ABSTRACT: The FOIA Appeals and Initial Requests System is comprised of administrative appeals from denials of FOIA/PA requests throughout the Department and initial requests for the records of the leadership offices of the Department. Each appeal file typically contains a letter from the appellant, an analysis of the withheld material, and a determination letter adjudicating the appeal. Each initial request file typically contains a request letter, a search request form, responsive documents, and a determination letter. The FOIA Appeals and Initial Requests System is a manual system that also has an electronic inventory feature.

PURPOSE: This system permits OIP to track and adjudicate FOIA appeals and initial requests.

ACCESS CONSTRAINTS: All records in this system are protected from unauthorized access through appropriate administrative, physical, and technical safeguards. These safeguards include restricting access to those with a need-to-know to perform their official duties, as well as using locks and alarm devices to provide physical security.

USE CONSTRAINTS: Limited to OIP.

AGENCY PROGRAM: These records support the Justice Department's FOIA administrative appeal activities and its FOIA initial request activities for the Department's leadership offices.

SOURCES OF DATA: The information in the system comes from FOIA/PA appellants and requesters and components of the Justice Department.