doober

My thought also. They are trying to stall with the hopes that Phil will give up.

pmocek

Thanks. I didn't understand your second paragraph, but today I placed a new request for the TSA Screening Management SOP manual.

pmocek

TSA replied:

In response, I wrote:

pmocek

I recently received notice that my request (TSA09-0624) will require TSA to invoke the 10-day extension allowed by FOIA to the 20-business-day period in which they are required to comply.

Oddly, though I requested (at warning1369's suggestion) TSA's "Screening Management SOP manual" then at the FOIA officer's request, clarified that to mean "a written description of procedures [their] staff use at airport checkpoints when searching and interrogating people who are stopped by [their] staff at those checkpoints" they now say that my request seeks numerous documents that will necessiate a thorough and wide-ranging search.

Is there not such a thing as the Screening Management SOP Manual? I figured they'd just pull one document, redact it as necessary, and pass it along.

pmocek

As of August 3, 2009, I have received no further contact from TSA regarding my June 15, 2009, FOIA request.

Boggie Dog

Wonder if a Federal Court could hold TSA's feet to the fire?

pmocek

I welcome advice on how to go about doing that.

In the meantime, I think I'll contact my Congressional representatives with a request for assistance.

Boggie Dog

You might be able to file in a federal court without a lawyer but I suspect it would be fairly difficult to learn enough quickly to do it yourself. If you can find counsel the job would be much easier. Call the ACLU or ask a local legal referral group for suggestions.

I would call all your congressional reps offices telling them that TSA has not answer a FIOA request and be sure to tell them how long you have been waiting.

Ask your reps to inquire on your behalf why your request has not been answered in the time allowed under current law. Also ask your representatives why a government agency is permitted by congress to act outside the law as evidence by repeated problems noted in the press and current legal actions being taken against TSA. Lets put the blame for this self induced problem exactly were fault lies, with the United States Congress and their lack of oversight.

I think every little bit of pressure we can place on TSA will contribute to bringing change to this out of control agency.

greggwiggins

There are some suggestions regarding how to deal with a delayed FOIA response in the guide for reporters described in post #12.

An excerpt:

Certain agencies regularly fail to meet the Act’s time requirements. For example, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have an average processing rate of one year, although many requests have lingered for several years at both agencies and others. Other agencies where long delays may be anticipated include the State Department, the Justice Department and the CIA.

Because of the size of the backlogs, courts have been reluctant to strictly enforce the Act’s time limits so long as agencies are processing requests in a reasonable manner. Unless you believe that is not the case, it may be best to wait for the agency to complete the processing of your request — especially because of the 2007 provision precluding the agencies from charging fees in these cases. However, it is wise to keep in touch with the agency while your request is pending so the agency will not think you have lost interest in the documents. You can also track your request on your own, either online or over the phone, by using the tracking number the agency is required to provide you. Agencies must log the date on which they received the request and the estimated date they will complete action on the request, and link that to the tracking number.

Trollkiller

Does anyone know how to track them online?

pmocek

I found sites for other federal agencies, but not yet for DHS.

Trollkiller

Let me know if you find it, my Google skills have failed so far.

pmocek

I e-mailed the TSA FOIA office with a request for status and received a prompt reply:

My request was for "a written description of procedures your staff use at airport checkpoints when searching and interrogating people who are stopped by your staff at those checkpoints". Given the information that Gregg alerted me to, I think I'll give them some time and look into that 2007 provision that could prevent them from charging me for fulfilling the request. I'd love to pressure them with a federal lawsuit, but this seems more practical.

Trollkiller

I just emailed them for a status check on one of my FOIA requests. I basically copy/pasted your letter.

I am sad to say I discovered the one FOIA request they bounced for more information was never given a control number. Bummer, but that one was the light weight one that I was not even worried about.

doober

This is interesting:

Perhaps the public really is finally getting fed up with the TSA.