A FOIA Inquiry into Police Conduct at SUNY New Paltz's Pro-Palestinian Protest
| Submitted | May 10, 2024 |
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Communications
From: Jordan Lassiter
State University Police at New Paltz
Public Safety Building
1 Hawk Drive
New Paltz, NY 12561
Subject: Seeking Transparency: A FOIA Inquiry into Police Conduct at SUNY New Paltz's Pro-Palestinian Protest
Dear Public Information Officer,
I am writing as a freelance journalist under the provisions of the New York Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law §§ 84-90), requesting access to records related to the actions taken by the State University Police at SUNY New Paltz during the protest on May 2, 2024. This protest was associated with global events and discussions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has had a profound impact on campus dynamics.
Requested Records:
Digital Documents:
Body Camera Footage: All recordings from body-worn cameras of officers involved throughout their deployment at the protest.
Legal support: ACLU v. Alvarez, 679 F.3d 583 (7th Cir. 2012) affirms the public’s right to record public officials, supporting the disclosure of body camera footage.
Radio Transmissions: Complete audio recordings and transcripts of radio communications involving officers during the protest.
Legal support: Scott v. United States, 436 U.S. 128 (1978) highlights the public interest in accessing law enforcement communications for transparency.
Text Communications: All SMS and instant messages sent to and from officers regarding the enforcement activities at the protest.
Legal support: Judicial Watch, Inc. v. U.S. Department of Commerce, 34 F. Supp. 2d 28 (D.D.C. 1998) supports the release of communications to ensure transparency in government operations.
Aerial Footage: Any video recordings from UAVs, such as drones or helicopters, used during the protest.
Legal support: Electronic Frontier Foundation v. Department of Transportation, 2015 (finding that aerial surveillance footage is subject to disclosure under FOIA to facilitate public analysis).
Physical Documents:Incident Reports and Briefings: Copies of all written reports, memos, and briefing documents concerning the policing of the protest.
Legal support: Department of Justice v. Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, 489 U.S. 749 (1989) supports the disclosure of law enforcement records.
Operational Plans: Documents detailing strategies and guidelines used for managing the protest.
Legal support: NLRB v. Robbins Tire & Rubber Co., 437 U.S. 214 (1978) underscores the public's right to understand strategic public authority operations.
Legal Precedents and Public Interest Justification:The information requested is of significant public interest, especially concerning university policing strategies at public protests and enforcement tactics used in sensitive geopolitical contexts. Disclosure of these records will promote public understanding and enhance community oversight.
Fees and Document Delivery:
Please inform me of any applicable fees for processing this request. I request a waiver of all fees as the disclosure serves the public interest significantly, enhancing understanding of public operations without commercial benefit. I prefer the documents be delivered electronically, via email or on a CD-ROM if digital transmission is not feasible.
Response Time and Contact:
I anticipate your compliance with the statutory timeframe for response as outlined in New York State law. Should you have any questions or need further information to facilitate this request, please contact me at the provided phone number or email address.
Thank you for your cooperation and attention to this request. I look forward to your prompt and detailed response, as stipulated by law.
Sincerely,
Jordan Lassiter
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following New York Freedom of Information Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on May 10, 2024. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following New York Freedom of Information Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on May 10, 2024. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following New York Freedom of Information Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on May 10, 2024. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Jordan Lassiter
Subject: Urgent Follow-Up: FOIL Request Regarding Police Conduct at SUNY New Paltz’s Pro-Palestinian Protest
Dear Public Information Officer,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to follow up on my Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request, originally submitted on May 10, 2024, concerning police conduct at SUNY New Paltz’s Pro-Palestinian protest on May 2, 2024. The details of my request are included below for your reference.
To date, I have not received any response or acknowledgment of my request, nor have I received the requested records. As stipulated by New York Public Officers Law §§ 84-90, a response is required within the statutory timeframe. Your continued non-compliance constitutes a violation of the FOIL.
Requested Records:
• Body Camera Footage: All recordings from body-worn cameras of officers involved throughout their deployment at the protest.
• Radio Transmissions: Complete audio recordings and transcripts of radio communications involving officers during the protest.
• Text Communications: All SMS and instant messages sent to and from officers regarding the enforcement activities at the protest.
• Aerial Footage: Any video recordings from UAVs, such as drones or helicopters, used during the protest.
• Incident Reports and Briefings: Copies of all written reports, memos, and briefing documents concerning the policing of the protest.
• Operational Plans: Documents detailing strategies and guidelines used for managing the protest.
Legal Justification:
• ACLU v. Alvarez, 679 F.3d 583 (7th Cir. 2012)
• Scott v. United States, 436 U.S. 128 (1978)
• Judicial Watch, Inc. v. U.S. Department of Commerce, 34 F. Supp. 2d 28 (D.D.C. 1998)
• Electronic Frontier Foundation v. Department of Transportation, 2015
• Department of Justice v. Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, 489 U.S. 749 (1989)
• NLRB v. Robbins Tire & Rubber Co., 437 U.S. 214 (1978)
Public Interest Justification:
The information requested is of significant public interest, especially concerning university policing strategies at public protests and enforcement tactics used in sensitive geopolitical contexts. Disclosure of these records will promote public understanding and enhance community oversight.
Response Time and Legal Compliance:
According to Section 89(3) of the Public Officers Law, agencies must respond to FOIL requests within five business days of receipt. Given that my request was submitted on May 10, 2024, the statutory response time has long passed. Your continued delay in responding to this request is a violation of the New York FOIL.
Warning Notice:
If I do not receive a response or the requested records within ten business days, I will proceed with an Article 78 proceeding in the New York State Supreme Court to compel compliance and seek judicial enforcement of FOIL. Such legal action may include a request for attorney’s fees and other associated costs as provided under FOIL.
Conclusion:
I urge you to process my request promptly and provide the requested records without further delay. Please inform me of any applicable fees and deliver the documents electronically via email or on a CD-ROM if digital transmission is not feasible.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Jordan Lassiter
Investigative Journalist
MuckRock News
DEPT MR164263
263 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02115
jordan.lassiter@example.com
555-123-4567
Previous FOIL Request Details:
From: Jordan Lassiter
Date: May 10, 2024
Subject: New York Freedom of Information Law Request: A FOIA Inquiry into Police Conduct at SUNY New Paltz’s Pro-Palestinian Protest
To: State University Police at New Paltz
Public Safety Building
1 Hawk Drive
New Paltz, NY 12561
Dear Public Information Officer,
I am writing as a freelance journalist under the provisions of the New York Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law §§ 84-90), requesting access to records related to the actions taken by the State University Police at SUNY New Paltz during the protest on May 2, 2024. This protest was associated with global events and discussions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has had a profound impact on campus dynamics.
Requested Records:
Digital Documents:
• Body Camera Footage: All recordings from body-worn cameras of officers involved throughout their deployment at the protest.
• Radio Transmissions: Complete audio recordings and transcripts of radio communications involving officers during the protest.
• Text Communications: All SMS and instant messages sent to and from officers regarding the enforcement activities at the protest.
• Aerial Footage: Any video recordings from UAVs, such as drones or helicopters, used during the protest.
Physical Documents:
• Incident Reports and Briefings: Copies of all written reports, memos, and briefing documents concerning the policing of the protest.
• Operational Plans: Documents detailing strategies and guidelines used for managing the protest.
Legal Precedents and Public Interest Justification:
The information requested is of significant public interest, especially concerning university policing strategies at public protests and enforcement tactics used in sensitive geopolitical contexts. Disclosure of these records will promote public understanding and enhance community oversight.
Fees and Document Delivery:
Please inform me of any applicable fees for processing this request. I request a waiver of all fees as the disclosure serves the public interest significantly, enhancing understanding of public operations without commercial benefit. I prefer the documents be delivered electronically, via email or on a CD-ROM if digital transmission is not feasible.
Response Time and Contact:
I anticipate your compliance with the statutory timeframe for response as outlined in New York State law. Should you have any questions or need further information to facilitate this request, please contact me at the provided phone number or email address.
Thank you for your cooperation and attention to this request. I look forward to your prompt and detailed response, as stipulated by law.
Sincerely,
Jordan Lassiter
From: Jordan Lassiter
Email
Subject: Urgent Follow-Up: FOIL Request Regarding Police Conduct at SUNY New Paltz’s Pro-Palestinian Protest
Dear Public Information Officer,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to follow up on my Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request, originally submitted on May 10, 2024, concerning police conduct at SUNY New Paltz’s Pro-Palestinian protest on May 2, 2024. The details of my request are included below for your reference.
To date, I have not received any response or acknowledgment of my request, nor have I received the requested records. As stipulated by New York Public Officers Law §§ 84-90, a response is required within the statutory timeframe. Your continued non-compliance constitutes a violation of the FOIL.
Requested Records:
• Body Camera Footage: All recordings from body-worn cameras of officers involved throughout their deployment at the protest.
• Radio Transmissions: Complete audio recordings and transcripts of radio communications involving officers during the protest.
• Text Communications: All SMS and instant messages sent to and from officers regarding the enforcement activities at the protest.
• Aerial Footage: Any video recordings from UAVs, such as drones or helicopters, used during the protest.
• Incident Reports and Briefings: Copies of all written reports, memos, and briefing documents concerning the policing of the protest.
• Operational Plans: Documents detailing strategies and guidelines used for managing the protest.
Legal Justification:
• ACLU v. Alvarez, 679 F.3d 583 (7th Cir. 2012)
• Scott v. United States, 436 U.S. 128 (1978)
• Judicial Watch, Inc. v. U.S. Department of Commerce, 34 F. Supp. 2d 28 (D.D.C. 1998)
• Electronic Frontier Foundation v. Department of Transportation, 2015
• Department of Justice v. Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, 489 U.S. 749 (1989)
• NLRB v. Robbins Tire & Rubber Co., 437 U.S. 214 (1978)
Public Interest Justification:
The information requested is of significant public interest, especially concerning university policing strategies at public protests and enforcement tactics used in sensitive geopolitical contexts. Disclosure of these records will promote public understanding and enhance community oversight.
Response Time and Legal Compliance:
According to Section 89(3) of the Public Officers Law, agencies must respond to FOIL requests within five business days of receipt. Given that my request was submitted on May 10, 2024, the statutory response time has long passed. Your continued delay in responding to this request is a violation of the New York FOIL.
Warning Notice:
If I do not receive a response or the requested records within ten business days, I will proceed with an Article 78 proceeding in the New York State Supreme Court to compel compliance and seek judicial enforcement of FOIL. Such legal action may include a request for attorney’s fees and other associated costs as provided under FOIL.
Conclusion:
I urge you to process my request promptly and provide the requested records without further delay. Please inform me of any applicable fees and deliver the documents electronically via email or on a CD-ROM if digital transmission is not feasible.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Jordan Lassiter
Investigative Journalist
MuckRock News
DEPT MR164263
263 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02115
jordan.lassiter@example.com
555-123-4567
Previous FOIL Request Details:
From: Jordan Lassiter
Date: May 10, 2024
Subject: New York Freedom of Information Law Request: A FOIA Inquiry into Police Conduct at SUNY New Paltz’s Pro-Palestinian Protest
To: State University Police at New Paltz
Public Safety Building
1 Hawk Drive
New Paltz, NY 12561
Dear Public Information Officer,
I am writing as a freelance journalist under the provisions of the New York Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law §§ 84-90), requesting access to records related to the actions taken by the State University Police at SUNY New Paltz during the protest on May 2, 2024. This protest was associated with global events and discussions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has had a profound impact on campus dynamics.
Requested Records:
Digital Documents:
• Body Camera Footage: All recordings from body-worn cameras of officers involved throughout their deployment at the protest.
• Radio Transmissions: Complete audio recordings and transcripts of radio communications involving officers during the protest.
• Text Communications: All SMS and instant messages sent to and from officers regarding the enforcement activities at the protest.
• Aerial Footage: Any video recordings from UAVs, such as drones or helicopters, used during the protest.
Physical Documents:
• Incident Reports and Briefings: Copies of all written reports, memos, and briefing documents concerning the policing of the protest.
• Operational Plans: Documents detailing strategies and guidelines used for managing the protest.
Legal Precedents and Public Interest Justification:
The information requested is of significant public interest, especially concerning university policing strategies at public protests and enforcement tactics used in sensitive geopolitical contexts. Disclosure of these records will promote public understanding and enhance community oversight.
Fees and Document Delivery:
Please inform me of any applicable fees for processing this request. I request a waiver of all fees as the disclosure serves the public interest significantly, enhancing understanding of public operations without commercial benefit. I prefer the documents be delivered electronically, via email or on a CD-ROM if digital transmission is not feasible.
Response Time and Contact:
I anticipate your compliance with the statutory timeframe for response as outlined in New York State law. Should you have any questions or need further information to facilitate this request, please contact me at the provided phone number or email address.
Thank you for your cooperation and attention to this request. I look forward to your prompt and detailed response, as stipulated by law.
Sincerely,
Jordan Lassiter
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following New York Freedom of Information Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on May 10, 2024. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following New York Freedom of Information Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on May 10, 2024. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following New York Freedom of Information Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on May 10, 2024. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following New York Freedom of Information Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on May 10, 2024. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following New York Freedom of Information Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on May 10, 2024. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following New York Freedom of Information Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on May 10, 2024. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following New York Freedom of Information Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on May 10, 2024. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following New York Freedom of Information Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on May 10, 2024. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following New York Freedom of Information Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on May 10, 2024. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following New York Freedom of Information Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on May 10, 2024. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following New York Freedom of Information Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on May 10, 2024. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following New York Freedom of Information Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on May 10, 2024. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following New York Freedom of Information Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on May 10, 2024. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following New York Freedom of Information Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on May 10, 2024. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following New York Freedom of Information Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on May 10, 2024. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following New York Freedom of Information Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on May 10, 2024. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following New York Freedom of Information Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on May 10, 2024. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following New York Freedom of Information Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on May 10, 2024. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.