A CITIZEN'S GUIDE ON USING THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT AND THE PRIVACY ACT OF 1974 TO REQUEST GOVERNMENT RECORDS

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Appendix 1.--Sample Request and Appeal Letters

D. Privacy Act Denial of Access Appeal

Agency Head or Appeal Officer
Name of Agency
Address of Agency
City, State, Zip Code

Re: Appeal of Denial of Privacy Act and Freedom of Information Act Access Request

Dear :

This is an appeal under the Privacy Act and the Freedom of Information Act of the denial of my request for access to records.

On (date), I requested access to records under the Privacy Act of 1974. My request was assigned the following identification number: ________.

On (date), I received a response to my request in a letter signed by (name of official). I appeal the denial of my request.

[Optional] The records that were withheld should be disclosed to me because . . . .

[Optional] Please consider that this appeal is also made under the Freedom of Information Act. Please provide any additional information that may be available under the FOIA.

[Optional] I also include a telephone number at which I can be contacted during the hours of ________, if necessary, to discuss any aspect of my appeal.

Thank you for your consideration of this appeal.