Do you over wonder what the FBI has locked away in some dark corner about you? Under the Freedom of Information Act you may request that they release this information to you. The Freedom of Information Act FOIA was passed in 1966, and basically established the public’s right to acquire information from federal government agencies. The interesting part is that anyone can submit an FOIA request, and that means U.S. citizens, foreign nationals, organizations, associations, and universities.
In 1974, after the Watergate scandal, the Act was amended in order to force more complete agency compliance. The Internet and technology have digitalized many forms of data and in 1996 the FOIA was amended to ensure greater access to this digital information.
Now for some history on this subject. In 1975 a certain U.S. representative Robert F. Drinan was touring the FBI and for some unknown reason opened a drawer. Inside that drawer were documents with his name on top. After a THREE MONTH battle over access to this file, he was finally allowed a redacted copy of his file. (to redact is to get something ready for publication, to edit, or revise).
Below is a link to a very interesting article about this subject and the late Robert Drinan, also a Jesuit priest. It illustrates just how far freedoms, that most of us take for granted, have come in this country.
Drinan: Lawmaker, priest, and target of FBI scrutiny
Boston Globe, United States
But by 1994, when the FBI was asked to do a background check on Drinan for a possible federal appointment, the tone was completely different. …
If you’re interested in your own FBI record, check out the Freedom Of Information section of the FBI website. Who knows, perhaps you’re on their radar. Most people probably don’t have a file, but if you do, then you’re doing something to catch big brothers attention.
Categories: General Background Check Tips
