FOIL Requests

As of July 6, 2020, the Freedom of Information Law Unit is now accepting in-person requests for records on an appointment basis only. Please call (646) 610-5296 to schedule an appointment.

Requests for records pursuant to the N.Y. Public Officers law sections 87 and 89, referred to as the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), must be in writing and must contain a description of the records that is sufficiently detailed to enable a search to be conducted. The description of records should include any known information, such as: type of report, identifying number of report, date of report, precinct of report, location of occurrence described in the report, etc. If arrest records are sought, please include the complete arrest number or name, date of birth, NYSID of the person arrested, and the date and precinct of arrest. If records are disclosed, the requester will be responsible for statutory copying fees.

Numerous NYPD data sets and records can already be accessed online in the department's Statistics section. It is recommended that before making a FOIL application requestors check if access to the records you seek has already been provided to the public.

A list of forms currently maintained by the NYPD can be obtained here.

If requested, we will provide electronic copies of non-exempt responsive records by email. However, electronic documents that exceed the email server's maximum size capacity will need to be copied onto an electronic medium (such as a compact disc) and will be forwarded by mail.

General information regarding FOIL can be obtained from the NYS Committee on Open Government and relevant sections of the Public Officers Law are provided at https://www.dos.ny.gov/coog/foil2.html.

Submit a FOIL Request Application Online

All Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests to the New York City Police Department should be submitted via NYC OpenRecords (nyc.gov/openrecords). Select "New York City Police Department (NYPD)" from the agency drop down menu.

New York City Police Department's Records Access Officer
Lieutenant Cynthia Acerra
Legal Bureau – FOIL Unit
One Police Plaza, Room 110-A
New York, NY 10038
(646) 610-5296

The FOIL Unit is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The office is closed on all public holidays.

Upon a denial of a FOIL request, administrative appeals can be made to the FOIL Appeals Officer by emailing a written appeal to FOILAPPEALS@nypd.org or mailing a written appeal to:

New York City Police Department's Records Access Appeals Officer
Katherine T. Obanhein, Esq.
Legal Bureau-FOIL Unit
One Police Plaza, Room 110-A
New York, NY 10038
(646)610-5296

Questions about specific requests should also be made through NYC OpenRecords by using the "Contact the Agency" link available on every request page.