Overview 

The Freedom of Information Law was created to give citizens the right to know the process of governmental decision-making, to review the documents and statistics leading to determinations that are basic to a free society. The City Clerk is the Records Access Officer.

Obtaining City Records

1. Complete the FOIL Application. Be as specific as you can pertaining to the requested information.
2. Submit the completed FOIL Application either via email, in person, by mail, or fax.
3. Your application will be acknowledged within five (5) business days of receipt.
4. The application will be distributed to the appropriate department(s) for research and response.
5. Our departments will have up to twenty (20) business days to research and provide the requested documents.
6. All applications requesting extensive information may take longer.

 Obtaining Police Records

1. Complete the FOIL Application. Be as specific as you can pertaining to the requested information.
2. Submit the application here.

FOIL Requests by Attorneys

Attorneys may submit a FOIL Request upon providing a written letter on the law firm letterhead stating the reason for the request. 

Submitting Appeals

In some instances, the FOIL Application can be denied, such as if the request is too broad and unreasonable in scope. Any denial can be appealed within ten (10) business days to the Corporation Counsel, listed on the FOIL Application.