Crime Victims Can Obtain CID Investigation Records Through a FOIA Request
When a criminal case involving the U.S. Army comes to a close, many victims understandably want to know more about how their case was handled. They may be interested in obtaining copies of the summaries of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) investigation, or of any administrative or court-martial proceedings connected to their case. Fortunately, federal law gives victims a path to do exactly that—through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.
The guidance below walks you through the process step by step if you are a victim.
What Is a FOIA Request?
The Freedom of Information Act is a federal statute that gives you the right to request access to federal agency records. By default, the government is obligated to disclose those records to you. However, the government may withhold records, or portions of them, when the law specifically exempts that information from disclosure.
One important thing to keep in mind: any material that is released to you will be redacted to remove information that could identify a third party mentioned in the records—anyone other than yourself. This is a standard privacy protection, so do not be surprised when some names or details are blacked out.
Step-by-Step: How to Submit Your Request
Step 1: Visit the CID FOIA Page
Begin by going to the Army CID FOIA request page: https://www.cid.army.mil/Resources/FOIA-Requests/
Take your time and read through the page carefully. It contains helpful background on the process and what to expect.
Step 2: Locate the Request Form
Scroll to the bottom of the page until you see a box labeled "FOIA Requests." Inside that box, click the link labeled "Army CID FOIA Request Form." This will open a fillable form.
Step 3: Complete the Form
Most of the form is straightforward. The most important field is the description box. Here, you should:
• Identify yourself as the victim.
• Identify the offender by name.
• Include the CID case number.
• Include the investigation dates.
• Include the date of the board or other proceedings.
• Add anything else you can think of that will help the office identify exactly what you are requesting.
The more specific you are, the easier it is for the FOIA office to locate the right records.
Step 4: Request a Fee Waiver
The form notes that a FOIA request costs $250 unless you qualify for a fee waiver. As a crime victim, you have a strong basis to request that the fee be reduced or waived entirely.
Check the box requesting a fee waiver, and copy the following language into the justification box:
"The time required for the search requested will not exceed the amount set by the CFR for charging the full fee amount. Additionally, it is in the public's interest to permit victims of crimes access to summaries of their investigations and the following administrative/UCMJ proceedings as it provides means of maintaining accountability over government disposition of misconduct and allows greater insight into the operations/activities the government uses to handle misconduct. There is no commercial interest."
This language explains both that the search should be quick and that releasing the records serves the public interest—two factors that support a reduced or waived fee.
Step 5: Submit Your Request
Once the form is complete, email it—along with a copy of your government-issued ID—to:
usarmy.belvoir.hqda-usacid.mbx.crcfoiapa@army.mil
Including your ID helps verify your identity and ensures you receive the records you are entitled to as the victim.
Need Help?
If you run into any issues during the process, you can contact the Army CID FOIA Office directly:
• Phone: +1-571-305-4261
• Email: usarmy.belvoir.hqda-usacid.mbx.crcfoiapa@army.mil
Final Thoughts
Requesting your records can feel like one more hurdle after an already difficult experience, but the process is more manageable than it may appear. By being thorough in your description, requesting a fee waiver with the recommended language, and including your ID, you give yourself the best chance of obtaining the records efficiently and at little or no cost. These records can provide meaningful closure and insight into how your case was handled, and exercising your FOIA rights helps maintain accountability over the government's response to misconduct.
This article is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. If you have questions about your specific situation, consider consulting an attorney at your nearest Legal Assistance Office. To speak with an attorney in the Fort Bliss Legal Assistance Office on this or any other topic, please schedule an appointment by emailing usarmy.bliss.hqda-otjag.mesg.bliss-legal-assistance-office@army.mil at any time or by calling (915) 568-7141 during business hours.
Capt. Andres Reyes De Leon, Special Victims Counsel