CFR > Title 32 - National Defense > SUBTITLE A—Department of Defense > CHAPTER I—OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE (parts 1 to 399) > SUBCHAPTER N—FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM (parts 285 to 299) > PART 298—DEFENSE INVESTIGATIVE SERVICE (DIS) FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM > 298.4—Procedures for release of DIS records.

298.4—Procedures for release of DIS records.

(a) (1) All requests will be submitted in writing to: Defense Investigative Service, Office of Information and Public Affairs (V0020), 1340 Braddock Place, Alexandria, Virginia 22314-1651.
(2) Requests directed to any agency activity (headquarters or field elements) will be forwarded to the Office of Information and Public Affairs.
(b) All requests shall contain the following information:
(1) As complete an identification as possible of the desired material including to the extent known, the title description, and date. 32 CFR part 286 does not authorize “fishing expeditions.” In the event a request is not reasonably described as defined in 32 CFR part 286, the requester will be notified by DIS of the defect.
(2) The request must contain the first name, middle name or initial, surname, date and place of birth, social security number, and, if applicable, military service number of the individual concerned, with respect to material concerning investigations of an individual.
(3) A statement as to whether the requester wishes to inspect the record or obtain a copy of it.
(4) A statement that all costs for search (in the case of “other” and “commercial” requesters), duplication (in case of all categories of requesters), and review (in the case of “commercial requesters”) will be borne by the requester even if no records, or no releasable records, are found, if appropriate. See 32 CFR part 286 for information on fees and fee waivers.
(5) The full address (including ZIP code) of the requester.
(c) A notarized request by an individual requesting investigative or other personnel records may be required to avoid the risk of invasion of privacy. Requesters will be notified and furnished appropriate forms if this requirement is deemed necessary. In lieu of a notarized statement, an unsworn declaration in accordance with 28 U.S.C. 1746 may be required.
(d) When a request is incomplete or fails to include all of the information required, the requester will be contacted for additional information prior to beginning release procedures.
(e) DIS shall normally respond to request within 10 working days after receipt by the Office of Information and Public Affairs, unless an extension is required and the requester is notified in writing. If a significant number of requests prevents responding in 10 working days, requests, will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure equitable treatment to all requesters.
(f) When the release of information has been approved, a statement of costs computed in accordance with the DoD Fee Schedule ( 32 CFR part 286 ), or a statement waiving the fee, will be included in the notification of approval. Records approved for release will generally be mailed immediately following the receipt of fees. Fees may be waived or reduced in accordance with 32 CFR part 286. Remittances must be in the form of a personal check, bank draft, or postal money order. Remittances are to be made payable to the Treasurer of the United States. Certified documents may be requested for an official government or legal function, and will be provided at a rate established by 32 CFR part 286 for each authentication.
(g) When requests are denied in whole or in part in accordance with 32 CFR part 286, the requester will be advised of the identity of the official making the denial, the reason for the denial, the right of appeal of the decision, and the identity of the person to whom an appeal may be addressed.
(h) Facilities for the review or reproduction of records following approval of the request or appeal are available at the Defense Investigative Service, Office of Information and Public Affairs, 1340 Braddock Place, Alexandria, Virginia 22314-1651. All other transactions will be conducted by mail.
(i) Appeal of denial of DIS records and information. (1) All appeals will be submitted in writing and reach the following appellate authority no later than 60 days after the date of the initial denial letter: Director, Defense Investigative Service (V0000), 1340 Braddock Place, Alexandria, Virginia 22314-1651.
(2) All appeals will contain at least the same identification of the records requested as the original request, and a copy of the letter denying the request, if available. Requesters will be given appeal rights when a search has been conducted and no records are located.
(3) All appeals will be reviewed by the Director, DIS, or the Special Assistant to the Director, DIS. Responses to appeals normally shall be made within 20 working days after receipt, unless an extension is required and the appellant is notified. When a request is approved on appeal, the procedures set forth in paragraph (f) of this section will be followed.