DEA Major Information Systems

TITLE: Freedom of Information

ACRONYM: FOIA

ORIGINATOR:

Department/Agency Name: U.S. Department of Justice/Drug Enforcement Administration
Major Organization Subdivision: Operational Support Division
Minor Organization Subdivision: Freedom of Information and Records Management Section
Name of Unit: Freedom of Information Operations Unit
Street Address: 700 Army-Navy Drive
City: Arlington
State: Virginia
Zip Code: 22202
Country: United States
Hours of Service: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Telephone: 202-307-7596
FAX: 202-307-8556
E-Mail Address:

ABSTRACT: This system of records maintains an index of statistical data and responses to Freedom of Information and Privacy Act requests received from the media, researchers, incarcerated persons, businesses, DEA employees, and the general public. Computerized Electronic Freedom of Information Act System (E-FOIA) contains all DEA investigation and information provided by other Federal, State, Local and other investigative agencies. This system allows the Unit to electronically redact information maintained in DEA systems of records. The system consists of numerical sequence (FOIA number), requester, and subject of request of subject matter files. Files maintained in DEA Field Offices and Country Offices are also structured in this manner.

PURPOSE: Agency records are maintained in the FOIA system, in order to allow DEA to efficiently tract and redact information from a variety of sources, as an authorized responsible component of the Department of Justice.

ACCESS CONSTRAINTS: All records in FOIA are protected from unauthorized access through appropriate administrative, physical an technical safeguard systems which include restricting access to only those individuals with a need-to-know to perform their official duties and responsibilities as part of the Freedom of Information/Privacy Act. Access Codes are utilized to access the E-FOIA system.

USE CONSTRAINTS: Use of the FOIA system is restricted to those authorized to perform assigned tasks.

AGENCY PROGRAM: The DEA is one of the principal investigative agencies of the Department of Justice. FOIA is one of the tools DEA utilizes to access information concerning criminal investigations, civil litigations, program studies and a variety of other activities as it relates to drug enforcement.

SOURCE OF DATA: The FOIA system contains data obtained as a result of DEA investigations, administrative hearings, congressional testimonies and other information provided by other Federal, State and local and other investigative agencies.

RESPONSIBLE OFFICE FOR DISTRIBUTING INFORMATION ( if different from originator):

Department/Agency Name: U.S. Department of Justice/Drug Enforcement Administration
Major Organization Subdivision: Operational Support Division
Minor Organization Subdivision: Freedom of Information and Records Management Section
Name of Unit: Freedom of Information Operations Unit
Street Address: 700 Army Navy Drive
City: Arlington
State: VA
Zip Code: 22202
Country: United States
Hours of Service: 8:30am -5:00pm
Telephone: 202 307-7596
FAX: 202 307-8556
E-Mail Address:

ORDER PROCESS: A request for access to records maintained by DEA will be made in writing. The request will include the requester's full name, complete address, date of birth, place of birth, notarized signature, and other identifying data the requester wishes to furnish to assist in making a proper search of DEA's records. The requester will also provide a return address for transmitting the information. Requests for access to information will be addressed to the Chief, Freedom of Information Operations Unit, 700 Army-Navy Drive, Arlington, VA 22202.

OFFICE OF CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION (if different from originator):

Department/Agency Name: See Above
Major Organization Subdivision:
Minor Organization Subdivision:
Name of Unit:
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Country:
Hours of Service:
Telephone:
FAX:
E-Mail Address:

DATE OF LAST MODIFICATION: 12/98