MuckRock has partnered with the USA TODAY Network New York, the Brechner Center for Freedom of Information and Syracuse University journalism students to file more than 600 records requests with more than 400 police agencies in hopes of creating a searchable, first-of-its-kind database with disciplinary records from across the state.

It’s that time again — we’re now accepting nominations for the Foilies, the annual “anti-awards” program for government agencies that make access to information harder than it needs to be, often in equal parts maddeningly and inadvertently hilarious ways.

Though there are still many open questions about the effect of 50-a’s repeal on problematic police officer transparency, it’s a development that highlights the value access can have for the integrity of the criminal justice system.