Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act Office

Question: What information do I need to include in a FOIA request? Is there a specific form I should use?

Answer: You may use the forms or follow the letter example provided in the Forms section. To ensure your request can be processed promptly, provide the following information. 

1. Contact information: Include your name, address, phone number and email so that the FOIA office may correspond with you.  Military members and Federal employees should provide a non-government email address and contact information.

2. Description of the records: Provide enough information so that the record can be located. Include information such as the type of record and the specific details including dates, case numbers, and possible record holders of the records i.e. the command, office or agency in possession of the records. Include the timeframe for the records you seek. 

3. Fee Information: State your willingness to pay fees or the fee amount you are willing to pay. Be aware that video and audio records require special processing, and the request will incur extra costs.

Police reports and investigations: Additional information is required when requesting a police report or investigation records.  The FOIA office will contact you for additional information or to clarify your request if your request does not provide enough information for a non-random search or, does not include supporting documents needed to release information pertaining to the individual listed in the record. 

Attorneys and representatives: If you are requesting a record on behalf of another person, that individual must provide a written authorization for the release of their information to you. Attorneys must provide signed client agreements that authorizes representation to act on client’s behalf.

Question: How do I request a copy of my traffic accident report or police report?
Answer: You may submit your request directly to the Fort Bragg law enforcement center using the Police Report request form if you are requesting a copy of a traffic accident report or police report involving you.  This is the quickest method to receive a report.  Individuals requesting police report must acknowledge they understand that reports released through Fort Bragg will be redacted in accordance with the Privacy Act and FOIA.  Requests for an unredacted police reports will be forwarded to the appropriate FOIA office and can be filed directly following the instructions on this website.

Question: How long will it take to process my FOIA request?
Answer: Generally, simple requests, such as traffic accident reports, are processed within twenty working days of when the FOIA office receives the request.  More complex requests, such as requesting multiple records in one request or records pertaining to different commands or organizations may take longer to process. Request for audio or video records are complex requests requiring extended processing times and incur additional fees. 

Question: What type of FOIA requests are processed by this office?
Answer: Generally, the U.S. Army Garrison - Fort Bragg FOIA office processes requests for USAG - Fort Bragg records, Fort Bragg law enforcement reports, and the records request of the XVIII Airborne Corps and 82nd Airborne Division subordinate units based at Fort Bragg.  Requests are reviewed to determine the appropriate office to process the request and are referred to other FOIA offices when appropriate. 

This office does not process requests for military personnel records, the law enforcement reports from other military installations, Criminal Investigation Division (CID) records, Inspector General records (IG), and U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) records. Requesters should contact these agencies directly to submit their request. 

Question: How do I file a FOIA request if I don't know which Army FOIA office should receive it?
Answer: You may submit a FOIA request through FOIA.gov link in the Helpful Links section if you are not requesting Fort Bragg records and do not know where to submit your request.