Privacy Act
 

A few weeks ago I submitted a FOIA/PA request to TSA requesting all records that they maintain about me. I did this with CBP a few months ago and had no problem, but TSA rejected the request. They said that I needed to specify a specific record and that my request was too broad.

This seems like a load of garbage to me, but I can't find anything specific that I can point them to. Can anyone help?

Have you filed any complaints with the TSA? Start with an FOIA request about any complaints previously filed with them.

They know that most folks won't go through the time and trouble to file a lawsuit, which is a remedy for denial. I believe you can appeal it within the agency, but that really makes them both judge and jury.

Double secret probation: require the requester to specify the record, but turn down the request to determine which record you want. Convenient way to "cockroach" you.

I can help, but not before Monday. PM me if you would like to email a soft copy of your original request. That will help me draft a second request in response to their denial.

The "too broad a request" is one of the oldest tricks in the book. Some agencies respond this way to help the requester (like what we used to do). Other agencies do this to simply blow you off.

We need to give the TSA another opportunity to respond before we ratchet this up to the next level.

No offense meant and taking nothing from your willingness to help a fellow FTer ^, but I hope you'll also admit that the OP should exclude their non-public personal information in their request before sharing it with you.

Thanks a ton FW2M, I'll send it over now.