are requesting information that is not available via the Inmate Locator, (Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release date and location, or date released) please be advised that an original release Authorization from that person that is either notarized or contains a penalty of perjury statement is required. For your convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
If you believe you are entitled to the information you seek without authorization from the subject of the record, you should reply to this email, and indicate that you wish us to process your request as is, without authorization. You will need to explain why you are entitled to the information without an authorization. Absent a legally sufficient reason for releasing the records without consent, your request will be denied and appeal rights will be given. Otherwise, this is the only response you will receive to such requests until a written request is submitted.
Requests for records maintained on non-inmate persons:
Requests for information on an individual cannot be processed without a current, original release Authorization from that person that is either notarized or contains a penalty of perjury statement. For your convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
If you believe you are entitled to the information you seek without authorization from the subject of the record, you should reply to this text and indicate that you wish us to process your request as is, without authorization. Otherwise, this is the only response you will receive to such requests until a written request is submitted.
Requests for information not related to an individual:
All other requests will be processed and a response forwarded as soon as possible.
BOP's FOIA Service Center:
You may check the status of a request by contacting the BOP's FOIA Service Center (FSC) at 202.616.7750. Please note that this service is available only to requesters seeking information concerning the status of a submitted FOIA request.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thank you for your help.
From: OGC Electronic Freedom of Information
Your request for information has been received. Please read this automatic reply carefully as this may be the only response you receive from this office.
If your request involves:
Inmate Records:
Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release date and location, or date released can be found on the BOP website via the Inmate Locator at:
http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/LocateInmate.jsp
The website contains information on the current prison population and on inmates released from 1982 - present. If your request is for information available on the website, this is the only response you will receive. If you are unable to access the information via the website you may resubmit your request, however, please specify that you were unable to obtain the information from the website. In order that we may continue to provide needed information in a quick and efficient manner, please also indicate why you could not obtain the information from the site.
Additionally, the database we use in our office to search for inmate information is the same database used on our website. If your search results in "NO RECORD FOUND," there is no further search our office can conduct that will provide a different response.
If you are requesting information that is not available via the Inmate Locator, (Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release date and location, or date released) please be advised that an original release Authorization from that person that is either notarized or contains a penalty of perjury statement is required. For your convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
If you believe you are entitled to the information you seek without authorization from the subject of the record, you should reply to this email, and indicate that you wish us to process your request as is, without authorization. You will need to explain why you are entitled to the information without an authorization. Absent a legally sufficient reason for releasing the records without consent, your request will be denied and appeal rights will be given. Otherwise, this is the only response you will receive to such requests until a written request is submitted.
Requests for records maintained on non-inmate persons:
Requests for information on an individual cannot be processed without a current, original release Authorization from that person that is either notarized or contains a penalty of perjury statement. For your convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
If you believe you are entitled to the information you seek without authorization from the subject of the record, you should reply to this text and indicate that you wish us to process your request as is, without authorization. Otherwise, this is the only response you will receive to such requests until a written request is submitted.
Requests for information not related to an individual:
All other requests will be processed and a response forwarded as soon as possible.
BOP's FOIA Service Center:
You may check the status of a request by contacting the BOP's FOIA Service Center (FSC) at 202.616.7750. Please note that this service is available only to requesters seeking information concerning the status of a submitted FOIA request.
From: OGC Electronic Freedom of Information
This case was closed on 9/24/2012, see attached letter. Please submit a new request.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thank you for your help.
From: OGC Electronic Freedom of Information
Your request for information has been received. Please read this automatic reply carefully as this may be the only response you receive from this office.
If your request involves:
Inmate Records:
Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release date and location, or date released can be found on the BOP website via the Inmate Locator at:
http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/LocateInmate.jsp
The website contains information on the current prison population and on inmates released from 1982 - present. If your request is for information available on the website, this is the only response you will receive. If you are unable to access the information via the website you may resubmit your request, however, please specify that you were unable to obtain the information from the website. In order that we may continue to provide needed information in a quick and efficient manner, please also indicate why you could not obtain the information from the site.
Additionally, the database we use in our office to search for inmate information is the same database used on our website. If your search results in "NO RECORD FOUND," there is no further search our office can conduct that will provide a different response.
If you are requesting information that is not available via the Inmate Locator, (Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release date and location, or date released) please be advised that an original release Authorization from that person that is either notarized or contains a penalty of perjury statement is required. For your convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
If you believe you are entitled to the information you seek without authorization from the subject of the record, you should reply to this email, and indicate that you wish us to process your request as is, without authorization. You will need to explain why you are entitled to the information without an authorization. Absent a legally sufficient reason for releasing the records without consent, your request will be denied and appeal rights will be given. Otherwise, this is the only response you will receive to such requests until a written request is submitted.
Requests for records maintained on non-inmate persons:
Requests for information on an individual cannot be processed without a current, original release Authorization from that person that is either notarized or contains a penalty of perjury statement. For your convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
If you believe you are entitled to the information you seek without authorization from the subject of the record, you should reply to this text and indicate that you wish us to process your request as is, without authorization. Otherwise, this is the only response you will receive to such requests until a written request is submitted.
Requests for information not related to an individual:
All other requests will be processed and a response forwarded as soon as possible.
BOP's FOIA Service Center:
You may check the status of a request by contacting the BOP's FOIA Service Center (FSC) at 202.616.7750. Please note that this service is available only to requesters seeking information concerning the status of a submitted FOIA request.
From: OGC Electronic Freedom of Information
This request was closed. Please see attached letter that was previously mailed on 9/24/2011.
From: Jason Smathers
This is an appeal under the Freedom of Information Act.
On 9/12/2011, I requested:
"All records or files relating to events leading up to, including and following a April 20, 2008 disturbance at USP Florence that involved about 200 inmates and lasted almost half an hour. The BOP describes the disturbance as a race riot, started when white inmates walked across the prison soccer field in an aggressive manner yelling racial slurs. The prison's attempts to control the inmates failed, and white and African-American inmates began physically assaulting each other, striking each other with fists, kicks, baseball bats, and stabbing each other with homemade knives. The prison attempted to disburse the group by firing less than lethal munitions and gas rounds. When the riot continued, the prison fired lethal munitions. Finally, prison staff was able to separate the groups and regain control of the situation. During the fighting, however, two inmates were shot by prison guards and dozens of other inmates were injured. "
I received a letter dated September 27, 2011 stating my request was being processed.
I asked for the status of my request every month for 3.5 years and only received one reply to those status requests. In October of 2012, I received a reply saying that I should expect a letter concerning fees. However, no such letter was ever received, so I responded to the email saying that I never received any letter concerning fees. I continued to request the status of the request every month, without any more responses until April of 2015 when I am provided a shocking letter saying my request was closed on September 24, 2011.
To recap the timeline:
9/12/2011: request made, and I send monthly status request emails.
9/27/2011: request acknowledged
10/3/2012: received email stating that I should expect to receive a fee letter, but the letter never comes. I continue to send monthly status requests, but receive no reply.
5/7/2013: I send an additional email stating the fee letter never came (my monthly status requests continue)
4/9/2015: I send my monthly status request, but this time someone from BOP responds. The shocking response includes a letter dated 9/24/2011 saying my request was closed. "As a result of the significant backlog experienced by the Bureau of Prisons... we are closing this request." This is shocking for a few reasons: (1) It appears to be manufactured because it is dated before the first time BOP sent acknowledgement of my request. (2) The fact that the BOP would be closing requests without any notice or consent to reduce backlog is offensive on its face and clearly is contrary to the letter and spirit of the Freedom of Information Act. (3) The fact that I sent 42 monthly status requests and 40 of them were ignored, yet the BOP would even entertain the thought that I am no longer interested in my request.
I appeal the closing of this request and expect a response including a release of the responsive records.
I also appeal any fees because the BOP has failed to meet the statutory deadline, thus the BOP's ability to charge fees is now limited under the 2007 amendments to FOIA. Although I never received a fee letter, I provide this appeal proactively because of the email stating that I would be receiving a fee letter that never came.
For the reasons in this letter and all others deemed appropriate by the appeals authority, I hereby appeal.
Regards,
Jason Smathers
From: Jason Smathers
The letter you sent me closing my request is ludicrous on its face. I have sent monthly status requests emails for 3.5 years, thus I am clearly interested in receiving the records (note that the BOP ignored 40 out of 42 status request letters). Also, the first acknowledgement letter I have from the BOP on this request is dated 9/27/2011, yet, you just provided me a letter dated 9/24/2011 closing my request to clear your backlog. I suspect the BOP has manufactured this 9/24/2011 letter as I never received it and it is dated before you first acknowledged my request. Even if the 9/24/2011 letter was real, you wouldn't expect me to respond to it after receiving a 9/27/2011 letter saying you were processing my request. Please process my request now. Thank you.
From: OGC Electronic Freedom of Information
Your request for information has been received. Please read this automatic reply carefully as this may be the only response you receive from this office.
If your request involves:
Inmate Records:
Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release date and location, or date released can be found on the BOP website via the Inmate Locator at:
http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/LocateInmate.jsp
The website contains information on the current prison population and on inmates released from 1982 - present. If your request is for information available on the website, this is the only response you will receive. If you are unable to access the information via the website you may resubmit your request, however, please specify that you were unable to obtain the information from the website. In order that we may continue to provide needed information in a quick and efficient manner, please also indicate why you could not obtain the information from the site.
Additionally, the database we use in our office to search for inmate information is the same database used on our website. If your search results in "NO RECORD FOUND," there is no further search our office can conduct that will provide a different response.
If you are requesting information that is not available via the Inmate Locator, (Inmate register numbers, age, race, sex, projected release date and location, or date released) please be advised that an original release Authorization from that person that is either notarized or contains a penalty of perjury statement is required. For your convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
If you believe you are entitled to the information you seek without authorization from the subject of the record, you should reply to this email, and indicate that you wish us to process your request as is, without authorization. You will need to explain why you are entitled to the information without an authorization. Absent a legally sufficient reason for releasing the records without consent, your request will be denied and appeal rights will be given. Otherwise, this is the only response you will receive to such requests until a written request is submitted.
Requests for records maintained on non-inmate persons:
Requests for information on an individual cannot be processed without a current, original release Authorization from that person that is either notarized or contains a penalty of perjury statement. For your convenience, you may use form DOJ-361, which can be found on the BOP website for a release authorization. This request must be submitted in writing to:
FOIA/PA Office
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20534
If you believe you are entitled to the information you seek without authorization from the subject of the record, you should reply to this text and indicate that you wish us to process your request as is, without authorization. Otherwise, this is the only response you will receive to such requests until a written request is submitted.
Requests for information not related to an individual:
All other requests will be processed and a response forwarded as soon as possible.
BOP's FOIA Service Center:
You may check the status of a request by contacting the BOP's FOIA Service Center (FSC) at 202.616.7750. Please note that this service is available only to requesters seeking information concerning the status of a submitted FOIA request.
From: Jason Smathers
The below appeal(s) have been mailed to your office. Please confirm receipt.
---
This is an appeal under the Freedom of Information Act.
On 9/12/2011, I requested:
"All records or files relating to events leading up to, including and following a April 20, 2008 disturbance at USP Florence that involved about 200 inmates and lasted almost half an hour. The BOP describes the disturbance as a race riot, started when white inmates walked across the prison soccer field in an aggressive manner yelling racial slurs. The prison's attempts to control the inmates failed, and white and African-American inmates began physically assaulting each other, striking each other with fists, kicks, baseball bats, and stabbing each other with homemade knives. The prison attempted to disburse the group by firing less than lethal munitions and gas rounds. When the riot continued, the prison fired lethal munitions. Finally, prison staff was able to separate the groups and regain control of the situation. During the fighting, however, two inmates were shot by prison guards and dozens of other inmates were injured. "
I received a letter dated September 27, 2011 stating my request was being processed.
I asked for the status of my request every month for 3.5 years and only received one reply to those status requests. In October of 2012, I received a reply saying that I should expect a letter concerning fees. However, no such letter was ever received, so I responded to the email saying that I never received any letter concerning fees. I continued to request the status of the request every month, without any more responses until April of 2015 when I am provided a shocking letter saying my request was closed on September 24, 2011.
To recap the timeline:
9/12/2011: request made, and I send monthly status request emails.
9/27/2011: request acknowledged
10/3/2012: received email stating that I should expect to receive a fee letter, but the letter never comes. I continue to send monthly status requests, but receive no reply.
5/7/2013: I send an additional email stating the fee letter never came (my monthly status requests continue)
4/9/2015: I send my monthly status request, but this time someone from BOP responds. The shocking response includes a letter dated 9/24/2011 saying my request was closed. "As a result of the significant backlog experienced by the Bureau of Prisons... we are closing this request." This is shocking for a few reasons: (1) It appears to be manufactured because it is dated before the first time BOP sent acknowledgement of my request. (2) The fact that the BOP would be closing requests without any notice or consent to reduce backlog is offensive on its face and clearly is contrary to the letter and spirit of the Freedom of Information Act. (3) The fact that I sent 42 monthly status requests and 40 of them were ignored, yet the BOP would even entertain the thought that I am no longer interested in my request.
I appeal the closing of this request and expect a response including a release of the responsive records.
I also appeal any fees because the BOP has failed to meet the statutory deadline, thus the BOP's ability to charge fees is now limited under the 2007 amendments to FOIA. Although I never received a fee letter, I provide this appeal proactively because of the email stating that I would be receiving a fee letter that never came.
For the reasons in this letter and all others deemed appropriate by the appeals authority, I hereby appeal.
Regards,
Jason Smathers
The letter you sent me closing my request is ludicrous on its face. I have sent monthly status requests emails for 3.5 years, thus I am clearly interested in receiving the records (note that the BOP ignored 40 out of 42 status request letters). Also, the first acknowledgement letter I have from the BOP on this request is dated 9/27/2011, yet, you just provided me a letter dated 9/24/2011 closing my request to clear your backlog. I suspect the BOP has manufactured this 9/24/2011 letter as I never received it and it is dated before you first acknowledged my request. Even if the 9/24/2011 letter was real, you wouldn't expect me to respond to it after receiving a 9/27/2011 letter saying you were processing my request. Please process my request now. Thank you.
From: Kara Christenson
Good afternoon Mr. Smathers,
I will take care of this issue within the next couple days. I am in the middle of processing another request. Once I have completed it, I will move to this one. You can contact me directly with any questions or concerns. My direct telephone number is 507-424-7449.
Sincerely,
Kara Christenson
From: OIP-NoReply
Please do not reply to this e-mail, as this account is not monitored. To ensure a prompt reply, please direct any inquiries to the contact information listed in the correspondence provided to you. Thank you.
From: OIP-NoReply
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thank you for your help.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thank you for your help.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Sept. 12, 2011. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #11-11003.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
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