Records of warrants issued for protester cellphones confiscated after the inauguration

Mike Davis filed this request with the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, DC.
Due Feb. 28, 2017
Est. Completion None
Status
Awaiting Response

Communications

From: Mike Davis

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the District of Columbia Freedom of Information Act of 1974, D.C. Code Ann. ยง 2-531 et seq. ("D.C. Act"), I hereby request the following records:

It has been widely reported that protesters who were arrested during the presidential inauguration have seen social networking account activity which implies that their devices are currently charged and either improperly stored and/or have officers attempting to search these devices for information, and while any information about any investigations may be not be public record, this FOIA request seeks any public records pertaining to warrants issued which have not been sealed.

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 15 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Mike Davis

From: Kaufman, Donald (MPD)

Mr. Davis:

I am writing to seek a clarification of your request. The court system, not MPD, issues and seals warrants and would maintain those records. Are there specific records which you are seeking for which MPD could search in accordance with the manner in which it maintains records?

Donald Kaufman
MPD FOIA Officer

From: Mike Davis

Hello I appreciate the follow up, and I will seek the warrants themselves from the court system, I am seeking the public records you may have with regards to these warrants such as any applications for those warrants, any denials etc.

thank you for requesting clarification.

From: Kaufman, Donald (MPD)

As I stated previously, warrants are issued through the court system. They are obtained by prosecutors, who apply for the warrants. MPD does not track warrants issued or denied; denials would be court records. Accordingly, I am seeking a refinement of your request.

Donald Kaufman

From: Mike Davis

I understand your point, and have submitted another foia for those records as well, however I will allow this FOIA to stand as I understand that your rejection is required before I can take legal action.

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