Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Requests

Pursuant to 43 RCNY, Section 1-08

If you are requesting records that have been sealed, please submit a completed Designation of Agency for Access to Sealed Records Pursuant to NYCPL 160.50[1][d].

Procedures for Requesting or Inspecting Records

  • All FOIL requests must be made in writing and should include sufficient identifying information, such as the nature, content, and date of the record. It must reasonably describe the record in compliance with the New York State Freedom of Information Law. No particular form or format is required.
  • If you are requesting records that have been sealed, please submit a completed Designation of Agency for Access to Sealed Records Pursuant to NYCPL 160.50[1][d].
  • If you are requesting records on behalf of another person, please provide a notarized nonmedical release signed by that person authorizing you to receive the records on their behalf. Please be advised that the Department of Correction cannot accept a HIPAA or other medical records release form.
  • The Department of Correction does not maintain or possess inmate medical records. If you are seeking medical records, please contact:

    CHS Medical Records Unit
    NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation
    Correctional Health Services, Medical Records
    49-09 19th Avenue
    Astoria, NY 11105
    Telephone 646-614-0100
    Fax: 347-774-8153


  • Records to be disclosed under the New York State Freedom of Information Law can be made available for public inspection and copying upon appointment on weekdays, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
  • All requests for non-medical records or their inspection should be sent either by:

    Mail
    Records Access Officer
    New York City Department of Correction
    Legal Division
    75-20 Astoria Blvd
    East Elmhurst, New York 11370

    E-mail:
    Records.access@doc.nyc.gov

Procedure for Appeals

If you are denied access to a record in response to a FOIL request, you may appeal the denial in writing to Acting Deputy General Counsel Christopher Connard, Records Appeal Officer, at the address listed above within thirty (30) days of receiving the FOIL response.

Copying Fees
The fees for copying records are
a. 25 cents per page, or
b. actual costs of reproduction