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nstory / collection_boxes

Documenting the current state of USPS Collection Boxes
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Reliability of Scraped Postal Data vs FOIA #2

Open rbracco opened 4 years ago

rbracco commented 4 years ago

This issue is to discuss the potential problem of the postal box locations not being updated. An alternative could be a FOIA request made weekly for current locations to guarantee the accuracy of the information. I am happy to submit some of those FOIA requests, and we could also do it publicly via MuckRock. Please let me know your thoughts.

nstory commented 4 years ago

When I made the FOIA request in 2019, I did the following:

  1. filed the request on the USPS Online FOIA Portal on 8/27/2019
  2. the request was fulfilled 9/27/2019
  3. I received a CD-R in the mail (this is the USPS after all) maybe a week after that

I think this is a really good idea. We don't really know from where the data for the FOIA request was pulled, so it's possible it's from a system that's more accurate than the online post office locator tool. I have a bunch of requests I purchased on MuckRock (which is, like, the most awesome site ever), so I can definitely file a new one through that.

nstory commented 4 years ago

Request on MuckRock: https://www.muckrock.com/foi/united-states-of-america-10/usps-collection-boxes-101038/

rbracco commented 4 years ago

Awesome, thanks for submitting that. The turnaround time of 5 weeks is a bit concerning. I wonder if we should, in future requests, ask for electronic copies instead to save a week?

Also, in addition to the current inventory, we should request more detailed/direct info such as a list of dates/locations of mailbox additions or removals. I'm happy to do this via MuckRock as well to share the burden. Let me know what you prefer. Something like...

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following records:

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

nstory commented 4 years ago

Getting a list of additions/removals is a good idea. Feel free to submit the FOIA requests!

rbracco commented 4 years ago

Submitted a request here: https://www.muckrock.com/foi/united-states-of-america-10/addition-andor-removal-of-usps-collection-boxes-101381/

nstory commented 4 years ago

Awesome 👍