Under FOIA and Privacy Act, when may names be released?

• A. Only after MISLE case is closed
• B. During an active SAR mission until MISLE case is closed
• C. If authorized by the District Commander
• D. Never during an active mission

Answer: (B)

In a SAR operation, sharing information to coordinate the mission is essential. Personal data like names can be released to those actively participating in the mission because they have a legitimate need to know in order to perform duties and ensure safety, while still protecting privacy through the minimum necessary disclosure. Therefore, names may be released during an active SAR mission until the MISLE case is closed, after which disclosures are more restricted. Waiting until the case is closed would impede coordination, and requiring district commander authorization for routine mission coordination adds an unnecessary step. It’s also not correct to say never during an active mission, since the operation relies on accurate, timely information among those involved.