22 CFR § 215.5 - Access to requested information by individuals.

(a) Upon receipt of a request by an individual made in accordance with the provisions of § 215.3, such individual shall be granted access to any record pertaining to him or her which is contained in a system of records maintained by the Agency subject to exemptions discussed in §§ 215.13 and 215.14.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section, access will not be allowed an individual to information or records compiled by the Agency in reasonable anticipation of a civil or criminal action or proceeding.

(c) Whenever possible, access to requested records will be granted;

(1) Where the request is presented in person and the record is readily available, promptly upon receipt of the request for access, determination that access to the record may be granted, verification of the identity of the individual seeking access, and, where applicable, receipt of consent to discuss the record with a person accompanying the individual;

(2) Where the request is made by mail, the record will, whenever possible, be provided within ten (10) working days of receipt of the request.

(d) Where access to a record cannot reasonably be granted as provided in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this section, the Agency will acknowledge in writing receipt of the request for access and indicate a reasonable time within which access to the record can be granted.

(e) Where no reasonable means exist for an individual to have access to his or her record in person, a copy of the record must be provided through the mail.