Letters have been sent to local FBI office asking for updates

City of Helena officials have again asked for an update on local terrorism investigations.

And again, they don't really expect an answer.

Last December, the Helena City Commission passed a six-page resolution that criticized the controversial legislation, lauded the Helena Police Departments for their efforts protecting civil liberties, and asked city staff to provide periodic reports on local terrorism investigations.

In a letter sent Feb. 9 to the Helena FBI office, the commission asked for: the number of people detained for terrorism investigations; the number of warrantless searches; the "extent" of electronic surveillance; the number of times political or religious meetings have been monitored; and what educational, bookstore and library records have been requested.

Commissioner Paul Cartwright has led the renewed inquiry. He said it's timely to follow up in the wake of President George W. Bush's admission that he authorized telephone surveillance without a warrant.

"It would be good to get the facts on the ground: Here's what's going on, here's what's not going on," he said. What we're doing is witnessing, showing there is a concern from the grassroots, and I think it's had an effect on the debate."

Commissioner Sandy Oitzinger agreed.

"I don't think this is an unreasonable request," she said. "We just want to know the numbers."

City Manager Tim Burton said he sent a letter to Helena FBI Agent Scott Cruse last April, and received no response. Under the resolution, Burton is required to send the letter twice a year.

Cruse did not return phone calls seeking comment.

The lone commissioner to vote against the resolution said he thinks the Patriot Act has its flaws, but the commission should be lobbying Congress, not the local FBI office.

"We can request it, but we will receive no information from them," said Commissioner Cartwright.

The request won't change national policy, but has probably received attention from those higher up, said Mayor Jim Smith.

"It communicates some of the concern that some people in this community and others have about civil liberties in a time of war," he said.

Reporter Jason Mohr can be reached at 447-4075 or jason.mohr@helenair.com.