Publisher's Synopsis
This comprehensive book provides vital information about requesting government records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act of 1974, with detailed sample request and appeal letters useful for any situation. It includes the FOIA Reference Guide from the Department of Justice, a list of federal department and agency FOIA contacts, a description of recent FOIA litigation, exemptions from disclosure, Your Right to Federal Records, and A Citizen's Guide on Using FOIA and the Privacy Act. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was enacted in 1966 and generally provides that any person has the right to request access to federal agency records or information. All agencies of the Executive Branch of the United States Government are required to disclose records upon receiving a written request for them, except for those records (or portions of them) that are protected from disclosure by the nine exemptions and three exclusions of the FOIA. This right of access is enforceable in court. The FOIA does not, however, provide access to records held by state or local government agencies, or by private businesses or individuals. The Reference Guide is designed to familiarize you with the specific procedures for making a FOIA request. The process is neither complicated nor time consuming. Following the guidance will make it more likely that you will receive the information that you are seeking in the shortest amount of time possible. Some contents include: access to certain records without a FOIA request; where and how to make a request; response times; expedited processing; fees; fee waivers; appeals; FOIA contacts; what the Freedom of Information Act is and how to use it; exemptions and what they cover; how long will it take to get the information requested; what is the Privacy Act; which act to use; filing a judicial appeal; the scope of the Privacy Act; the computer matching and privacy protection act; locating records; amending records under the Privacy Act; the full text of both FOIA and the Privacy Act. This is a privately authored news service and educational publication of Progressive Management. Our publications synthesize official government information with original material - they are not produced by the federal government. They are designed to provide a convenient user-friendly reference work to uniformly present authoritative knowledge that can be rapidly read, reviewed or searched. Vast archives of important data that might otherwise remain inaccessible are available for instant review no matter where you are. This e-book format makes a great reference work and educational tool. There is no other reference book that is as convenient, comprehensive, thoroughly researched, and portable - everything you need to know, from renowned experts you trust. For over a quarter of a century, our news, educational, technical, scientific, and medical publications have made unique and valuable references accessible to all people. Our e-books put knowledge at your fingertips, and an expert in your pocket!
