How do you get copies of old police files?

Question

I'm a historian looking for federal and local files on a case from the 1970s. I'm hoping that this information is available through the Freedom of Information Act but I can't find anything on the web page about how to access specific files. The only search engine they seemed to have, the "reading room" returned no useful results for me.The info I'm looking for concerns the Symbionese Liberation Army, a group I've already researched like mad, but rather than assume the truth of the media's reported "facts" on the group I really need to see the original documents. Also, I know the FOIA has counselors to help you with this sort of thing but I've called every day for several weeks now and they are always "just away from their desk" and can't return my call because its international. help???

Answer 1

go to the police department and ask for copies they charge you but its what you want  

Answer 2

The group you are interested obtaining information about was investigated in the 1970s by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation.  You will need to direct your Freedom of Information Act inquiry to that agency.  See additional information at: http://foia.fbi.gov/foia_instruc.htm

Answer 3

You're going to have to make requests of several local agencies to get everything. Since you've already researched this bizarre bunch, you know the cities where they committed crimes and where some died. Each agency takes its own requests for documents. You'll be dealing largely with California agencies and will be operating under California open records law. This may help:

http://www.rcfp.org/ogg/index.php?op=bro...

Don't be dismayed if you find records not covered by the state law. That doesn't mean the agency won't release them. A disadvantage is that it's been a long time, and agencies aren't required to retain records. Nothing was computerized at the time, or even if rather primitive electronic records existed, they're likely not readable by any current equipment. To the good, the agencies may be used to getting request about SLA cases and might even have them packaged and ready to copy.

Court records, like indictments, can be had from the clerks of the courts. Transcripts of trials are another thing. Those are very expensive and are obtained from the court reporters. But, again, there may not be any digital versions made since then, and they may be hard to retrieve. It's probably easier to rely on good sources that used them not long after the events.

I feel for you. An awful lot was written, and most of it is filtered by the point of view of the authors.  

Answer 4

Usually you ask for information based on a case number or last name .  The charge per report is $10 in my area.

Answer 5

i think court records would be a good place to start