There is much more to this request. The request is not specific. Much time must be spent researching the file as many documents most likely do not relate to the issue being sought. That is very costly. FOIA request responses only release documents specifically related to the request. There may be and probably are many documents in these files which do not. Each page must be reviewed for sensitive information, ie: law enforcement names. 3rd party ID info., attorney work product, law enforcement sources who could be endangered if ID was released, attorney work product etc. Documents are not just copied and released. Whether documents are paper or digitized, they still must be read and redacted carefully. Any investigation of a cartel leader undoubtedly took years and involved many sources and sensitive investigations which may still be tied to current law enforcement activities. The Freedom of Information Act provides for approximately a dozen exemptions for non releasable subjects and much danger could be involved if not handled with much caution. Furthermore, the law does provide that an agency may deny a request if it creates a substantial burden upon the agency. Otherwise, a deluge of frivolous requests could drive an agency to a halt which in no way serves the intent of the FOIA.
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FOIA
The request is not specific. Much time must be spent researching the file as many documents most likely do not relate to the issue being sought. That is very costly. FOIA request responses only release documents specifically related to the request. There may be and probably are many documents in these files which do not.
Each page must be reviewed for sensitive information, ie: law enforcement names. 3rd party ID info., attorney work product, law enforcement sources who could be endangered if ID was released, attorney work product etc. Documents are not just copied and released. Whether documents are paper or digitized, they still must be read and redacted carefully.
Any investigation of a cartel leader undoubtedly took years and involved many sources and sensitive investigations which may still be tied to current law enforcement activities. The Freedom of Information Act provides for approximately a dozen exemptions for non releasable subjects and much danger could be involved if not handled with much caution. Furthermore, the law does provide that an agency may deny a request if it creates a substantial burden upon the agency. Otherwise, a deluge of frivolous requests could drive an agency to a halt which in no way serves the intent of the FOIA.
Techdirt has not posted any stories submitted by R. Toynbee.
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