Freedom of Information Law

A denial of access to records under New York’s FOIL can be challenged in court — and the individual seeking records may be awarded attorney’s fees from the government if they prevail.

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In a victory for journalist Leonard Levitt, the NYPD settled its case with him and has agreed to turn over all the documents Levitt requested in his 2007 Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request. Levitt made the request to learn who has received press passes from the NYPD. Moreover, as part of the settlement the NYPD agreed to reimburse Levitt’s attorneys $6,655.00 for bringing the court case.

Len Levitt has covered the NYPD for decades – for 10 years at Newsday, where he wrote a column called “One Police Plaza Confidential” that often highlighted police corruption, brutality or inefficiency. He has written half a dozen books, most recently an in-depth analysis of the Martha Moxley murder.  He currently reports and writes about the police for his web site, www.NYPDConfidential.com.

It’s clear he’s a well-qualified journalist. But the NYPD doesn’t seem to think so. He was denied a renewal of his press pass in 2007.

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