Israel/Gaza - protests/arrests (Los Angeles Police Department)
| Tracking # |
23-11480 |
| Multi Request | Israel/Gaza - protests/arrests |
| Submitted | Nov. 2, 2023 |
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Communications
From: Caroline Haskins
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the California Public Records Act, I hereby request the following records:
All documents created in preparation for, or in response to, any recent pro-Israel OR pro-Palestine/Gaza protests/demonstrations. This includes the following documents, created or modified from October 8, 2023 to the time that this request is processed:
- Any situational awareness reports or field analysis reports that mention "Israel" OR "Gaza" OR “Hamas" OR "Palestine OR "Palestinian"
- All bulletins, field reports, intelligence updates, and/or alerts that mention "Israel" OR "Gaza" OR “Hamas" OR "Palestine OR "Palestinian"
- Protest training manuals or documents specific to any pro-Israel OR pro-Palestine/Gaza protests/demonstrations
- Protest assignment documents specific to any pro-Israel OR pro-Palestine/Gaza protests/demonstrations
- Protest after action reports specific to any pro-Israel OR pro-Palestine/Gaza protests/demonstrations
- Protest preparation documents specific to any pro-Israel OR pro-Palestine/Gaza protests/demonstrations
- Emails from city council elected representatives to members of the department about protests pertaining to any pro-Israel OR pro-Palestine/Gaza protests/demonstrations
This FOI request is being filed in pursuit of a time-sensitive news story. Therefore, I ask that my request is expedited. When completing this request, please prioritize whichever records would take the least amount of time to be located and released. I would like these records in electronic format, sent via email or other digital method, and again, please release documents on a rolling basis, as they become available.
If you determine that any of the information qualifies for an exemption from disclosure, I ask you to note whether the exemption is discretionary, and if so whether it is necessary in this case to exercise your discretion to withhold the information. In any event, please provide a signed notification citing the legal authorities on which you rely if you determine that any of the information is exempt and will not be disclosed.
Also, I am a member of the news media as a reporter for Business Insider, and the requested documents are in the public interest and not being made for commercial purposes. Therefore, I ask that all fees are waived in the processing of my request. If fees associated with this request will be in excess of $25, kindly notify me in advance of fulfilling this request. As I am making this request as a journalist and this information is timely, I would appreciate your communicating with me if you have questions regarding this request.
Thanks again, and if there are any questions about my request, can provide any clarification that will help expedite the processing of my request, please contact me at email address. I am also happy to hop on the phone.
I look forward to your reply within 10 calendar days, as the statute requires, as the statute requires, and an even more prompt reply if you can make a determination without having to review the records in question.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Best,
Caroline
From: Los Angeles Police Department
City of Los Angeles
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From: Los Angeles Police Department
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From: Los Angeles Police Department
City of Los Angeles
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A message was sent to you regarding record request #23-11480:
Dear Requester,
Your California Public Records Act (CPRA) request was received and will be assigned to a CPRA Analyst.
If you have questions, please respond to this email.
Respectfully,
LAPD Public Records & Subpoena Response Section, CPRA Unit
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From: Los Angeles Police Department
City of Los Angeles
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A message was sent to you regarding record request #23-11480:
Dear Requester:
The Department has reviewed your California Public Records Act request.
Please be advised that, pursuant to California Government Code Section 7922.535, the Department has found that “unusual circumstances” exist with respect to the request due to the need to search for, collect, and review the requested records from other Department entities which are separate from the office processing the request. Therefore, our staff will require the statutory fourteen days extension of time in which to respond. A determination concerning your request will be made as soon as possible.
If you have any questions, please respond to this email.
Respectfully,
LAPD Public Records & Subpoena Response Section, CPRA Unit
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<em>Questions about your request?</em> Reply to this email or sign in to contact staff at City of Los Angeles.<br><em>Technical support:</em> See our <a href="https://www.nextrequest.civicplus.help/hc/en-us/categories/17720084172567-Requesters">help page</a>
From: Los Angeles Police Department
City of Los Angeles
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A message was sent to you regarding record request #23-11480:
Dear Requester,
The Los Angeles Police Department (“LAPD” or “Department”) has reviewed your request under the California Public Records Act (Cal. Govt. Code section 7920.000, et seq., hereinafter the “CPRA” or “Act”) seeking the following records:
“…All documents created in preparation for, or in response to, any recent pro-Israel OR pro-Palestine/Gaza protests/demonstrations. This includes the following documents, created or modified from October 8, 2023 to the time that this request is processed:
1. Any situational awareness reports or field analysis reports that mention "Israel" OR "Gaza" OR “Hamas" OR "Palestine OR "Palestinian"
2. All bulletins, field reports, intelligence updates, and/or alerts that mention "Israel" OR "Gaza" OR “Hamas" OR "Palestine OR "Palestinian"
3. Protest training manuals or documents specific to any pro-Israel OR pro-Palestine/Gaza protests/demonstrations
4. Protest assignment documents specific to any pro-Israel OR pro-Palestine/Gaza protests/demonstrations
5. Protest after action reports specific to any pro-Israel OR pro-Palestine/Gaza protests/demonstrations
6. Protest preparation documents specific to any pro-Israel OR pro-Palestine/Gaza protests/demonstrations
7. Emails from city council elected representatives to members of the department about protests pertaining to any pro-Israel OR pro-Palestine/Gaza protests/demonstrations…”
The Department is cognizant of its responsibilities under the Act. It recognizes the statutory scheme was enacted to maximize citizen access to the workings of government. The Act does not mandate disclosure of all documents within the government’s possession. Rather, by specific exemption and reference to other statutes, the Act recognizes that there are boundaries where the public’s right to access must be balanced against such weighty considerations as the right of privacy, a right of constitutional dimension under California Constitution, Article 1, Section 1. The law also exempts from disclosure records that are privileged or confidential or otherwise exempt under either express provisions of the Act or pursuant to applicable federal or state law, per California Government Code Sections 7927.200; 7927.700; 7923.600; 7927.705; and 7922.000.
The Department conducted a search and responds to your request as follows:
To the extent that the Department has any records responsive to your request for item 2, and 4-6, these records remain privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure pursuant to the California Government Code Sections 7927.705 and 7922.000. Section 7927.705 exempts records which are exempt from disclosure under federal or state law, including but not limited to the provisions of the Evidence Code relating to privilege. Evidence Code Section 1040 declares an official information privilege for information acquired in confidence by a public agency when the public interest in disclosing the information is outweighed by the public interest in keeping the information confidential.
Similarly, Section 7922.000 provides an exemption where the public interest in non-disclosure clearly outweighs any interest in disclosure. The Department has a strong interest in maintaining the confidentiality of records that contain and consist of deployment, operations and tactics. Disclosure of these records has the potential to endanger the operation of the Department and the safety of its officers and the public in the event of a similar law enforcement initiative in a future occurrence. Therefore, your request is denied.
As for Protest training manuals or documents specific to any pro-Israel OR pro-Palestine/Gaza protests/demonstrations, item 3, to the extent that the Department has any non-exempt records responsive to your request, these records are available on the Department’s Official Website- lapdonline.org. The links containing these records are:
https://www.lapdonline.org/community-inquiries-on-crowd-management-intervention-and-control/
https://www.lapdonline.org/ftsu-tactical-directives/
In regard to the item 7 on your request, please note that City Council members, city council elected representatives, email addresses do not have special designations and end in @lacity.org. If you wish to proceed with this item, please respond by December 8, 2023, and provide names/email addresses, so we may proceed. If we do not receive a response by the date indicated, we will consider this item closed.
At this time, the Department is conducting a search for records responsive to the item No. 1 on your request, and will provide you with a determination in January 2024.
If you have any questions, please respond to this email.
Respectfully,
LAPD Public Records and Subpoena Response Section, CPRA Unit
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<em>Questions about your request?</em> Reply to this email or sign in to contact staff at City of Los Angeles.<br><em>Technical support:</em> See our <a href="https://www.nextrequest.civicplus.help/hc/en-us/categories/17720084172567-Requesters">help page</a>
From: Caroline Haskins
Dear LAPD Public Records and Subpoena Response Section,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing in response to the FOIA response I received dated [Date] regarding request #23-11480. I appreciate the Department's efforts in conducting a search and providing a partial response. However, I would like to dispute the denial of certain records and address specific concerns outlined in the response.
Records Exempt from Disclosure (Item 2, 4-6):
The Department asserts that records responsive to items 2, 4-6 are privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under California Government Code Sections 7927.705 and 7922.000. While I acknowledge the necessity of safeguarding sensitive information, it is imperative to emphasize that there exists a substantial public interest in gaining insight into the Department's actions during protests. In light of this paramount public concern, I insist on a more comprehensive and explicit explanation, or alternatively, the provision of a detailed privilege log delineating precisely how the disclosure of these records would jeopardize public safety or compromise ongoing law enforcement operations. Transparency and accountability in matters of public interest are fundamental tenets of a democratic society, and a robust justification for withholding information is crucial to maintaining public trust.
Availability of Records (Item 3):
The Department provided links to certain records related to protest training manuals available on the official LAPD website. I appreciate the provided links. However, to ensure transparency and completeness, I kindly request clarification on whether these links encompass all relevant documents or if there are additional materials responsive to my request that are not available through the provided links.
Item 7 - City Council Members' Emails:
I understand the Department's request for specific names and email addresses ending in @lacity.org. Please use the following names (from https://lacity.gov/directory#elected-officials):
Mayor - Karen Bass
City Attorney - Hydee Feldstein Soto
City Controller - Kenneth Mejia
Councilmember District 1 - Eunisses Hernandez
Councilmember District 2 - Paul Krekorian
Councilmember District 3 - Bob Blumenfield
Councilmember District 4 - Nithya Raman
Councilmember District 5 - Katy Yaroslavsky
Councilmember District 6 - Imelda Padilla
Councilmember District 7 - Monica Rodriguez
Councilmember District 8 - Marqueece Harris-Dawson
Councilmember District 9 - Curren D. Price, Jr.
Councilmember District 10 - Heather Hutt
Councilmember District 11 - Traci Park
Councilmember District 12 - John Lee
Councilmember District 13 - Hugo Soto-Martínez
Councilmember District 14 - Kevin de León
Councilmember District 15 - Tim McOsker
Item 1 - Records Search Status:
The response mentions that a search for records responsive to item 1 is ongoing, and a determination will be provided in January 2024. I appreciate the update and request that the Department expedite the process to the extent possible.
I appreciate your attention to these matters and look forward to your prompt response. If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at 785-813-1084 or chaskins@insider.com
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Best
Caroline
From: Los Angeles Police Department
City of Los Angeles
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A document has been released to you for record request #23-11480:
* Emails_R.pdf
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<em>Questions about your request?</em> Reply to this email or sign in to contact staff at City of Los Angeles.<br><em>Technical support:</em> See our <a href="https://www.nextrequest.civicplus.help/hc/en-us/categories/17720084172567-Requesters">help page</a>
From: Los Angeles Police Department
City of Los Angeles
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A message was sent to you regarding record request #23-11480:
Dear Requester,
The Department received and has reviewed your message. The Department conducted a search for records under item 1 on your request and is providing you with the non-exempt records responsive to your request. Please note that Sections 7927.700 and 7922.000 exempt records the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy and/or would not serve the public interest. Therefore, responsive emails containing personal information (i.e., addresses, cell phone numbers, and discussion of personal matters) are being provided to you with redactions.
Additionally, pursuant to Government Code Section 7922.000, the Department asserts an exemption over emails that consist of or contain confidential information. The Department has a strong interest in maintaining the confidentiality of these records. Disclosure of this information to the public has the potential to endanger the operation of the Department and the safety of its personnel. Therefore, emails that contain or consist confidential information are provided with redactions.
In regard to item 2, and 4-6, Section 7927.705 protects records, the disclosure of which is exempted or prohibited pursuant to federal or state law, including provisions of the Evidence Code relating to privilege. Evidence Code Section 1040 protects “official information” acquired in confidence by a public employee in the course of their duties. Section 7922.000 provides an exemption where the public interest in non-disclosure clearly outweighs any interest in disclosure, such as records or information which would reveal particular areas of vulnerability for a public agency or enable criminals to evade an agency’s security procedures. To the extent that the Department has any records responsive to your request, these records contain and consist of specific tactical, deployment and operational details and information. Disclosure of these records has the potential to endanger the operation of the Department and the safety of its officers and the public in the event of a similar law enforcement initiative in a future occurrence. Therefore, the Department's position remains the same.
As for item 3, as previously provided, to the extent that the Department has any non-exempt records responsive to your request, pursuant to Senate Bill 978, these records are available on the Department’s Official Website- lapdonline.org, and the links were provided to you on November 30, 2023.
Thank you for providing the requested information for item 7. At this time, the Department is conducting a search for records responsive your request and will provide you with a determination in January 2024.
If you have any questions, please respond to this email.
Respectfully,
LAPD Public Records and Subpoena Response Section, CPRA Unit
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<em>Questions about your request?</em> Reply to this email or sign in to contact staff at City of Los Angeles.<br><em>Technical support:</em> See our <a href="https://www.nextrequest.civicplus.help/hc/en-us/categories/17720084172567-Requesters">help page</a>
From: Los Angeles Police Department
City of Los Angeles
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Record request #23-11480 has been closed. The closure reason supplied was:
Dear Requester,
The Los Angeles Police Department (“LAPD” or “Department”) has completed its review of your request under the California Public Records Act (Cal. Govt. Code section 7920.000, et seq., hereinafter the “CPRA” or “Act”) seeking the following category of records:
“…7. Emails from city council elected representatives to members of the department about protests pertaining to any pro-Israel OR pro-Palestine/Gaza protests/demonstrations…”
Mayor - Karen Bass
City Attorney - Hydee Feldstein Soto
City Controller - Kenneth Mejia
Councilmember District 1 - Eunisses Hernandez
Councilmember District 2 - Paul Krekorian
Councilmember District 3 - Bob Blumenfield
Councilmember District 4 - Nithya Raman
Councilmember District 5 - Katy Yaroslavsky
Councilmember District 6 - Imelda Padilla
Councilmember District 7 - Monica Rodriguez
Councilmember District 8 - Marqueece Harris-Dawson
Councilmember District 9 - Curren D. Price, Jr.
Councilmember District 10 - Heather Hutt
Councilmember District 11 - Traci Park
Councilmember District 12 - John Lee
Councilmember District 13 - Hugo Soto-Martínez
Councilmember District 14 - Kevin de León
Councilmember District 15 - Tim McOsker”
The Los Angeles Police Department’s Information Technology Division conducted an email query, and did not locate any records responsive to your request for item 7.
Please also note that the Department, on November 30, 2023, and December 29, 2023, provided you with its response to items 1-6 on your request.
If you have any questions, please respond to this email.
Respectfully,
LAPD Public Records and Subpoena Response Section, CPRA Unit
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<em>Questions about your request?</em> Reply to this email or sign in to contact staff at City of Los Angeles.<br><em>Technical support:</em> See our <a href="https://www.nextrequest.civicplus.help/hc/en-us/categories/17720084172567-Requesters">help page</a>
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