Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
INTRODUCTION: The Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552, generally provides any person with the statutory right of
access to Government information in the Executive Branch agency records. This right of access is limited when
such information is protected from disclosure by one or more of the nine FOIA
statutory exemptions.
1. How to make a FOIA request for Army IG
records:
The FOIA request must be in writing and must
provide an adequate description of the records being sought. You may use the
DAIG FOIA Request Form for this purpose.
The FOIA request may be sent to the Army IG FOIA office via the following
delivery methods:
Mail: Office of the Inspector
General
ATTN: SAIG-ZXR (Records
Release)
1700 Army Pentagon, RM 1E132
Washington, DC 20310
E-mail:
usarmy.pentagon.hqda-otig.mbx.saig-zxl@mail.mil
FAX: (703) 545-4585
The FOIA request should be as specific as
possible with regard to names, dates, time frames, places, events, subjects,
etc. In other words, describe the
records being sought as accurately and definitively as possible. The more specific the request is, the
more likely we can conduct an accurate search for records responsive to the
request. Ensure that your contact information (mailing address, e-mail,
telephone number) are reflected in your FOIA request. This information is necessary in the
event that we need to reach you for additional information or clarification.
2. Frequently requested Army IG reports: The Army IG Records Release Office makes certain types of records available in the Reading Room, specifically reports that fall under document category (a)(2)(D), “Records released to the public under the FOIA, that are or will likely become the subject of subsequent requests.” You may review these reports by clicking this link: IG Reports.
3.
Expedited Processing: Under certain conditions, you may be
entitled to have your request processed on an expedited basis. However, in an effort to treat all
requesters equitably, DAIG will expedite a FOIA request only in cases in which
there are exceptional factors, such as jeopardy to life or personal safety,
threatened loss of substantial due process rights, or if the requester
demonstrates a “compelling need.”
The requester can show compelling need by establishing that his or her failure
to obtain the records quickly could reasonably be expected to pose an imminent
threat to the life or physical safety of an individual, or if the requester is a
person primarily engaged in disseminating information, by demonstrating that an
urgency to inform the public concerning actual or alleged Federal Government
activity exists. You should include
a statement in your FOIA request requesting for expedited processing, if
applicable.
4.
DAIG Public FOIA Liaison: If you are not satisfied with the
service you received from the DAIG Records Release Office, you may contact Ms.
Margaret B. Baines, FOIA Public Liaison, for assistance, (703) 545-4588.
5.
Other FOIA Resources:
DOD FOIA Office:
www.dod.mil/pubs/foi/dfoipo
DOD IG FOIA Requester Service Center:
www.dodig.mil/FOIA/submit.html