U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Office of Legal Policy
April 7, 1989
The Speaker
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515Dear Mr. Speaker:
Enclosed is a copy of the Department of Justice's 1988 annual report on Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) activities. This report covers the FOIA activities of all Department of Justice organizations. Because in 1988 the Department, as a matter of administrative discretion, processed all requests received under the Privacy Act of 1974 (requests by individuals for access to records relating to themselves) under the FOIA as well as the Privacy Act, the enclosed report covers all access requests regardless of the Act cited by the requester.
A comparison of the report with our 1987 report shows that in 1988 the Department received 10,651 more FOIA requests and 8,276 more Privacy Act requests than during the previous year, an annual increase of 18,927 total requests (29%). Reported costs increased by 10% in 1988.
Calendar year 1988 costs are reported at page 20 of the report. This cost table primarily reflects those costs incurred in "processing" access requests. Nonetheless, to the extent that such cost figures are available or can be estimated, certain ancillary costs have been footnoted. Not included at all, however, are significant costs incurred in litigating FOIA issues for the United States Government.
While administration of the FOIA continues to consume considerable agency resources, the Department remains committed to the full and faithful implementation of the Act.
Sincerely,
Stephen J. Markman
Assistant Attorney General
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