CG-611 Management Programs and Policy Division
Washington, DC
Freedom of Information & Privacy Acts
The Freedom of Information Act, also
known as the FOIA, was enacted in 1966 and is the primary means by which the
public has access to records in the possession of Executive Branch agencies of
the Federal Government. The FOIA is operated under the premise that the public
has a right to know what the Government is doing, how it is being done, and what
information is being collected. However, to prevent individuals, businesses, and
government from harm resulting from the release of certain information, the FOIA
provides a means by which limited information can be withheld from disclosure.
Transparency and Open Government. Per the direction of White House Memorandum dated 21 January 2009, the U.S. Coast Guard
will continue to operate our FOIA Program under a presumption of disclosure; however, FOIA exemptions still apply. We are awaiting further
guidance from the Attorney General regarding provisions of Executive Order 13392, and will post new information as it becomes available.
The Privacy Act provides safeguards for the protection
of records the Federal Government collects on United States citizens or
lawfully admitted permanent residents. Under the Privacy Act of 1974, an individual United States citizen or Legal Permanent Resident may seek to
access, correct, or amend records that are retrieved by name or other personal identifier such as one's social security number (SSN) contained in a
systems-of-records. Such requests will be processed in accordance with applicable legal requirements and exemptions under the governing regulations
(e.g., 28 CFR 16.40 and 28 CFR 16.77) and statutes such as FOIA and the Privacy Act (cf. 5 U.S.C. 552a(j)-(k)), as appropriate.
Requests may be made in any written form that bears the requester's signature. Requests for information contained in a PA system-of-records must:
(1) be accompanied by a consent form or verification of identity attesting that you are the record subject (or his/her legal guardian) or that you
have the record subject's consent; (2) clearly identify the particular record(s) at issue; and (3) indicate the precise nature of any amendment,
correction, or other action sought, and the reason or justification for such action. See Chapter 13 of COMDTINST M5260.3 for specific information
on providing verification of identity and/or consent from individuals.
See Also
- Department of Homeland Security FOIA Homepage
- FOIA Library
- FOIA Annual Reports
- FOIA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Tutorial
- Mandated Privacy Awareness Training
- Privacy Impact Assessment Official Guidance
- Protecting and Handling Personnel Related Data
- Standard Response Regarding Collection of SSN in Federal Employee Context
- Check Status of Request Submitted to USCG
FOIA requests may be submitted in writing via mail or overnight carrier to:
-
COMMANDANT (CG-611)
ATTN FOIA OFFICER
US COAST GUARD STOP 7710
2703 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR AVE SE
WASHINGTON DC 20593-7710
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