[sci.crypt] Getting Freedom of Information response from the FBI

jmm@thoth9.berkeley.edu (03/07/88)

[I'm posting here because I can't think of other groups that might be able
to help, and people here might find the information generated useful.]

In December I sent the FBI a request under the FIA for information
concerning the Society for Creative Anachronism.  On 6 January 1988
they responded with a form letter stating that they received my
request and that they were searching their indices for references.  On
28 January I received another form letter stating that they had
located appropirate documents  ([box checked off] "We have located
documents which may pertain to your request(s).")  They also checked
the box that says "As a result of the large number of FOIPA requests
received by the FBI, we may encounter some delay in processing your
request(s). ..."  

I'd like people's experiences as to how long it actually takes the FBI
to finally find the information.  Should I expect to wait until
sometime in 1990?


/ James Moore		/    	|  jmm@bartleby.berkeley.edu
/ 			/	|--------------------------------------------|
/ Ma ta Gaeilge agut,	/	|   Nil aon speis ag Ollscoile na	     |
/ scriobh i!		/	|   California im bharulacha fein.           |

moto@cad.Berkeley.EDU (EDIF Committee) (03/10/88)

I put in a request in 1981 and (finally) got all the responses in 1985!
They are slow, but seem to be pretty thorough. i was after info. they had from
my old security clearance (as well as fishing for anthing else they had on me)
I turned up 37 pages of stuff, with just things like project codes blacked out,
and 2 pages that are still "confidential".

Overall I would say its VERY slow, but worth the effort.

Mike Waters