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GGD-78-108 1 (1978-11-15)

handle is hein.gao/gaobaaygl0001 and id is 1 raw text is: DOCUMENT RESUME 07723 - rC324ej) (Restricted) /~~l~ /.2q k- Impact of the Freedcm of Information and Privacy Acts on Law Bnforcement Agencies. GGD-78-10; B-179296. November 15, 1978. 2 pp. + 6 appendices (35 pp. ). Report to Sen. James 0. Eastland, Chairmau, Senate Committee an the Judiciary; by Elmer B. Staats, Ccmptroller General. Issue Area: Law Enforcement and Crime Prevention (500); federal Records Management (1400). Contact: General Government Div. Budget Function: Law Enforcement and Justice (750); General Government: General Property and Pecords Management (804). Organization Concerned: Department of Justice; Department of the Treasury; Civil Service Commissicn; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Congressional Relevance: Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Sen. James 0. Eastland. Authority: Freedom of Information Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. 552). Privacy Act of 1974 '5 U.S.C. 522a). Tax Reform Act of 1976. In the past 5 years, the Congress has enacted leg slation to control and provide public access to the vast amournt of information collected, maintained, and disseminated by the Federal Government. The Congress intended this legislation to provide openness in Government activities and to prctect individual privacy. Findings/Conclusicns: Federal and local law enforcement officials say that the freedom of Informaticn Act (FOIA), Privacy Act, and similar laws are eroding their investigative capabilities, especially in the area cf intelligence gathering. They believe that the acts are a financial and administrative burden; inhibit their ability to collect information from the general public, informants, and institutions; and diminish the quality and quantity of information exchanged with other law enforcement agencies. Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Secret Service officials indicate that the legislaticn is forcing them into a reactive rather than . preventive role and say that the total effect of these laws will not be realized until some time in the future. Officialr at other agencies are concerned about the erosion of their investigative capabilities because of the amouat of resources needed to comply with FOIA and Privacy Act requirements and the type of requesters benefiting from the acts' provisions. (RHS)

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