It was during the Podesta email threads. I know, I was one of the anons bringing awareness to FOIA. But the requests you're asking to make are going to get denied on the spot because they're extremely vague and cover topics which the FBI wouldn't even begin to consider.
MANDATORY GUIDE, READ THIS IF YOU WANT TO UNDERSTAND THE INTRICACIES OF FOIA
nsarchive.gwu.edu/nsa/foia/foia_guide.html
TEMPLATE FBI LETTER THAT KICK ASS AND (usually) GETS RESULTS
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:
[DESCRIBE YOUR RECORDS HERE. Describe as specifically as possible what the records you’re looking for are (titles, serial numbers, dates, authors). Anything that narrows down a request cuts down on search time and ensures you get something back.]
[If the individual is in the "Dead List"]
Proof of death is not required as this individual is listed as dead in the FBI's Dead List, which also confirms the existence of the file. Per FBI standards and regulations, an FBI file is acceptable proof of death. For your convenience, a copy of the list may be found at archive.org/details/FBIRIDsDeadList2015
[If the individual is NOT in the "Dead List"]
Proof of death is not required as his/her death was widely reported: [LINK OF OBITUARY FROM NEWS WEBSITE]
Please conduct a search of the Central Records System, including but not limited to the ELSUR Records System, the Microphone Surveillance (MISUR) Indices, the Physical Surveillance (FISUR) Indices, and the Technical Surveillance (TESUR) Indices, for both main-file records and cross-reference records at FBI Headquarters, all field offices, all resident agencies and all legal attaches for all relevant names, individuals, agencies and companies. If any potentially responsive records have been destroyed and/or transferred to NARA, then I request copies of the destruction or transfer slips as well as any other documentation relating to, mentioning or describing said transfer or destruction, to include but not be limited to confirmation that the Bureau has no other copies of said records. If previously released records are available, then I request a rolling release consisting of those records while additional records are located and processed for release.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME HERE]
TIPS AND TRICKS
-As of March 2017, FBI no longer accepts FOIA requests by email. Requests must be sent by U.S Mail, fax, or their incredibly shitty and limited online FOIA portal. There is a loophole around this however; FOIA requests to the Department of Justice can be sent by email to the Mail Referral Unit and state in your request that they be routed to the FBI: ([email protected]/* */) Voice: (202) 616-3847 Fax:(202) 616-6695
-The FBI is slow as balls. Their current response time for a "complex" request (currently, any request that generates over 50 pages of responsive documents (down from 2,500 pages); this number is subject to change at the FBI's whim at any time) is 137 days, with a request denial rate.
-Always appeal your request. Even if you think you got what you wanted, appeal. Appeal the integrity of the search, exemptions cited, or other factors which you believe negatively impacted the information you received. Your request will then be kicked up to the Justice Department Office of Information Policy who will investigate your request and either agree with the FBI and close your request, or request that they perform an additional search.
-Always do some research before filing a request. FOIA is not really a "freedom of information" act, but an "open records" act. In order for requests to be really effective, you need to have knowledge of how documents are stored. In this case of law enforcement/intelligence/military agencies, this is challenging for obvious reasons. The FBI maintains a deliberately obtuse and complex records system so they do not have to completely search their records and yet claim they performed an "adequate" search.
-If requesting documents on a living person, you will need to obtain a signed and notarized Privacy Act waiver and include it with your request.